Sightseeing Cruises

Combo (Save 5%): The York Dungeon Tickets + 45-Min Sightseeing Cruise

4.8/5(115)

Asif G

Solo

Verified booking

5 days ago

The River Ouse, what a wonderful trip, great staff & the views of the beautiful trees ether side of the river is just magical. Cruised 3 times in one week. 👍

Elizabeth F

Couple

Verified booking

2 days ago

Excellent booking efficiency both when making initial booking and the day before the trip. Enjoyable, relaxing trip although commentary was a little indistinct at times.

Ann W

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The cruise was great, it lasted about an hour, it was very hot and umbrella's was supplied, we got to learn some interesting facts about York, we didn't go for the fish and chips but everyone else enjoyed them, drinks can be purchased from the bar, all the staff was lovely and nothing was too much trouble.

Andrew N

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

it's was a very relaxing excursion also the man driving the boat and doing the commentary was brilliant very informative about the areas and Yorkshire history also added a little comedy wich made it very enjoyable his name was Andy

Anthony M

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

The commentary was very well delivered and although there was dining available we didn't partake the cruise itself was very nice and peaceful and the sites were amazing would recommend it to everyone

Adrian H

Family

Verified booking

Last week

Actors were very good: should have been allowed to take photos tho rather than have to pay £20 for two photos. And how are we supposed to attach photos below when we aren't allowed to take them????

Combine York’s most thrilling underground attraction, The York Dungeon, with a relaxing River Ouse cruise for a comprehensive look at the city’s history and scenery.

Enjoy 5% savings and the convenience of a single booking, with both attractions located just 120 meters apart (2-min walk) for a seamless transition between tours.

Face 2,000 years of dark history at the York Dungeon through 10 interactive live actor shows, spine-chilling special effects, and immersive themed sets.

Relax on a 45-minute river cruise featuring live witty commentary from the skipper, a full onboard bar, and unparalleled views of York’s historic walls.

The York Dungeon

Timed entry to The York Dungeon

Access to 10 immersive live shows

York Sightseeing Cruise

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

The York Dungeon

Food and drinks

Hotel transfers

Souvenirs

York Sightseeing Cruise

Food and drinks

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

115 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Ann W
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The cruise was great, it lasted about an hour, it was very hot and umbrella's was supplied, we got to learn some interesting facts about York, we didn't go for the fish and chips but everyone else enjoyed them, drinks can be purchased from the bar, all the staff was lovely and nothing was too much trouble.
Joanne M
Couple
Verified booking
Aug 2026
The scenery was lovely and the commentary amusing, however, I missed a far bit of the cruise as I was overcharged for a drink, (the staff were aware but did nothing about it until I complained) so it took a while to sort out refunds and me having to pay again. It just tainted the experience.
Anthony M
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
The commentary was very well delivered and although there was dining available we didn't partake the cruise itself was very nice and peaceful and the sites were amazing would recommend it to everyone
Adrian H
Family
Verified booking
Last week
Actors were very good: should have been allowed to take photos tho rather than have to pay £20 for two photos. And how are we supposed to attach photos below when we aren't allowed to take them????
Elizabeth F
Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
Excellent booking efficiency both when making initial booking and the day before the trip. Enjoyable, relaxing trip although commentary was a little indistinct at times.

Discover the two sides of York’s heritage with this curated combo. Plunge into the gruesome, hilarious, and shadowy world of the York Dungeon, then step out into the fresh air for a scenic sightseeing cruise along the River Ouse. With only a 2-minute walk between the two, it is the most efficient and entertaining way to explore the "Eternal City."

Getting started

Your journey begins at the York Dungeon (12 Clifford St) for your pre-booked timed entry. After your 75-minute encounter with York’s villains, exit the Dungeon and take a short 120-meter walk to King’s Staith Landing to board your cruise.

What to expect

The York Dungeon

Expect a multi-sensory, high-energy experience through a theatrical walk-through featuring professional actors who play infamous figures like Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Be prepared for jump scares, dark humour, and interactive trials that will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure.

Features:

10 live actor shows: Meet the Torturer, the Plague Doctor, and more through 10 distinct performances that blend historical facts with dramatic storytelling.

Immersive sets: Navigate through meticulously crafted environments, from plague-ridden 16th-century streets to the murky depths of a castle dungeon.

Special effects: Advanced lighting, soundscapes, and sensory surprises amplify the tension and transport you through 2,000 years of York’s darkest chapters.

York sightseeing cruise

After the intensity of the Dungeon, the sightseeing cruise offers the perfect relaxing contrast. As you cast off from King’s Staith, you’ll enjoy a fresh perspective of the city walls and the majestic York Minster.

Features:

Live captain's commentary: Every sailing features a local skipper delivering witty and informative tales. Learn about York's industrial past and local legends as you sail past the Museum Gardens.

Dual-deck comfort: Choose your vantage point from the open-air top deck for the best photos or stay cosy in the enclosed, heated saloon if the Yorkshire weather is a bit brisk.

Onboard hospitality: Visit the fully stocked bar to purchase a local ale, hot coffee, or a signature snack. With onboard restrooms and comfortable seating, it is a smooth experience for everyone.

What to bring

York sightseeing cruise

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

The York Dungeon

Safety is a priority, so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 5 years.

Photography is strictly prohibited at the venue.

York sightseeing cruise

Outside food and drinks are not permitted on board.

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

Accessibility

The York Dungeon

This experience is partially wheelchair accessible.

Due to constraints of the building's historic structure and layout, The York Dungeon is unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs. However, they offer a manual wheelchair available to borrow throughout your visit. Please note that only one wheelchair can be accommodated per hour.

People with severe claustrophobia, epilepsy, sensitivity to flashing or low lights and loud noises, or those who dislike jump scares are restricted from participating in this experience.

The York Dungeon uses flashing and strobe lights, which may impact visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. If this affects you, inform a staff member immediately so they can brief you on the areas where strobe lighting is used and provide an alternative route if needed.

Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

York sightseeing cruise

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 York Dungeon

This experience is recommended for ages 8+.

Guests under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by someone over the age of 18.

Please arrive a few minutes before your time slot to ensure smooth entry.

If you need to leave the experience at any point, please inform a member of staff or an Actor immediately. They can assist you with a temporary pause backstage, or the Duty Manager will facilitate your exit.

Guest participation is central to the experience, with audience members often selected at random. If you prefer not to participate, please request a yellow sticker from the Admissions team upon entry and place it visibly. You can remove the sticker at any time if you change your mind during the tour.

While actors may come close or engage with you as part of the performance, they will not touch you during your tour, and you are asked not to touch them. Failure to comply with this request may result in your immediate ejection from the attraction without a refund.

Facilities: restrooms, gift shop

York sightseeing cruise

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

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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.