Well-preserved remains of some of the timber buildings of the Viking city of Jorvík were discovered, along with workshops, fences, animal pens, privies, pits and wells, together with durable materials and artefacts of the time, such as pottery, metalwork and bones.

Unusually, wood, leather, textiles, and plant and animal remains from the period around 900 AD, were also discovered to be preserved in oxygen-deprived wet clay.

The trust recreated the excavated part of Jorvik on the site, peopled with figures, sounds and smells, as well as pigsties, fish market and latrines, with a view to bringing the Viking city fully to life using innovative interpretative methods.

"[5] Visitors were taken back to 5:30 pm 25 October 960 AD in a time-capsule, and then embarked on a tour of a reconstructed Viking settlement featuring aromas and "life-like animated figures, made by laser technology from skeletons found on the site.

The centre was significantly affected by the flooding in Northern England in December 2015, with extensive water damage to the building and exhibits.

[3] Beyond the settlement tour is an extensive museum area, which combines an exhibition of some 800 finds from the site with interactive displays and the opportunity to learn about tenth-century life and to discuss it with "Viking" staff.

[14] Anthony Gaynor, one of the creators of the centre, responded in 1989 by stating: "We're making history accessible and enjoyable to the general public.