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Yorkshire and The Humber Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Yorkshire and The Humber Outdoor activities

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.

Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

2. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Welcome aboard the best 60 minutes of historic escapism you can find in Skipton. Enjoy a lively canal trip that proves you don't have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time. Keep your camera ready to capture the picturesque countryside scenery.  Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of “Phoenix Nights” and “8 out of 10 Cats” fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary. Above the jokes and laughter, hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution through Yorkshire. Food and drink are available onboard too for a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

3. Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

York: River Ouse Early Evening Cruise

4. 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

5. 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. 

City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

6. City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Founded by the Romans, York soon became England's Second City and has witnessed wars, peace agreements, and prosperity throughout its 2,000 years of existence. King George VI reflected on the city's central role throughout the years when he said, "The history of York is the history of England". Visit the magnificent York Minster, with its priceless display of stained glass. Walk along medieval streets or on the 800-year-old Bar Walls. Visit award-winning museums, the York Botanical Gardens, or enjoy excellent restaurants and shopping facilities. You'll never be short of places to discover in this wonderful city. Your Tour Itinerary: Stop 1 - Exhibition Square Stop 2 - GillyGate Stop 3 - Monk Bar Stop 4 - Foss Bank Stop 5 - Peasholme Green Stop 6 - The Stonebow Stop 7 - Clifford's Tower Stop 8 - Margaret Street Stop 9 - Walmgate Bar Stop 10 - Barbican Centre Stop 11 - Fishergate Stop 12 - York Railway Station Stop 13 - Memorial Gardens Stop 14 - Museum Gardens

York: The Dark Chronicles of York Guided Walking Tour

7. York: The Dark Chronicles of York Guided Walking Tour

Unearth the grim stories and the untold truths of York's dark past on this walking tour. Join your guide to explore secrets long forgotten, and journey back almost 2000 years to the roots of Eboracum. See York Minster and Shambles Market from a new perspective. Learn what happened to the criminals of this city, what happened to the innocent, and what really happens in the shadows of York's mysterious alleyways and streets. Meet your guide outside The Hilt on Goodramgate and travel through the city, passing by iconic landmarks such as Shambles Market and York Minster. You will also discover lesser-known spots such as St. Andrewgate street.

North York Moors and Whitby Tour from York

8. North York Moors and Whitby Tour from York

See the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this fascinating and exciting full-day tour to one of Britain's most scenic areas. See the charming market town of Pickering before heading off the beaten track into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, where there will be plenty of chances throughout your day to capture memorable photos and time to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Visit the scenic moorland village of Goathland and see the station turned into ‘Hogsmeade’ for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone'. Discover the traditional seaside town of Whitby, enjoying a lunch of fish and chips and then taking a stroll along the harbor or visiting the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for the novel ‘Dracula’. Drive through more classic Yorkshire countryside as you make your way through Egton and Egton Bridge towards Glaisdale. This peaceful village is home to Beggers Bridge, a 17th-century bridge with a fascinating romantic story behind it.  Enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views on the moorlands before stopping to view a collection of historic furnaces and explore the quaint market town of Helmsley. Visit the bustling market square, dramatic castle ruins, charming tea rooms or inviting inns.

From York: Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip

9. From York: Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip

Start your tour from York city center. Stop at the traditional market town of Masham in Lower Wensleydale, which gained its market charter over 700 years ago in 1251. Here you can learn some of the Town’s history from your guide and see the remains of an Anglo-Saxon cross shaft, thought to be around 1300 years old, at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, explore the quaint shops or just enjoy a leisurely Yorkshire brew and some cake in one of the cafes on the square – the choice is yours! Head out across Masham Moor where the sheep roam freely amongst the Heather and vast open landscape on our way over the tops to Nidderdale. The fantastic views and scenery over Gouthwaite Reservoir and miles of drystone walls make it perfect for some great photo stops. Arrive in the picturesque town of Grassington, famous for its role as the fictional town of ‘Darrowby’ in the new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ television series, first aired in 2020. Here you will have 1.5 hours free time to explore the shops, Cafes and filming locations or even pop into the Devonshire Arms pub (The Drovers in All Creatures Great and Small) for a drink with the locals! We make our way to the beautiful Linton Falls. It is only a very short drive away so, if you prefer, you have the option to take the short walk from the Visitor Centre car park down the old stone path to the falls at Linton and meet your guide on the bridge over the river Wharfe. We follow the meandering route of the River Wharfe passing through the village of Burnsall and stopping at the historical ruin of Barden Tower, a 12th Century hunting lodge, once the seat of administration for Barden hunting forest and the residence of Henry Clifford, the Shepherd Lord. Arriving at Bolton Abbey home to the 12th Century ruins of Bolton Priory an Augustinian Monastery founded in 1154 and destroyed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the reign of King Henry VIII. Today it looks extremely picturesque situated on the edge of the river Wharfe and for those of you feeling brave enough you can attempt to cross the river on the famous stepping stones… just don’t fall in! We depart Bolton Abbey and make our way back to York and say our goodbyes.

From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

10. From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

Discover the wonders of Yorkshire Dales National Park on a guided tour from York. Travel by air-conditioned coach to highlights like Bolton Castle, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge, and more. Enjoy free time to explore local sights and foods in Hawes. Leave York to explore the memorable landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stop at the 14th-century Bolton Castle, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots, to enjoy sweeping views over Wensleydale. Next, enjoy free time in Hawes. Sample the cheeses at the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery, visit the Dales Countryside Museum, or explore the quaint shops and cafes (costs not included). Move on to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pass through the picturesque villages on the way to Kettlewell, the main filming location for the Calendar Girls movie. Explore the village, learn more about the true story behind the movie, or relax with the locals in one of the pubs and cafes. Before heading back to York, stop in the charming town of Pateley Bridge and see the oldest sweet shop in the world.

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What people are saying about Yorkshire and The Humber

Really enjoyed my night. While other tours in York focus on ghosts, this one focuses more on real history of people and events of the past. In my opinion, that is more chilling than supernatural stories. We were lucky to be in a small group, which, in my opinion added more personality to the night and had you more involved. Our guide was witty and humorous and great to be around. Overall would recommend him and the tour to a friend instantly.

Had a lovely one hour trip , enjoyed the scenic beauties . The boat operator explained the history and area . They were very friendly in guiding as well . Worth the trip !

Josh was a very good guide, enthusiastic and funny. even though there were only 2 of us we had a lovely time and learnt lots. thoroughly recommend Josh

Delivered as advertised. Driver very knowledgeable. Beautiful trip.

One of the best activities you should enjoy when visitingYork!