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Buckingham PalaceAttraction in London, England

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York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
2338 reviews
Activity provider:
City Cruises York
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York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
2338 reviews

Join a relaxing cruise on the River Ouse and see the sights of York from the water with live commentary! Book a slot, but join any cruise departing between 10:30 and 15:00 each day.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 45 minutes
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
R
Reuben – United Kingdom

Andy the skipper and his crew were excellent funny and informative

5
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kirsten – Germany

The cruise was well organised, from taking the tickets to boarding, guide was very informative.

Select participants and date

Participants

Highlights

  • Admire York’s historic sites from a different perspective with an anytime ticket
  • Enjoy the informative and entertaining live commentary
  • Sip your favorite drink, available at the fully stocked bar on board
  • Join any cruise between 10:30am and 3pm

Full description

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.

Includes

  • River cruise
  • Live commentary
  • Access to on-board facilities (bar, restroom)
  • Food and drinks

Meeting point

Join the boarding queue and present your ticket at City Cruises York King's Staith Landing (across from the Queen's Hotel and outside the King's Arms and Lowther public houses). Nearest car parks: • St. George's Field car park (YO10 4AB) • Castle car park (YO1 9SR) From the train station: Turn left out of the station and follow the road under the city walls. Walk straight ahead onto Rougier Street, and turn left at the T-junction onto Bridge Street. Walk across the Ouse Bridge. The landing is down the steps on the right-hand side of the bridge, near the King's Arms pub.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • Please note that the River Ouse in York can occasionally rise to levels that can have an impact on this cruise's daily operations after periods of heavy rainfall in the catchment area upstream
  • The local operators will always attempt to sail, so long as it is safe to do so. There can come a point where the smallest boat can no longer fit underneath the bridges
  • Depending on the height of the waters, they may not be able to sail at all. In this instance, you will either be eligible for a full refund or your ticket(s) will happily be accepted on another date during your stay if sailing is possible
  •  Otherwise, your ticket is valid on one York Sightseeing Cruise departing on the named date sailing between 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM

From $20 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5
4.3 out of 5 stars

based on 2338 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

+47
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5
5 out of 5 stars
R
Reuben – United KingdomJuly 18, 2025 – Verified booking
Andy the skipper and his crew were excellent funny and informative
5
5 out of 5 stars
K
Kirsten – GermanyJuly 13, 2025 – Verified booking
The cruise was well organised, from taking the tickets to boarding, guide was very informative.
5
5 out of 5 stars
R
Rob – United KingdomJuly 12, 2025 – Verified booking
very nice cruise for anyone, the site seeing was also good with great, factual commentary.

Product ID: 103859

Activity provider:
City Cruises York
  • United Kingdom
  • North Yorkshire
  • River Ouse

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