Walk with Vikings! Explore Bamburgh Castle, York’s Jorvik, and hidden UK sites tied to Norse raids, The Last Kingdom, and Vikings: Valhalla.
Embark ON A Journey of adventure and explore the history and paths taken by vikings in the UK
This well-researched article aims to engage and provide an informative journey to the fans of The Last Kingdom, Vikings, and Vikings: Valhalla, walking in the footsteps of Ragnar Lothbrok, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and Leif Erikson.
Why This Itinerary?
The Viking Age (793–1066 AD) transformed Britain’s culture, language, and landscape. From bloody raids to bustling trade hubs, the Norse left an indelible mark. This journey blends real-world history with filming locations and lore from your favorite series, offering a mix of epic landscapes, ancient ruins, and immersive museums. Ready for the journey?
1. Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland: The Real Bebbanburg
Bebbanburg is my home. I will die before I lose it.”
Uhtred Son of Uhtred, The Last Kingdom
History:
- Bamburgh served as the seat of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Northumbria, fiercely defended against Viking invasions. Though never conquered by the Norse, its strategic coastal position made it a coveted prize.
- Archaeologists found Viking artifacts nearby, suggesting trade or raids. The castle’s 11th-century armory displays axes and chainmail similar to those used by Ragnar’s warriors.
What to Do:
- Walk the medieval walls for views of the North Sea, and imagine Viking longships on the horizon.
- Visit the Armstrong Museum to see Anglo-Saxon relics and learn about the castle’s role in The Last Kingdom.
- Series Link: The castle doubles as Uhtred’s ancestral home, Bebbanburg. Key battle scenes were filmed here.
Pro Tip: Time your visit with the Bamburgh Viking Festival (August) for reenactments and forge workshops.
2. Lindisfarne Priory, Northumberland: Where It All Began
“The harrowing of the heathen destroyed God’s church…”
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
- History: In 793, Viking longships descended on Lindisfarne (Holy Island), sacking its monastery and igniting the Viking Age. The raid shocked Christian Europe and marked the start of Norse dominance.
- What to Do:
- Cross the tidal causeway (check tide times!) to explore the priory ruins.
- See the Lindisfarne Gospels replica and the Viking Domesday Stone, depicting the raid’s chaos.
- Series Link: The raid is dramatized in Vikings Season 1.
3. York (Jorvik): The Viking Capital of England
“To Jorvik, where the streets reek of fish and ambition.”
Uhtred, The Last Kingdom
- History: Captured in 866, York became Jorvik, the Danelaw’s thriving capital. Its streets still bear Old Norse names (e.g., Micklegate from mykla gata, “great street”).
- What to Do:
- Jorvik Viking Centre: Ride through a reconstructed Viking village with animatronic traders and smells of fish(!). Don’t miss the 1,000-year-old artifacts, including leather shoes and combs.
- Clifford’s Tower: Stand atop the motte where Norman and Viking forces clashed. The tower’s lean is a reminder of the 14th-century floods.
- Series Link: York’s streets inspired The Last Kingdom’s fictional towns.
4. Repton, Derbyshire: The Great Heathen Army’s Winter Camp
“We will take their land, their gold, and their God.”
Ivar the Boneless, Vikings
- History: In 873, the Vikings overwintered here, ousting King Burgred of Mercia. Archaeologists uncovered a mass grave of 249 warriors, along with axes and silver coins.
- What to Do:
- Visit Repton Abbey to see the Viking mausoleum.
- Explore nearby Ingleby, a village with Old Norse roots (“by” means settlement).
- Series Link: The Great Heathen Army’s camp scenes mirror Repton’s strategic importance.
5. The Ancient Technology Centre, Dorset: Live Like a Viking
A man who never sweats under a helmet will never earn a saga.”
Lagertha, Vikings
- History: Dorset’s coast saw early Viking raids (789 AD). Ridgeway Hill’s 54 beheaded skeletons reveal Anglo-Saxon resistance.
- What to Do:
- Stay overnight in a reconstructed Viking longhouse. Churn butter, forge tools, and feast on barley stew.
