Sightseeing Cruises

York: 45-Min Sightseeing Cruise

Tourists enjoying a York sightseeing cruise on a sunny day with cityscape views.

River cruise boat on the River Ouse passing historic buildings in York.

York riverside view with historic buildings along the Ouse, ideal for sightseeing cruise.

Two people enjoying a York sightseeing cruise, pointing at landmarks.

Duration

45 mins

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Explore York on your own terms with a flexible River Ouse sightseeing cruise ticket that lets you hop on any of the frequent daytime departures from King's Staith Landing.

Discover York’s iconic riverside landmarks and hidden medieval gems from a unique water-level vantage point away from the city crowds.

Forget pre-recorded tapes; enjoy live, witty, and informative commentary from our local skippers, packed with tales of York’s Roman and Viking past.

Relax in style with a fully stocked bar, comfortable heated indoor seating for chilly days, and an open-top deck for soaking up the Yorkshire sun.

45-min River Ouse sightseeing cruise

Boarding from King's Staith Landing

Live on-board commentary

Knowledgeable local skipper

Onboard bar (local beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks)

Semi-open boat

Food and drinks

TOTAL DURATION45 minutes - 60 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 30-45 mins
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
1 Boarding point
King's Staith Landing
Get direction
Sights covered
Clifford's Tower
York Minster
Millennium Bridge
York Museum and Gardens
Marygate Landing

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

What to bring

Bring your booking confirmation (printed or digital) to present at the boarding point.

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

Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not allowed on the vessel.

Accessibility

The River Palace and River Duchess boats are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the River Duchess features a wheelchair-accessible restroom.

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.

For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.

Additional information

The cruise operates subject to river conditions. In the event of high water levels or adverse weather, sailings may be cancelled for safety reasons.

The duration of the cruise may vary between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the day’s conditions and demand.

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.

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!

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.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board the daytime sightseeing cruises at no additional cost as long as they are kept on a leash.

Facilities: restroom onboard

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.