River Ouse boat cruise York: 45-minute sightseeing from the water

See York's bridges and stone frontage from the water in under an hour.

A 45-minute daytime boat cruise on the River Ouse in York glides past historic bridges, riverside gardens and the city's stone architecture, with live captain's commentary throughout. The boat is wheelchair accessible; dogs are welcome; toilet facilities are on board. Cruise times may shift by up to 15 minutes occasionally, and the operator recommends arriving early to secure a spot on one of the two accessible vessels in the fleet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Daytime sightseeing boat cruise in York

• Board sightseeing boat in York
• Glide past Tower Gardens and Blue Bridge
• Pass Rowntree Park and Millennium Bridge
• Cruise under Skeldergate, Ouse, and Lendal Bridges
• View Dame Judi Dench Walk and St Peters School
• See York Minster from the river
• Enjoy historic and modern city architecture

The experience

The cruise heads south first, passing Tower Gardens and the Blue Bridge at the mouth of the River Foss, then Rowntree Park and the Millennium Bridge. On the return north, you pass under Skeldergate Bridge, Ouse Bridge and Lendal Bridge, with views toward St Peters School and a glimpse of the Minster. The captain provides live commentary in English throughout, so the landmarks and their history unfold as you move past them.

The boat carries toilet facilities on board and has space for prams and strollers. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Dogs travel free. Two boats in the fleet are wheelchair accessible, though there may be a short wait if both are in use. An on-board bar sells drinks and snacks (£1 to £6). Public transport stops are nearby if you're not driving to the dock.

What’s included

• Live captain's commentary in English.
• on-board toilet facilities.
• access to the on-board bar (drinks and snacks sold separately).
• wheelchair accessibility on two boats in the fleet.
• space for prams and strollers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 15:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 120

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Cruises York

Is this one for you?The 45-minute pace suits a morning or afternoon slot without eating into time for the city's museums and streets. The boat is stationary for no more than loading and unloading, so you're moving the whole time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the River Ouse cruise in York?

The cruise lasts 45 minutes, covering the river south toward Rowntree Park and north under the city's main bridges toward the Minster.

What bridges and landmarks do you pass on this boat cruise?

You pass the Blue Bridge at the mouth of the River Foss, Rowntree Park, the Millennium Bridge, Skeldergate Bridge, Ouse Bridge, Lendal Bridge, and views toward St Peters School and York Minster.

Is the River Ouse boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Two boats in the fleet are wheelchair accessible. There may be a short wait until one is available. Toilet facilities are on board.

Can I bring my dog on the York River Ouse cruise?

Dogs are permitted on the cruise at no extra charge.

What's included on the boat, and what costs extra?

Live captain's commentary, toilet facilities and scenic river views are included. An on-board bar sells drinks and snacks separately, ranging from £1 to £6.