Things to do in

York

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.

Enjoy a leisurely one hour hire, exploring York from the helm of your own self-drive motorboat. Become a captain and explore the sites of York’s riverside in style. Your private boat can accommodate up to 8 people and will provide plenty of room for you all to head out on your own aquatic adventure, exploring the same river that brought the Vikings to this beautiful city. You will receive full instructions on how to operate your motor boat along with safety and river rules, whilst life jackets will be provided for any children. Your boat operating area is along a route that will along you to take in the whole city from the river within the one hour. Additionally, on a half hour hire you can operate within this area and will be able to take in most of the built up section of the Ouse, or make your way down stream to the Millennium Bridge and back to the moorings again. Please note that the boats cannot be taken past Clifton Bridge or the Millennium Bridge. You are not allowed to moor the boat up and disembark at any point on the river other than at the at King’s Staith (where your hire first began).

Journey through 2,000 Years of York's dark and grizzly history. Surprises await you in the dungeon: fear the Vikings as they invade and conquer York. Discover Guy Fawkes' famous Gunpowder Plot and what really happened that November night. Step inside the carriage to the Knavesmire, where one of history's most infamous Highwaymen returned. This 75-minute journey brings together horrible characters for an exciting walk through immersive sets and thrilling special effects for an experience that you will hear, feel and smell. The York Dungeon is a must-see, uniquely thrilling attraction that will take you back to the city's darkest history. 

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.

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.

Relax and enjoy a romantic end to your evening in York on this 70-minute Floodlit Evening Cruise. Your ticket includes a choice of refreshments; adults and concessions aged 18 and over can choose from a hot drink and a biscuit or a glass of Prosecco. Children and concessions aged under 18 can choose from a hot drink and a biscuit or a soft drink and a biscuit. Boarding commences at 20:45 and the boat departs at 21:15 from the King’s Staith Landing in central York. The boat returns to the departure location at 22:25. Sail a circular route on the River Ouse, as you enjoy a relaxing mix of jazz and swing background music. The on-board floodlights will illuminate landmarks along the water edge, as you take in the historic sights of York from a different perspective. 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.

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

During the two and a half hour cruise, as you wine and dine, you will be kept entertained by a live and informative sightseeing commentary, interspersed with background music. You will be served a glass of house wine as you step aboard, before being treated to three delectable courses, followed by a choice of tea or coffee and chocolates. You will take in great views of York's riverscape before heading beyond the city limits to view the spectacular 13th Century riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York, Bishopthorpe Palace. You will then continue further downstream towards the villages of Naburn and Acaster Malbis, before returning to the city center.

Join a delightful 1.5-hour cruise and enjoy a delicious 2 course, plated lunch served on board the Captain James Cook boat. Your dessert will also be accompanied by tea or coffee. This cruise sails from our King’s Staith Landing only. Boarding commences at 11:30 AM, with your lunch served from 12:00 PM. Your cruise will also include relaxing background music whilst you enjoy your lunch, followed by some informative commentary from a local, knowledgeable skipper as the boat turns at Bishopthorpe Palace, the stunning riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York and also as you head back upstream into the city. Menu: Individual Chicken and Ham Hock Wellington, Roast New Potatoes, White Wine and Thyme Sauce, served a selection of seasonal vegetables. or Vegetarian Option: Creamed Leek, Mixed Bean, Mushroom and Wensleydale Wellington, Wilted Spinach and Tomato Sauce, served a selection of seasonal vegetables. --- Chocolate and Strawberry Roulade --- Tea or Coffee

Enjoy this charming cruise aboard the Captain James Cook boat, with delicious food, sailing daily from April to September. Be delighted by this 1.5-hour cruise with a selection of dainty home-made sandwiches, delicious finger desserts and a fruit scone with preserve and cream. All served with freshly brewed tea and coffee. This cruise departs from King’s Staith Landing. Your cruise will also include an informative commentary from a local, knowledgeable skipper as you sail through the city and then downstream to Bishopthorpe Palace, the stunning riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York. Relaxing background music will play between the live commentary. The menu includes several rounds of sandwiches including coronation chicken, sliced ham with mustard mayo, egg mayonnaise and cress and cream cheese and cucumber. As well as homemade scones you will also be served a selection of cakes including carrot cakes and lemon drizzle cakes. Unlimited tea and coffee are also available.