Golden Tour: York City Sightseeing Cruise

Enjoy the sights and sounds of York City from a different perspective in our York Sightseeing River Cruise tour. Explore the city's fascinating history with an expert local guide. Travel down the River Ouse to discover eye-popping historical views. Cruises depart from both the King's Staith landing and the Lendal Bridge landing. From either one, you can enjoy a scenic ride downriver towards York's historic city centre. Enjoy your privileged position on top of the boat with an enclosed saloon or upper deck to take in all laid out before you.

The York City Cruise offers a relaxing, entertaining and informative way to experience the historic city from the River Ouse. As you sail gently along the water, you’ll enjoy York’s landmarks from a refreshing new perspective, guided by a friendly and knowledgeable crew who share stories, history and local insights throughout the journey.

Cruises depart from both King’s Staith and Lendal Bridge landings, giving you convenient boarding options in the heart of the city. Once onboard, you can choose to unwind in the comfort of the enclosed, heated saloon or head to the open upper deck for panoramic views. A fully stocked bar is available on board, offering beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot beverages and light snacks to enhance your experience.

Depending on weather conditions and demand, the cruise will last either 45 minutes or 1 hour, and your ticket is valid for whichever duration operates on the day. The typical 1‑hour route travels upstream to Clifton Bridge on York’s northern edge, then downstream to the Millennium Bridge in the south before returning to the landing stage. The 45‑minute cruise covers the same scenic stretch without going quite as far, passing through the centre of the walled city. Throughout the journey, the captain provides engaging live commentary, sharing fascinating stories about York’s past—from its history of flooding to its importance as a thriving inland port that once welcomed Romans and Vikings.

You’ll travel aboard a comfortable vessel equipped with restrooms, heating and spacious seating, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cruise in any season.

River Cruise
Live Commentary
Access to On-board Facilities (Bar, Restroom)

Entrance Fees (Unless specified)
Hotel Transfers
Meals

You can board the boat from below mentioned locations:
1. King's Staith landing, King's Staith, York, YO1 9SN
2. Lendal Bridge, Lendal Bridge, York, YO1 7DP
You will receive a ticket in exchange for your voucher, which you must keep until the expiry date/ tour.
Please check your ticket to know when it expires.
After exchanging your voucher for a ticket, your voucher will no longer be valid.
In loss of voucher/ticket, company is not liable for any refund.
Note: The tickets are only valid on the travel date selected date at the time of booking

Wheelchair or stroller accessibility: No.
Voucher Information: Both Mobile and Printed Vouchers are accepted!
Free Wi-Fi: Yes.
Infants can travel free and you do not require to book infant ticket.
Face coverings are recommended.
On arrival, please join the queue to board the cruise, you will be placed on the next available sailing. You can board up to 30 mins prior to the below departures.
Each sailing has live commentary, with toilets onboard and refreshments available to buy.
The usual route turns at Clifton Bridge and Millennium Bridge, but can vary.
Disclaimer: The service provider reserves the right to change the itinerary or cancel the tour due to events being celebrated in the city or force majeure reasons.

You must cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
If you cancel your booking less than 48 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
Any modifications made less than 48 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.