"The ticket cost seemed too high for the service received. Delayed buses, overcrowding, and limited flexibility made the tour disappointing compared to other transportation options."
York City Sightseeing River Cruise




Overview
This peaceful Ouse River sightseeing tour is a great way to see York without having to bother about studying a map. It's a fantastic chance to discover local history and view the city from a different angle. Visiting well-known city monuments like Clifford's Tower and the York Museum and Gardens are among the highlights. You won't have to lose out on amazing vistas and photo opportunities while travelling. Don't let the opportunity slip to make priceless memories! Start your journey by reserving your tour right now!
Highlights
- Savour the historic sites of York from the River Ouse.
- Hear about York's past by tuning in to the live commentary.
- Take advantage of the extensive snack and beverage options at the on-board bar.
- An enjoyable and exciting way to explore York
Itinerary
Join us for a fun-filled informative cruise along the River Ouse, taking you through the old city of Minster. From the comfort of our enclosed saloon or your seat on the top deck, you'll enjoy magnificent sights and stunning landscape as we depart from both King's Staith landing and Lendal Bridge landing.
With live commentary about the passing sights, such as the majestic York Minster, Clifford's Tower, the mediaeval Guildhall, and more, the captain will keep you engaged throughout the journey. As you sail along the river that brought the Romans and Vikings to this location, you'll also learn about York's history of floods and its prosperity as an inland port. Additionally, you will get some insider information about York's renowned chocolate industry.
There's truly no better way to see this old walled city than on this boat, which offers a large assortment of local beers, wines, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks in addition to prominent places to discover and fascinating facts.
Panoramic views showcasing York's magnificent architecture. Tourists can take picture-perfect photos of the city skyline with the River Ouse winding behind them.
Natural Beauty: York is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and is steeped in history. Take in views of the picturesque surroundings of the city at the picturesque waterfront parks, charming riverside bars, and verdant riverbank vegetation.
Local Perspectives: Our tour guides will regale you with intriguing tales and perspectives regarding York's history, culture, and future. Visitors will discover more about the city's rich cultural scene, Viking origins, and influence on English history.
What to Expect:
- Scenic Views: View iconic landmarks such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the historic bridges from the river.
- Wildlife: Spot local wildlife along the riverbanks.
- Informative Commentary: Live or recorded commentary providing historical insights and interesting facts about York and its history.
- Comfortable Seating: Boats typically have both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing for comfort in any weather.
What's Included
- 45-minute river cruise
- Live commentary
- On-board bar with snacks and beverages
Schedule
- Days of operation: Daily
- King's Staith: 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm & 4pm.
- Lendal Bridge: 10:40am, 12:10pm, 1:40pm, 3:10pm & 4:10pm.
- Duration: 45 Minutes
Redemption Info
- Travellers must exchange their booking Voucher.
- Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
- The company or tour operator will not provide a refund if ticket is misplaced.
Know Before You Go
Voucher Validity:
- Remember that your vouchers will remain valid for the date and time selected at the time of purchase.
Important Info:
- Schedule subject to change due to weather and low tide conditions or city events.
- No on-site refunds allowed.
- 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 minutes before the departures below.
- Additional sailings can operate every 30 minutes between these times; you will be advised of this whilst waiting.
- The usual route turns at Clifton Bridge and Millennium Bridge, but can vary.
- You will receive an e-ticket for this activity.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 4 days before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 4 days before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 4 days before the activity/ tour start time.
- You must contact us through email. The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- There may be unexpected changes in the timetable due to public holidays, weather conditions, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy.
- We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
- Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
- The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
"As first-time visitors, this tour was exactly what we needed. It provided an excellent overview of the city while making every destination easy and enjoyable to explore."
"The buses appeared worn, and some advertised stops were missed without explanation. Poor communication and unreliable service made the overall sightseeing experience frustrating rather than enjoyable."
"The bus simplified our entire trip. Clear routes, frequent departures, and comfortable seating helped us visit famous attractions without worrying about maps or complicated public transportation."
"Riding on the upper deck was the highlight of our vacation. Stunning city views, fresh air, and entertaining commentary made every mile enjoyable and memorable."
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