- Visit Ridgeway Hill to ponder the grisly fate of executed Vikings.
6. Isle of Man: The Viking Sea Kingdom
“Control the sea, and you control the world.”
Floki, Vikings
- History: Ruled by Norse kings until 1266, the Isle of Man boasts Viking-era stone crosses and the Tynwald assembly.
- What to Do:
- House of Manannan: Board the Odin’s Raven longship replica and explore Celtic-Viking fusion culture.
- Hike to Castle Rushen, a Norse stronghold later rebuilt by the Scots.
7. Shetland & Orkney: The Norse Frontier
“The north is ours, and the north remembers.”
Sigurd, Vikings: Valhalla
- History: These islands remained Norse until the 15th century. Jarlshof (Shetland) reveals 500 years of Viking settlement.
- What to Do:
- Jarlshof: Walk through a Viking longhouse and see iron tools unearthed from the 1930s excavations.
- Scar Boat Burial (Orkney): Visit the beach where a Viking boat grave held a warrior, woman, and child their treasures now in Kirkwall’s museum.
- Series Link: The rugged landscapes mirror Vikings: Valhalla’s Iceland filming locations.
8. Canterbury & London: Power, Plunder, and Politics
London is a prize worth bleeding for.”
King Alfred, The Last Kingdom
- History: Vikings besieged Canterbury in 1011, murdering Archbishop Ælfheah. London’s Thames became a Viking highway.
- What to Do:
- Canterbury Cathedral: Stand where Ælfheah was held hostage.
- British Museum, London: Marvel at the Lewis Chessmen (featured in The Seventh Son) and Viking weaponry.
8. Castles of Conquest: From Saxon Burhs to Norman Strongholds
- Dover Castle: Built by William the Conqueror to deter Viking raids. Its Roman lighthouse echoes earlier defenses.
- Scarborough Castle: Survived Viking and Norman sieges. The nearby Whitby Abbey inspired Dracula, but it also faced Norse raids.
Immerse Yourself: Viking Festivals & Tours
- Up Helly Aa (Shetland): Join Europe’s largest fire festival, where locals torch a Viking longship.
- Guided Tours: Companies like Rabbie’s offer Viking-themed road trips from Edinburgh or York.
Bonus:
Hidden Treasures: Beyond the Battlefields
1. Govan Stones, Glasgow
- History: These 31 Viking-era hogback stones (10th century) depict mythical beasts and warriors. Found in Govan Old Parish Church, they mark a lost Norse kingdom in Strathclyde.
- What to Do: Join a guided tour to decode carvings of dragons and battles. Free entry!
2. Ribblehead Viking Hoard, Yorkshire Dales
- History: Discovered in 2022, this buried silver stash (brooches, arm rings) suggests Viking traders used the Dales as a route between York and Dublin.
- What to Do: View replicas at the Dales Countryside Museum (Hawes). The originals are at the British Museum.
Final Thoughts: Why This Journey Matters
The Vikings weren’t just raiders, they were traders, settlers, and storytellers. Their legacy lives in English place names (e.g., Derby, Grimsby), DNA, and even days of the week (Thursday = Thor’s Day). By walking their paths, you’re not just reliving TV drama, you are uncovering the roots of modern Britain.
Skål! Share your own Viking adventures with #UKVikingTrail.
❤️Love this article? Wanna continue your journey of Vikings? You will like our next article: Vikings of the Midnight Sun: A Historical Journey Through Iceland’s Norse Legacy
Disclaimer:
- Verify opening hours and tour availability via official sites (e.g., English Heritage).
- Historical dates and events are cited from academic sources; consult local guides for nuanced interpretations.
- Filming Locations Note: While some sites (e.g., Bamburgh Castle) appeared in The Last Kingdom, others are historical stand-ins. Check official studio maps for exact filming spots.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Viking history involves themes of warfare and colonization. We encourage respectful engagement with local communities and heritage.
- Accessibility: Some ruins (e.g., Jarlshof) have uneven terrain. Contact sites in advance for accessibility options.
- Affiliate Links: This article may contain links to third-party tours or products. We earn no commission from recommendations.
