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York, England Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended York, England Cruises & boat tours

York: River Ouse City Cruise

1. York: River Ouse City Cruise

The York City Cruise provides an entertaining and informative tour of the historic city as seen from the River Ouse. Enjoy the sights from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. Your cruise departs from the King's Staith landing. Admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or the upper deck and treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar. The duration of the cruise is either 45 minutes or 1 hour and is determined by the weather on the day and by demand. Your ticket will be valid for whatever duration is offered on the day of your visit. Typically the 1-hour cruise follows a route that heads upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of York city and then downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge on the city’s southern outskirts, before returning back upstream to the original landing stage. The 45-minute cruise operates in the same area without going quite as far in either direction, passing through the center of the walled city. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, restrooms, and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.

York: River Ouse Early Evening Cruise

2. York: River Ouse Early Evening Cruise

This 1-hour Early Evening Cruise is an entertaining and informative tour of historic York from the River Ouse. Enjoy the city from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, rest rooms and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.

York: Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music

3. York: Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music

Make your a celebration perfect or have a special night out with this riverboat cruise. Warm up with a welcome fizz and hit the dance floor as the DJ cranks up the hottest music. Eat your fill with a delicious buffet dinner and get free access to Revolution York (subject to their availability).  Hop aboard a comfortable and spacious boat be welcomed by the crew. Pick up your welcome prosecco as you board. There'll be a reserved table where you can tuck into some mouth-watering party food crafted by the onboard chef. Purchase drinks from the fully-stocked bar. Let the on-board DJ keep you on the dance floor with hit after hit and don’t hesitate to request your favorite floor fillers during the cruise. Take in the city sites from the water as they light up for the night. Return to your meeting point at the end of the cruise. After the cruise, get free entry to Revolution York which is approximately a 5-Minute walk from the Lendal Bridge landing and boarding point. 

York: Fish and Chips Cruise

4. York: Fish and Chips Cruise

There isn't a better way to enjoy the great British tradition of Fish & Chips than to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful riverside of the majestic Minster city. Departing from the City Centre, you'll be handed your Fish & Chips freshly wrapped and delivered by the award-winning Mr Chippy with the option of washing it down with a wide range of refreshments available at our on-board bar. Throughout the cruise, you'll be entertained by music as well as live captain's commentary before returning back to York well-fed, watered and wanting to come back for more!

York: Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise

5. York: Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise

The Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise is an ideal way to escape the busy shopping streets and step into the Christmas spirit. Your ticket includes a choice of hot drink (tea, coffee or hot chocolate) and a mince or apple pie.The one-hour relaxing cruise features traditional Christmas songs, punctuated with live captain’s commentary. Leave from old port district at King’s Staith, pass underneath the Millennium Bridge before leaving the outskirts of the city and sail past the site of the Battle of Fulford, arguably one of the most significant in the history of the United Kingdom. Experience a fantastic chance to look out for wildlife including swans, cormorants and kingfishers, as you leave the city centre and sail downstream to the village of Bishopthorpe. The vessel turns at the glorious 13th century Bishopthorpe Palace, official residence of the Archbishop of York. Your vessel will be equipped with an enclosed heated saloon, at least two toilets and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about York, England

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What are the best day trips and excursions from York, England?

The best day trips and excursions from York, England are:

Whitby

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in York, England?

Other Sightseeing Options in York, England

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What people are saying about York, England

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 200 reviews

Something we had never experienced before! I took my mum for her birthday! We boarded the boat on the evening so the setting was lovely! We then enjoyed tasty fish and chips while being guided through York on the River Ouse! Such a great experience all staff involved were lovely and helpful! Would definitely recommend

The cruise was excellent and the staff were fantastic. The fish was excellent quality, though the chips weren’t great. Only real issue was we went in February 2023 so the bulk of the cruise was in the dark.

Excellent to have known the palace and its gardens. It is best to rent the car to see the whole garden and trianon. No

Very informative interesting trip. A lovely way to see the beautiful scenery.

Fantastic evening trip but be warned…..WRAP UP ITS COLD!!!