Jorvik

Interactive bells-and-whistles exhibits aimed at 'bringing history to life' usually result in the opposite, but the much-trumpeted Jorvik, the most visited attraction in town besides the minster, manages to convey the essence of the Viking settlement with admirable success. It's a smells-and-all reconstruction of the settlement unearthed in this area during excavations in the late 1970s, brought to you courtesy of a 'time-car' monorail that transports you through 9th-century Jorvik.

It is a bit of fun (for kids at least) and the staff in the ubiquitous shop go to great lengths to answer questions with great enthusiasm. To cut the queue time considerably, book your tickets online.