The York Viking Walk
For those in the mood for a bit of good old fashioned raiding and pillage, the York Viking Walk is an hour’s tour around the city showing in graphic detail how the Vikings invaded, lived, fought and were eventually defeated.
In the ninth and tenth centuries, York was the capital city of Viking England with a population higher than any other city in England.
There will also be gruesome stories galore about the terrible reign of Erik Bloodaxe, King of York, and of the formidable Viking Berserkers (or Norse Warriors) who howled like wild animals and fought in an uncontrollable trance-like rage, their name ultimately giving rise to the word “berserk.”
The tours are led by local children’s author and historian S.P. Grey, writer of the bestselling books The Last Vikings and Return of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer, who presents a dramatic and graphic picture of this bloodthirsty period of history that will stay with you for some time.
The York Viking Walk takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 6.00pm, kicking off from behind All Saints Church on Parliament Street across the road from the Marks & Spencer’s clock tower entrance. Look out for the boards identifying the setting off point.
With prices at £4 per adult, children and concessions at £2.50 and discounts available for groups, there’s no need for prior booking and the walk takes place in sunshine, rain, sleet or snow – in fact, whatever the weather.
York Visitor Information
De Grey Rooms
Exhibition Square
York YO1 7HB
Tel: 01904 550099
York Viking Walk
The York Viking Walk represents an opportunity to find out all about the ruthless battle tactics and weapons of this fierce race, and how they fought a cunning campaign in 867ad and overcame the ruling Saxon kings with a visit to the very spot on which the combat took place.
As the official website says: “[The Viking Walk is] not a tour for the fainthearted.”
“My aim is to bring Viking York back to life,” explains Simon Grey; “To allow my guests to walk in the Vikings’ footsteps – where they lived, worked and where they fought.”
There is also an added bonus: if you buy a ticket at the Tourist Information Shop in the De Grey Rooms, Exhibition Square, you can exchange the stub for £2 off any of the S.P.Grey books sold in the shop.
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