JORVIK Viking Centre

Reviews (2)
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Location:

19 Coppergate, York YO1 9WT, UK

Ratings:
  • Staff Helpfulness
  • Ease of Access

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Features:
  • Accessible parking spaces
  • Accessible toilets
  • Changing Places
  • Help points
  • Lifts
  • Personal assistance
  • Step-free access

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Reviews (2)

diaryofadisabledperson diaryofadisabledperson

The entrance to the Jorvic centre is propped open, & the receptionist is at a desk that is low enough for wheelchair users to comfortably discuss the attraction with them. Carers get in for free.
There is a sturdy platform lift next to the reception desk, which takes you down to the attraction waiting area. I was greeted by a very friendly & enthusiastic woman who explained that the technical team would come to get me on the wheelchair accessible car for the ride around the mock Viking village. Sadly the technical team failed to turn up on time, which given that we had pre-booked a slot as recommended, was not impressive. The member of staff didn’t apologise & wandered off, saying he’d be back when it came around again. When he returned, they decided that this was the appropriate time to tell us that the wheelchair car was loaded at a different door, meaning we had once again missed it. Again, no apology. We made our way to the appropriate area, where the unapologetic technical team explained that the delay was due to their only being one accessible car. I pointed out that actually, it had more to do with their lacklustre attitude, but that seemed to fall on deaf ears.
This was a shame as the accessible design itself was excellent. My powered wheelchair was put on a special, very spacious platform which was wheeled onto the appropriate carriage. I had my own set of headphones & my own screen which included an option for audio-description. It was a well-thought out system that unfortunately relied on people who didn’t seem to understand that wheelchair users being made to wait around is extremely ableist.
The gallery was spacious with smooth floors, exhibits at a visible height, & was spacious to move around in. Some of the ramps were a little steep in places.
There was a radar-key operated accessible toilet but I didn’t use it.
There was no car parking nearby, with the nearest bus stop being about 100 – 200 metres away.

matt85 matt85

This is one of the most popular attractions in York and after a visit I can see why, it tells the story of Viking life in York and is built on top of the original settlement. The shop and reception area are at street level, the counter has a lowered section for wheelchair users. The main attraction is in the basement of the building and is accessed via stairs or a lift. The first area is a video room giving information on the excavations of the Viking settlement, this room is very dimly lit. The disabled toilet is off this room and is opened with a Radar Key, it was of a decent size and clean. After you’ve watched the film you move on to the ride which takes you around a reconstruction of the Viking settlement in small pods. One of the pods is wheelchair accessible and will take most wheelchairs but large electric ones might have difficulty although I got on okay in my Storm 3. You them disembarked the pods and the rest of the attraction was artefacts that were found during the Archaeological excavation. This area is also dimly lit so please take care if you’re unsteady on your feet. The whole of this attraction is wheelchair accessible and I throughly enjoyed it. Only one wheelchair can be in the building at one time due to fire evacuation so you do need to book in advance. The best place to park is the Castle car park which has disabled spaces.

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