Sight guide · York · United Kingdom
Visiting River Ouse cruise
Sightseeing boats leave from King's Staith and Lendal Bridge for a one-hour trip on the Ouse past the Museum Gardens and out towards the Archbishop's Palace at Bishopthorpe, with commentary on the city's history.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
River Ouse cruise is an experience in King's Staith, York. Allow 1 hour; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- King's Staith
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, couples, outdoors and views
- Best months
- June–July and September
About River Ouse cruise
Sightseeing boats leave from King's Staith and Lendal Bridge for a one-hour trip on the Ouse past the Museum Gardens and out towards the Archbishop's Palace at Bishopthorpe, with commentary on the city's history. Evening cruises run in summer.
Tip: Take an evening cruise in summer for the light on the riverbanks and the pubs at King's Staith afterwards.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: King's Staith.
Best time to visit River Ouse cruise
River Ouse cruise is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- July: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- June: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-July the sun sets at about 21:29 local time (calculated for York).
When to visit York has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
River Ouse cruise is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen York Minster and York City Walls.
- No. 15 of the 15 sights in our York things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in York with kids.
If you like River Ouse cruise
- York City Walls — City Centre, 1–2 hours
- Clifford's Tower — Castle Area, 45 minutes
- Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum — Museum Gardens, 1.5–2 hours
- Evening ghost walk — City Centre, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near River Ouse cruise
Where to stay in York compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at River Ouse cruise?
Plan 1 hour.
+Is River Ouse cruise free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit River Ouse cruise?
June–July and September for the most comfortable weather. Take an evening cruise in summer for the light on the riverbanks and the pubs at King's Staith afterwards.
+Do I need to book River Ouse cruise in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is River Ouse cruise good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in York. York is one of England's best small cities for children: the free National Railway Museum, JORVIK's Viking ride, Clifford's Tower, ghost walks and the walls themselves turn history into an adventure, and the centre is compact and flat.