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
Anonymous –
Great and fun activity to do. Dropped a star because of the driver's seat completely soaked through which wasn't ideal on a day out with no spare clothes to change to. Wasn't even raining that day and all other seats were dry. This should have been checked by staff before letting people on the boat.
Anonymous –
it wasnt obvious where we had to pick up the boat and boats are a bit old but for the money isnt bad. Definitely must book before you go. Not sure they are cleaning them as well as they could and they were running behind in time. They map was helpful of where to go.
Claire –
This was recommended by a colleague at work and it did not disappoint. The whole trip was really enjoyable and the commentary from the captain was excellent and entertaining. It was our first trip to York as we were visiting the city with our daughter to essentially view the University and take in some leisure pursuits. This was just great!
Seana –
The standard of food exceeded my expectations, being tasty, hot and well cooked, not overcooked. Lovely chocolate roulade too! Service was friendly and attentive too. It was pleasant to lunch on the river and the tour should be booked (I believe) on that basis, rather than expecting a lot to see and hear. The trip (as you would expect in summer with the trees and growth on the riverbanks) did not have a lot to see, but the pilot did his best with the little he had. Excruciating jokes (just about forgivable) but not my taste in background music – light jazz, when I'd've preferred something less obtrusive and mellow. It was, however, good value and I would recommend it.