Explore at your pace
Free cancellation
4.8/5
(44)
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Combine York’s most thrilling underground attraction, The York Dungeon, with a relaxing River Ouse cruise for a comprehensive look at the city’s history and scenery.
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Enjoy 5% savings and the convenience of a single booking, with both attractions located just 120 meters apart (2-min walk) for a seamless transition between tours.
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Face 2,000 years of dark history at the York Dungeon through 10 interactive live actor shows, spine-chilling special effects, and immersive themed sets.
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Relax on a 45-minute river cruise featuring live witty commentary from the skipper, a full onboard bar, and unparalleled views of York’s historic walls.
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The York Dungeon
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Timed entry to The York Dungeon
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Access to 10 immersive live shows
York Sightseeing Cruise
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45-min River Ouse sightseeing cruise
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Boarding from King's Staith Landing
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Live on-board commentary
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Knowledgeable local skipper
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Onboard bar (local beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks)
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Semi-open boat
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The York Dungeon
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Food and drinks
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Hotel transfers
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Souvenirs
York Sightseeing Cruise
- Food and drinks
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You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 44 reviews
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Discover the two sides of York’s heritage with this curated combo. Plunge into the gruesome, hilarious, and shadowy world of the York Dungeon, then step out into the fresh air for a scenic sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse. With only a 2-minute walk between the two, it is the most efficient and entertaining way to explore the "Eternal City."
Getting started
Your journey begins at the York Dungeon (12 Clifford St) for your pre-booked timed entry. After your 75-minute encounter with York’s villains, exit the Dungeon and take a short 120-meter walk to King’s Staith Landing to board your cruise.
What to expect
The York Dungeon
Expect a multi-sensory, high-energy experience through a theatrical walk-through featuring professional actors who play infamous figures like Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Be prepared for jump scares, dark humour, and interactive trials that will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure.
Features:
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10 live actor shows: Meet the Torturer, the Plague Doctor, and more through 10 distinct performances that blend historical facts with dramatic storytelling.
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Immersive sets: Navigate through meticulously crafted environments, from plague-ridden 16th-century streets to the murky depths of a castle dungeon.
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Special effects: Advanced lighting, soundscapes, and sensory surprises amplify the tension and transport you through 2,000 years of York’s darkest chapters.
York sightseeing cruise
After the intensity of the Dungeon, the sightseeing cruise offers the perfect relaxing contrast. As you cast off from King’s Staith, you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective of the city walls and the majestic York Minster.
Features:
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Live captain's commentary: Every sailing features a local skipper delivering witty and informative tales. Learn about York's industrial past and local legends as you sail past the Museum Gardens.
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Dual-deck comfort: Choose your vantage point from the open-air top deck for the best photos or stay cosy in the enclosed, heated saloon if the Yorkshire weather is a bit brisk.
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Onboard hospitality: Visit the fully stocked bar to purchase a local ale, hot coffee, or a signature snack. With onboard restrooms and comfortable seating, it is a smooth experience for everyone.
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What to bring
York sightseeing cruise
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Bring your booking confirmation (printed or digital) to present at the boarding point.
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Dress appropriately for the weather, as the upper deck is open-air. Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, especially in cooler months.
What’s not allowed
The York Dungeon
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Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.
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Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.
York sightseeing cruise
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Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.
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Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the vessel.
Accessibility
The York Dungeon
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This experience is partially wheelchair accessible.
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Due to constraints of the building's historic structure and layout, The York Dungeon is unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs. However, they offer a manual wheelchair available to borrow throughout your visit. Please note that only one wheelchair can be accommodated per hour.
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People with severe claustrophobia, epilepsy, sensitivity to flashing or low lights and loud noises, or those who dislike jump scares are restricted from participating in this experience.
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The York Dungeon uses flashing and strobe lights, which may impact visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. If this affects you, inform a staff member immediately so they can brief you on the areas where strobe lighting is used and provide an alternative route if needed.
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Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
York sightseeing cruise
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The River Palace and River Duchess boats are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the River Duchess features a wheelchair-accessible restroom.
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Wheelchair access is available at the King’s Staith Landing. Please call 01904 628324 before your visit to confirm the sailing times of wheelchair-accessible boats.
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For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Additional information
The York Dungeon
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This experience is recommended for ages 8+.
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Guests under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.
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Please arrive a few minutes before your time slot to ensure smooth entry.
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If you need to leave the experience at any point, please inform a member of staff or an Actor immediately. They can assist you with a temporary pause backstage, or the Duty Manager will facilitate your exit.
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Guest participation is central to the experience, with audience members often selected at random. If you prefer not to participate, please request a yellow sticker from the Admissions team upon entry and place it visibly. You can remove the sticker at any time if you change your mind during the tour.
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While actors may come close or engage with you as part of the performance, they will not touch you during your tour, and you are asked not to touch them. Failure to comply with this request may result in your immediate ejection from the attraction without a refund.
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Facilities: restrooms, gift shop
York sightseeing cruise
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The cruise operates subject to river conditions. In the event of high water levels or adverse weather, sailings may be cancelled for safety reasons.
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The duration of the cruise may vary between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the day’s conditions and demand.
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On rare occasions, cruise times may change by up to 15 minutes. If this occurs, the operator will contact you using the email address or phone number provided at the time of booking.
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There are four guaranteed cruises from King's Staith Landing: 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Many more trips operate, sometimes departing every 30-45 mins - times are displayed at the landings and online!
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If you book a ticket for an 11am, 11:10am, 12:30pm, 12:40pm, 2pm, 2:10pm, 4pm or 4:10pm sailing, departure may be up to 15 minutes later to suit operational requirements.
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Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board the daytime sightseeing cruises at no additional cost as long as they are kept on a leash.
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Facilities: restroom onboard
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- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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