Boat TourYorkBoat Cruises

When I was young we would regularly have school trips to York. Living in Hull it was within easy reach and it had many educational attractions. The Minster, York's Museums and the heritage in general were all great. The day trip always incorporated a cruise along the River Ouse.

As an adult day trips to York still often incorpoate those same boat cruises but of course that important adult pastime of shopping. The boats are usually reasonably comfortable and cruise along at a gentle pace. Our last visit in Spring saw York covered in Daffodils. The area between the pavements and the Historic walls were a a mass of yellow flowers. The banks of the River too were very pretty as the countryside came into flower again.

We usually eat our packed lunch on the boat as we sit and enjoy the scenery. The boat takes you along the River as far as The Bishop of York's Palace and then turns around to return. The Palace is set in nice grounds and this part of the River is largely free of houses and feels like being in the countryside. As you travel back you pass busier areas where there are many buildings. You also pass under a bridge or two.

There are a couple of companies who run these boat tours but they are all of similar quality. A round trip tends to last about 40-45 minutes and there is a commentary throughout which points out places of interest. These boats can be booked for special events and groups such as school parties. Prices vary depending on if for a child etc but as a guide an adult ticket is usually around £7. I understand there are ghost trips, floodlit evening cruises and private functions also on these boats.

I am not a lover of boats in general but these are not so small you do not feel safe and neither are they very large. The River Ouse usually flows along calmly and the journey is an easy one. The boats leave from a couple of central positions in the centre of York a few times a day. They generally are in operation from Feruary till December each year.