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Self-Drive Boat Hire in York
3.9
43 Ratings
York
Chart your own course through York's enchanting waterways. Enjoy the freedom to explore, linger, and create unforgettable memories on a self-drive boat adventure.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- York - Embark on our self-drive boat experience in York for an enchanting journey through the city’s historic waterways. Glide along the tranquil river, passing under picturesque bridges. Admire iconic landmarks like York Minster and medieval city walls, steeped in centuries of history. Explore hidden gems along the riverbanks, from quaint cafes to serene parks. Whether capturing stunning photographs or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, our self-drive boats offer an unforgettable adventure, allowing travellers to chart their own course and discover the magic of York from a unique perspective.
What's Included
- Instructions & Safety Briefing
- Life Jackets (Compulsory For Children Under 11)
What's Not Included
- £40 Security Deposit
Additional Information
With our self-drive boat experience, travellers have the unique opportunity to chart their own course through the enchanting waterways of York. Unlike traditional guided tours, where schedules are rigid and routes predetermined, our guests have complete control over their journey. They can explore at their own pace, linger at captivating sights, and create unforgettable memories on their own terms. This sense of independence allows travellers to truly immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of York, making for a one-of-a-kind adventure that’s tailored to their preferences and interests.
- Arrive at the Self-Drive Hire Point 15 minutes before the time of hire to allow time for the rules of the river, area of operation and boat handling instructions to be explained.
- There is a Maximum of 5 passengers per booking, one of which must be an Adult.
- It is illegal for the Hirer to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- City Cruises York reserve the right to refuse to hire a Self-Drive Hire Boat to anyone deemed likely to breach the terms of hire.
- The hire will be terminated if customer behaviour is seen to be/reported to be unacceptable.
Location
City Cruises - Self-Drive Landing
King's Staith
This cruise departs from the Self-Drive Landing on Kings Staith, in Tower Gardens. If you are unsure, please feel free to ask for directions from a member of the City Cruises Team on the quayside!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.9
(43 Ratings)
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993lb
Apr 4, 2024
Lovely experience - Great fun and hassle free booking. Easy to find the meeting point and plenty of time to enjoy the river. A lovely hassle free event to add to our day, thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
616benf
Sep 28, 2023
Brilliant Fun - Fabulous experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our cruise up and down the river. The boats are basic, functional and easily captained by complete newbies. My wife managed piloting just fine having never been on a boat before! I'd rate this as more of a fair weather activity, as you can see from my photo we had some rain which made visibility awkward (I had to pop the canvas roof, lean over and wipe the screen with my hand) but I can well imagine this being incredibly pleasant in the sunshine. The staff on the dock were very helpful, approachable and explained everything clearly. A unique view of a fabulous city which must be experienced.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jaz
Aug 7, 2023
Good time - We had an amazing time. Did the 1 hour trip and it was great, a lot of fun and on time. Would recommend.
The instructions are easy to follow and staff very helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adam
Jun 5, 2023
Lovely Trip on the Ouse - Excellent mini-adventure to get away from the city crowds. Helpful staff gave full instructions and took care of our buggy while we were on the water. The route is stunning and you see different things when you travel back downriver. The engine is noisy so take ear plugs if you're sensitive to sound. Lovely excursion.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aatravellingaround
Apr 17, 2023
Great way to spend a sunny day! - great little trip out on the river! cannot fault anything, except the window is not as fun as standing up and looking over the top, would recommend adjustable seats so i could see over the top more! its just me!
great bit of time spent, i think its decent for the money too!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nodtez
Oct 4, 2022
great fun - Jack was in charge of hire and was excellent and helpful, cheerful and pleasant. we only had a 30 minute trip but the boats were fun, easy to handle and good value.cannot believe some of these negative reviews.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happybunny5
Jul 20, 2022
Great way to spend a hour - Easy to drive
Staff were friendly
I didn't book, I just wandered along with the kids and didn't need to wait long.
The kids, both teenagers loved it - it's been their favourite thing to do so far in York.
Very very reasonably price, £35 for an hour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rodge0024
Jun 20, 2023
Highly recommended - A great experience for us, the weather was kind, the experience was a nice surprise for my Fiancee. Next time we need the kids so that they can steer the boat whilst we chill out at the back and enjoy the scenery 🤣
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Babalicious130
Aug 13, 2022
Pleasant hour, but too hot! - I was very nervous, larger lady, can't swim and it was the hottest day of the year. We had booked online for 1.30pm but thought it would be too hot by then, I changed the booking with ease and received the refund in bout 2 days. We went for 10.30 instead. It was still extremly hot. There is a set route you have to take, which I was unaware of from he website, never the less we all enjoyed it. The boat engine is very loud but wasn't intolerable. It was easy to use,out of us had a go. The boats are now blue not red and we stopped for an ice cream, you can't get off the boat at anytime but you pull up along side the ice cream boat and order, bit of a novelty.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie
Sep 9, 2023
Dangerous boats - don’t hire them! - We hired a city experience boat which this company owns (the blue/white boats). We hired the boat for an hour. The original seats were missing and had been replaced with those orange plastic school chairs. The chairs were too tall so you couldn’t see out of the windows to drive the boat. My husband is 6’ tall and I am 5’3” tall but we both had the same issue of having the upper window bar in our eyeline. My husband got neck ache trying to crouch down to see through the windows which were so scratched and covered with paint you couldn’t really see through them anyway. In the end we both stood up and my hubby did his best to steer.
The boat engine was like a kango hammer drill! You can’t leave reviews on their actual site - I can see why! Don’t believe the chosen reviews that promote their boats - I wish we hadn’t!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
