The walled city of York in England, founded by the Romans almost two thousand years ago, is filled with historical sites and attractions. The city is safe and popular amongst tourists who walk The Shambles and visit the York Minster cathedral. Consider visiting the Ye Olde Starre Inne, which has been serving ale since 1733.
While most visitors enjoy walking through the historic district within the city’s walls, you can take to the water to explore upstream. Choose from sightseeing boat rides, an evening meal on the water, or try your hand at skippering your own boat for the day.
We list a variety of different options suitable for romantics and families alike.
Highlights:
- Explore the city from the water
- Enjoy a picnic onboard
- Many attractions within one square mile
Know before you book:
- River can be too shallow to cruise
- Crowded during peak season
- Staying in the historical city can be pricey
Sit back and soak in the views of York during a cruise on the River Ouse. Learn about the city’s history, the river’s flooding, and how Romans and Vikings navigated the river. With a variety of boat trips offered in York, you can rest assured there is an activity suited to you.
Most cruises head upstream, visiting the city’s northern outskirts before heading downstream to the southern outskirts of the town. The notable sights include York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, Guildhall, and the Millennium Bridge.
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Prices of York River Cruises
The cost of a river sightseeing cruise starts at £12 ($16 USD) and can increase to £47 ($64 USD) depending on the vessel and the distance traveled. The duration of the tour and whether you receive a meal or drink can also affect the ticket price.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Times
Many of the tours are conducted by City Cruises York and are typically between 45 minutes and one hour long. You can book most sightseeing cruises on the day. However, specific tours such as lunch or dinner cruises may require booking in advance.
Monday – Sunday: 9am – 7pm
Best Time to Go
The best time to go on a York river cruise depends on the type of experience you would like to have. If you are hoping to capture photos of the city’s historic buildings, then an early morning sightseeing tour may be for you.
The best time to visit York is from June through late August, when the weather is warmer and drier. The average temperature during this period is 27°C.
6 York River Cruise Options
There are incredible options for activities along the Ouse River in York. You can wake up early to explore the historical sights on foot before sightseeing, enjoying a lunch on the water, or an early evening cruise.
Choose your style of cruise and set off to see the sights from the water. Here are the best options for your York River cruise.
Self-Drive Red York Boats
This tour lets you take control. If you have never skippered a boat before, this is a fun and easy first time to try. The red boats are suitable for up to 6 passengers and let you enjoy the riverscape at your own pace.
This tour requires you to navigate up the river and is best suited for adventurous individuals. But don’t worry, you will receive instructions on operating the boat to meet the river rules. Life jackets are included and are compulsory for children under the age of 11.
- Freedom to explore on your own time
- 1-hour river cruise
- Space for 6 passengers
- Snacks and drinks
- No smoking or alcohol
- Tour guide
Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise
Settle into a 45-minute cruise accompanied by commentary on the Ouse River. Discover details about the history and culture of York while enjoying unobstructed views of the landmarks. You can look forward to seeing Clifford’s Tower. This tour departs from King’s Staith and operates several times throughout the day.
- Local guide onboard
- 45 minute cruise
- Open deck above
- Snacks and drinks
- Translation of commentary
- No pets
70-minute Evening River Cruise York
This 70-minute cruise along York’s Ouse River gives you views of the buildings lit up by the boat’s floodlights and the illuminated city skyline. Celebrate the occasion while sipping on a complimentary glass of prosecco or non-alcoholic drink with your partner. Doing the river cruise in the evening leaves you a full day to explore the historic city and its sights on foot first.
- Complimentary drink
- 70-minute cruise
- Infant seats available
- No pets
- Commentary
- Snacks or meals
River Ouse Early Evening York Cruise
Relax for an hour-long cruise on the River Ouse while taking in the sights from a different perspective. This early evening activity takes place during the perfect time to take photos of the landmarks in a golden light. Thanks to a fully stocked bar on board, you can listen to the informative commentary while toasting to the occasion.
- Heated room downstairs
- Fully stocked bar
- Live commentary
- Snacks and meals
- No pets
- Commentary in other languages
York: River Ouse Cruise with Lunch
Settle in for a two-course meal while sailing down stream on the Captain James Cook boat. While on the largest boat on the River Ouse, you can enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and dessert followed by a tea or coffee.
The cruise sets off from King’s Staith Landing at 11:30 am and turns around at Bishopthorpe Palace.
- Main course and desert
- 1.5-hour cruise
- Tea or coffee
- Alcoholic drinks (can be bought on board)
- Wheelchair access
- Baby changing facilities
York: Evening Dinner Cruise
What could be more romantic than a delicious three-course meal while taking in the views of historic castles and palaces along the Ouse River? You’ll be delighted with this evening dinner cruise experience as you toast to the occasion with a glass of wine. The tour includes sightseeing commentary interspersed with music.
The cruise departs from Pontoon 2 in King’s Staith at 7:15 pm.
- Complimentary glass of wine
- 2.5 Hour cruise
- Three-course meal
- Wheelchair access
- No baby changing facilities
- Commentary in other languages
Melony –
My husband and I really enjoyed the early evening river cruise, it was nice to see a different perspective of the beautiful city of York. I am disabled and use a mobility scooter, the staff were really polite and helpful and helped my husband carry my scooter onboard and off again after the cruise, a big thank you to them! There was a guide telling us stories all about the different landmarks etc he made the cruise fun and lighthearted with some of his jokes.
Emma –
absolutely loved the lunch cruise. both the sights and the food were better than I could've ever expected. drinks were a reasonable price which I did not expect. think my fiancé enjoyed himself more than i did which he certainly wasn't expecting. would 100% recommend. in fact I have told my friend who is coming to York in a fortnight
Ann –
Very easy online booking process with clear directions on location of boat; can board from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm sail away slot, minimal queuing, easy checking in process which was very prompt. Seating available on the lower deck for passengers who may difficulty with stairs, majority of seating upstairs, large roomy dining areas with appropriate partitioning in place in accordance with Covid19 regulations. We went in July 2024 and a light jacket/cardigan was required. Friendly staff, great food, attention to detail, prompt service – our party of 3 loved it.
Neil –
Despite local high tide preventing programmed sailing the alternative arrangements worked well. Lunch was very good value and of good quality. The replacement boat was able to navigate beneath the numerous bridges and the skipper gave very informative and interesting commentary tinged with humorous anecdotes that kept the cruise lively and of a convivial atmosphere. The trip was good value for money. Recommended.