The biggest tour boat operator on the River Thames, City Cruises plc provides tourism and leisure passenger services on the River Thames with more than four million passenger journeys taking place every year on its route through the heart of London between Westminster and the Tower of London, then under Tower Bridge and down river to Greenwich – a journey through 2,000 years of liquid history. Now also operating in Poole & York.
Based at Cherry Garden Pier, a historic location in south-east London that was once a part of London’s huge commercial docks dating back to the 1880’s and part of the setting for many of Whistler’s paintings, City Cruises operate a fleet of 17 passenger boats, along with a small fleet of support vessels and barges.
Circular 45/60 Mins
City Cruises York, formerly York Boat, are proud to be a part of the City Cruises family, joining the outstanding operations in London and Poole. They remain a family owned operator, albeit now part of a much larger one.
City Cruises York are one of the city’s longest established visitor attractions and we have been delivering first-class experiences to our passengers and guests for over 30 years. Our cruises include Daytime City Cruises and Afternoon Tea Cruises through to our Floodlit Evening Cruise or even a Party Nights Afloat Cruise which is ideal for hen parties, birthday parties or social events.Don’t forget our fleet of fourteen Self-Drive Red Boats, perfect for your own family outing exploring the river.
Why not book a Private Charter to celebrate a wedding, birthday, anniversary or corporate entertainment. In fact we can put together a cruise package for any occasion.
York City Cruise is both an entertaining and informative tour of the River Ouse. Escape the city rush and enjoy York from a different perspective whilst our friendly and knowledgeable team guide you leisurely up and downstream. These cruises depart from both of our landing stages; the King’s Staith Landing and the Lendal Bridge Landing.
A York City Cruise enables you to admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or the upper deck. Take home fascinating facts about the incredible history of York and its river from the live commentary delivered by our local skippers. You are more than welcome to treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar whilst resting your feet.
York City Cruises sail for either 45 minutes or 1 hour. The duration of the cruise is determined by the weather and demand. When booking your ticket online it will be valid for whatever duration cruise we are operating on the day of your visit.
Their 1 hour cruise will usually operate a route heading upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of the city and then downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge on the southern outskirts of the city, before returning upstream to the landing stage that you departed from.
The 45-minute cruise will usually operate in the same area as the 1 hour cruise without going quite as far in either direction, passing right through the centre of the walled City of York.
(Please note that occasionally due to circumstances outside of our control such as rowing regattas, gun salutes at the Museum Gardens or flooding, the route of our York City Cruise may change on the day and take in a more scenic route beyond the city limits – please call our Sales Office if you have any questions about this).
During your cruise, your Captain will keep you entertained with a live, sightseeing commentary. Learn about York’s famous history of flooding and its previous prosperity as an inland port, all while sailing along the very river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this beautiful city.
York City Cruises can sail on all five vessels in our fleet, each of which has an enclosed heated saloon, at least two toilets and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.
Dates of Operation 2023
(01/01/23- 24/11/23) DAILY – Closed rest of the season
Dates of Operation 2024:
01/01-22/11/24 & 27-31/12/24: daily at at 10.30, 12.00hrs, 13.30hrs and 15.00hrs
Closed rest of the season
Departs from:
Kings Staith Landing, York
Duration:
45-60 mins
All vouchers MUST be exchanged for tickets at the ticket offices before boarding the boats.
