York

Tours

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.

Let the darker side of York's history send a chill down your spine as you discover the city’s dark and terrible secrets. Board the Necrobus and get ready to embark on a 75-minute theatrical sightseeing tour. Enjoy a comedy horror journey around York's seedier past as your creepy conductor shows you the sights from a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. The on-board actors and eerily decorated bus will ensure you have the spookiest ride in town. Learn about the sinister side of many of York's most famous landmarks including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin's grave. Let your imagination run wild as you hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls of one of England's spookiest cities.

Get sorted, play quizzes and games, and experience some fantastic costumed re-enactments on this guided walking tour in York. Learn about the Harry Potter universe and history of York. See sights like Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express platform. Set off on your journey around town, enjoying Harry Potter trivia quizzes from your guide along the way to earn points for your house. Stay engaged with an animated scoreboard, video clips of movie scenes, costume pieces, and reenactments. Have the chance to use your spell knowledge to outwit members of other houses. Marvel at locations, such as the fictional Diagon Alley, and the platform for the Hogwarts Express. Soak in the views from the city walls. Explore the fantastic Harry Potter shop and uncover some of York's hidden gems.

Journey through 2,000 years of York's eerie history with an entry ticket to the York Dungeon. Immerse yourself in the city's dark past with ten live shows and encounter unsettling historical characters as you stroll through specially-designed immersive sets. Start at the beginning as the dreaded Vikings invade and conquer York. Uncover the details of Guy Fawkes' infamous Gunpowder Plot and what really happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the Knavesmire, where one of history's most notorious Highwaymen returned. Embark on a journey brimming with terrifying characters and feel a chill as you walk through immersive 360-degree sets with thrilling special effects. Learn about real events and people that shaped the city in a unique and exciting way.

Your cruise takes you through the city and surrounding countryside of York, where you'll spot York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and York Guildhall. Our crew will sort you out with a complementary drink and your Strawberries & Cream on boarding! After that, with a full on-board bar selling a wide variety of drinks, including beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, you can keep well refreshed. The Evening Escape on The Ouse offers a tranquil evening cruise along the river, providing you with stunning views of York at dusk. The experience is accompanied by a calming acoustic soundtrack of timeless tunes from the 60s to today, with no live commentary, allowing you to fully immerse in the peaceful surroundings.

Join your characterful witch guide and hear the true historical tales of suspected Yorkshire witches across the ages. Delve into fascinating pieces of York's history along the way too; secrets of St Crux Church, York Minster, Petergate, Swinegate and so very much more await on this character led walking tour. Your friendly costumed guide will enchant you on this exciting escapade, seamlessly weaving history with vibrant storytelling. Did these Yorkshire witches deserve their fates? Cross York’s cobbles and uncover the truth about the likes of Mad Alice – was she driven to insanity? What about John Wrightson, was he really a "Wrong-son"? Mary Bateman; wise woman or murderer? And did Margaret Clitheroe really deserve her fate…? You make your own mind up on this magical educational journey to the past. Be transported through the twists and turns of York's gates (streets!) and snickelways. You will shuffle down Shambles, hop through King's Square, amble along “Bookbinders Alley” and saunter down Stonegate. The breathtakingly iconic York Minster cannot be missed, and your faithful guide will happily point out a pub where a very famous plotter lived. You’ll learn of hauntings, meet a certain little red devil and discover a building that was hidden away for decades… In an experience that brings together true stories, history, and a wisdom that we can learn from our terrible ways of the past, you are sure to be enthralled by this enchanting city and Yorkshire’s rich witchy chronicles. *Please note this is an outdoor walking tour so dress for the weather, my dears.

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. Bus Stops: 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 - York Barbican Stop 11 - Fishergate Stop 12 - Bishopthorpe Road Shops Stop 13 - Bishopthorpe Road Stop 14 - South Bank Stop 15 - Campleshon Road Stop 16 - Blossom Street Stop 17 - The Mount Stop 18 - Mount Vale Stop 19 - Railway Station Stop 20 - Memorial Gardens Stop 21 - Museum Gardens

Your cruise takes you through the city and surrounding countryside of York, where you'll spot York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and York Guildhall. Our experienced captain will share fascinating facts about York and the River Ouse, and bring the experience to life! Our cruises are always fun and relaxed, making them the perfect way to spend an evening with friends and family. For the kids, we have an activity sheet in case they need further entertainment! With a full on-board bar, we sell a wide variety of drinks, including beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks - it's happy hour so expect a discount at the bar! You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, toilet facilities, an open-topped upper deck - don't forget this is an outdoor activity - dress accordingly!

Join a dark comedy ghost walk in the heart of York, a city believed to be the most haunted in all of Europe. Together we'll walk the streets and learn about some terrible things, such as the tragic story of the plague house on College Street, a message from beyond the grave and the haunting of Bedern Slums. We will gather as a group on Grape Lane, outside Quacks Printers, and from here will set off on a tour of the city's darker side. There may be a little bit of interaction with your guide, but we will never have actors waiting in the shadows to jump out at you, so don't be afraid! Your tour will end either on the cobbles of York's famous Shambles or beneath the looming stones of Clifford's Tower and your guide will happily direct you back to your accommodation or transport links.

Make your way to York’s Chocolate Story, located in the historic heart of York. Meet your guide and enjoy an entertaining 1 hour and 15 minutes tour of this captivating attraction. Discover the secrets of making delicious chocolate as you explore the three floors of interactive exhibitions. On the guided tour, explore the history of chocolate, from the ancient discovery of the cocoa bean to the world-famous chocolate-making families of York. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the chocolate-making process to life, complete with delicious samples. Towards the end of your visit you’ll have the chance to make your own chocolate creations and watch a chocolatier at work, a delightful experience for both adults and children. After the tour, visit the cafe and gift shop, bursting with artisan chocolates and other delicious treats.