Viking (NYSE: VIK), a global leader in experiential travel, announces it is a member of the 1066 Circle* in support of the Bayeux Tapestry, which has just been delivered to the British Museum. Returning to the UK for the first time since it was created nearly 1,000 years ago, the tapestry will be on display at the British Museum, a longstanding cultural partner of Viking, from September 2026 to July 2027.
The 70-metre-long masterpiece is one of the most important surviving works from the medieval world depicting events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy. The embroidery in wool thread on linen cloth was created in the UK and dates back to the 11th century, depicting 58 scenes, 626 characters and 202 horses. As well as offering glimpses of everyday life in the medieval era, the Bayeux Tapestry provides important information about civil and military architecture, armour and seafaring in the Viking tradition.
Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, said: “As we all count down to the opening of the exhibition at the British Museum in September, we are very proud to announce that Viking is a member of the 1066 Circle in support of the Bayeux Tapestry. The British Museum is one of the UK’s most visited attractions, not to mention one of the most popular in the world, so we are very pleased to continue to build on our ongoing cultural partnership.”
“Many of our culturally curious guests have visited the Bayeux Tapestry on one of the optional excursions on our Paris & the Heart of Normandy river voyage, or have seen the reproductions on our ocean ships, but there is something special about seeing it closer to home, especially as it’s the first time it is back on UK soil since it was created here nearly 1,000 years ago. It is a once-in-a-millennium event, so we are delighted to be part of it and, as a supporter, to help give as many people as possible the chance to see the exhibition whilst it’s in London.”
Guests usually have the chance to see the Bayeux Tapestry on one of the optional excursions on Viking’s Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary along the Seine calling at La Roche-Guyon, Rouen and Les Andelys with visits to the Normandy Beaches. Viking features a reproduction of sections of the embroidery on all its ocean ships, complemented by tours offered by resident historians on select sailings – it is also a popular lecture topic on many of Viking’s ocean voyages around France and the UK.
The Bayeux Museum, where the tapestry has been displayed since 1983, is now closed for renovation. The Bayeux Tapestry will return to France next year in time for the Bayeux Museum’s reopening in October 2027.
Viking’s other cultural partners in the UK include the Royal Academy of Arts, Classic FM, Newbury Spring Festival, Wimbledon BookFest, the Scottish Game Fair, Battle Proms, Chalke History Festival and Highclere Castle.
For more information about the Bayeux Tapestry experience at the British Museum go to: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/bayeux-tapestry
Booking Details
To make a booking with Viking or for more information, call 0800 319 60 44 or go to www.viking.com.
Images supplied
