Overview
Boat cruises on the River Ouse cut right through York, with operators like City Cruises York running 1-hour daytime tours and evening dinner cruises. From the water you'll get fresh perspectives on the city walls, Clifford's Tower, York Minster's spires, and Victorian-era bridges, while guides recount the city-river relationship from Roman times to today. Summer brings buzzing riverside pubs and cafes, and during July's York Festival, live music cruises run on the water. 1-hour cruise about GBP 12-16. Departures from King's Staith pier.
Opening Hours
10:00-18:00 (varies by operator, hourly departures)
Travel Tips
Sunset cruises set the prettiest mood. In summer, grab a pint at King's Arms riverside pub and soak in the atmosphere.
Hotels near River Ouse Cruise
Hotels and guesthouses in York, King's Staith, York
Other attractions in York
York Minster
Northern Europe's largest medieval Gothic cathedral, with awe-inspiring stained-glass windows.
The Shambles
A perfectly preserved 14th-century street, said to have inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.
York City Walls
England's most complete medieval city walls — walk atop them for a full circuit of the city.
Jorvik Viking Centre
An interactive museum recreating Viking York in the 10th century, built right on the actual excavation site.
National Railway Museum
The world's largest railway museum — from Japan's Shinkansen to the legendary British 'Mallard' steam locomotive.
Clifford's Tower
The last surviving tower of York Castle and the tragic site of the 1190 Jewish massacre.
York's Chocolate Story
The birthplace of Kit Kat and Smarties — discover York's chocolate-making heritage.