Tours and Tickets by City Cruises York
Ouse River 1-Hour Early Evening Cruise from York
Round out a day of sightseeing in York on a relaxing early evening cruise on the Ouse River. Sit back and listen to the live commentary as you admire many of York's beautiful landmarks from the river. History enthusiasts will enjoy learning more about York's Roman and Viking past, and you can purchase drinks and snacks on board.
Read more
1 hour
York Afternoon Tea Cruise
Combine two activities in one—a leisurely river cruise, plus traditional afternoon tea—on this sightseeing tour. Board the Captain James Cook in central York, and wend your way down the River Ouse. As you go, admire the city’s scenic riverbanks while also indulging in finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, plus tea and coffee (upgrade to add a prosecco accompaniment to your afternoon tea). You’ll also see the opulent Bishopthorpe Palace, home to the Archbishop of York.
Read more
1 hour 30 minutes
Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York
Discover York without having to worry about studying a map with this relaxing Ouse River sightseeing cruise. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective, and to learn about local history too. Highlights include seeing top city landmarks such as the York Museum and Gardens, and Clifford’s Tower.
Read more
45 minutes
Evening Dinner Cruise
Wine and dine on this wonderful evening dinner cruise on the Ouse, enjoy an informative and entertaining commentary and even have a dance to the background music. Your evening begins the moment you step aboard as a friendly waiter serves a delicious starter accompanied by a glass of house wine.
As you sail through the city your Captain will entertain you with a sightseeing commentary, interspersed with background music that accompanies your delicious three course dinner, followed by a choice of tea or coffee and chocolates.
Your meal is cooked fresh on board by our experienced caterers. And enjoyed whilst taking in the sights of the river in York and beyond by night. We also sail past Bishopthorpe Palace, the official riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York.
As you sail through the city your Captain will entertain you with a sightseeing commentary, interspersed with background music that accompanies your delicious three course dinner, followed by a choice of tea or coffee and chocolates.
Your meal is cooked fresh on board by our experienced caterers. And enjoyed whilst taking in the sights of the river in York and beyond by night. We also sail past Bishopthorpe Palace, the official riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York.
Read more
2 hours 30 minutes
70-Minute York Evening River Cruise
See York from a completely different perspective during an evening cruise that reveals the city’s landmarks when they’re illuminated by night. As well as enjoying an included drink as you sail, get unobstructed views of riverside attractions and benefit from the insight of onboard commentary.
Read more
1 hour 10 minutes
1,729Reviews25Q&A
Reviews
Traveller rating
- 879
- 521
- 189
- 75
- 65
Traveller type
Time of year
Language
More
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
For is the Santa boat cruise is a Christmas tradition and the children abs I were overjoyed that in such a terrible year when everything has been cancelled or postponed that our little bit of Christmas would still be able to go ahead. Now, we totally understood that it would be different. We knew that it would have to be adapted and we were willing to embrace all of these differences to be able to go and see Santa. However, it was exceptionally sterile and I think that it was too busy with the staff rushing around, we couldn’t hear the commentary and it just lost a lot of the warmth that it normally exuded. The price wasn’t reduced even though there was no face painter or sing along and we were in our seats until called to see Santa. Santa was of course excellent as always. He really is a great Santa and the children loved their chat with him and they adapted the story for Rudolph and the sleigh to land behind the boat yard but we have lost Mary Christmas and all the fun that she used to bring. My biggest disappointment and that of the children, was the total lack of thought and effort put into the presents. My son received the same present as last year which left him feeling really sad (and has ruined the belief in Santa and the fact he knows every child) and my daughter received hand cream! Not an appropriate present for a child especially as it was from Laura Ashley and more akin to a present for an elderly aunt! ( we have a mix of young children and a young teenager). I am not sure who was in charge of present buying this year or if Santa elves were re-gifting stuff they received last year but neither present justified the price per head for a child £18. Also, any visit to Santa should keep the magic and belief alive and I could just see in my children’s faces a little bit of that belief wither and die. It was a real disappointment for them and for me after many years of Santa boat sailing. We understand that it is a difficult year for everyone but I really felt that it had lost its sparkle this year and wasn’t up to Santa standard. For is the Santa boat cruise is a Christmas tradition and the children and I were overjoyed that in such a terrible year when everything has been cancelled or postponed that our little bit of Christmas would still be able to go ahead. Now, we totally understood that it would be different. We knew that it would have to be adapted and we were willing to embrace all of these differences to be able to go and see Santa. However, it was exceptionally sterile and I think that it was too busy with the staff rushing around, we couldn’t hear the commentary and it just lost a lot of the warmth that it normally exuded. The price wasn’t reduced even though there was no face painter or sing along and we were in our seats until called to see Santa. Santa was of course excellent as always. He really is a great Santa and the children loved their chat with him and they adapted the story for Rudolph and the sleigh to land behind the boat yard but we have lost Mary Christmas and all the fun that she used to bring. My biggest disappointment and that of the children, was the total lack of thought and effort put into the presents. My son received the same present as last year which left him feeling really sad (and has ruined the belief in Santa and the fact he knows every child) and my daughter received hand cream! Not an appropriate present for a child especially as it was from Laura Ashley and more akin to a present for an elderly aunt! I am not sure who was in charge of present buying this year or if Santa elves were re-gifting stuff they received last year but neither present justified the price per head for a child £18. Also, any visit to Santa should keep the magic and belief alive and I could just see in my children’s faces a little bit of that belief wither and die. It was a real disappointment for them and for me after many years of Santa boat sailing…
Read more
Date of experience: December 2020
Helpful
Excellent trip to see the man in red today, staff really in the spirit and couldn’t do enough for you Would def go again
Read more
Date of experience: December 2020
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Review of: Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York
We had originally booked an afternoon tea cruise but due to the water levels of the Ouse being too high it was cancelled and we were provided with a voucher to re-book and a complimentary ticket for myself and my fiance on the 1 hour sight seeing cruise. Although we were disappointed to not be doing the afternoon tea, The sight seeing cruise was just as enjoyable and Laurie our skipper was brilliant. He was very funny and attentive and made a 60 minute boat ride fly by with his humor and informative commentary. Social distancing was enforced and we felt very safe and as if we had our own little section of the cruise. Staff were also great, permitting people on and off the cruise in household groups and cleaning down as soon as we disembarked. Great fun and the views are fantastic. Would definitely recommend.…
Read more
Date of experience: October 2020
Helpful
Review of: Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York
The cruise is well worth the cost. Boats sail every hour or so but more frequently at certain times. Interesting live commentary from Laurie (not sure on spelling!). Relaxing trip and best views from top deck, weather permitting.
Read more
Helpful
Review of: Ouse River Sightseeing Cruise in York
Great way to get a different view of this great city. Staff helpful. Commentary amusing , he even seemed to make Covid regulations concise and easy to follow
Read more
Date of experience: October 2020
Helpful
