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Yorkshire and The HumberOutdoor activities

Our most recommended Yorkshire and The Humber Outdoor activities

York: River Ouse City Cruise

1. York: River Ouse City Cruise

The York City Cruise provides an entertaining and informative tour of the historic city as seen from the River Ouse. Enjoy the sights from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. Your cruise departs from the King's Staith landing. Admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or the upper deck and treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar. The duration of the cruise is either 45 minutes or 1 hour and is determined by the weather on the day and by demand. Your ticket will be valid for whatever duration is offered on the day of your visit. Typically the 1-hour cruise follows a route that heads upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of York city and then downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge on the city’s southern outskirts, before returning back upstream to the original landing stage. The 45-minute cruise operates in the same area without going quite as far in either direction, passing through the center of the walled city. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, restrooms, and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.

Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

2. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Welcome aboard the best 60 minutes of historic escapism you can find in Skipton. Enjoy a lively canal trip that proves you don't have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time. Keep your camera ready to capture the picturesque countryside scenery.  Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of “Phoenix Nights” and “8 out of 10 Cats” fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary. Above the jokes and laughter, hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution through Yorkshire. Food and drink are available onboard too for a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

3. City Sightseeing York Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Founded by the Romans, York soon became England's Second City and has witnessed wars, peace agreements, and prosperity throughout its 2,000 years of existence. King George VI reflected on the city's central role throughout the years when he said, "The history of York is the history of England". Visit the magnificent York Minster, with its priceless display of stained glass. Walk along medieval streets or on the 800-year-old Bar Walls. Visit award-winning museums, the York Botanical Gardens, or enjoy excellent restaurants and shopping facilities. You'll never be short of places to discover in this wonderful city. Your Tour Itinerary: Stop 1 - Exhibition Square Stop 2 - GillyGate Stop 3 - Monk Bar Stop 4 - Foss Bank Stop 5 - Peasholme Green Stop 6 - The Stonebow Stop 7 - Clifford's Tower Stop 8 - Margaret Street Stop 9 - Walmgate Bar Stop 10 - Barbican Centre Stop 11 - Fishergate Stop 12 - York Railway Station Stop 13 - Memorial Gardens Stop 14 - Museum Gardens

York: River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise

4. York: River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise

Relax and enjoy a romantic end to your evening in York on this 70-minute Floodlit Evening Cruise. Your ticket includes a choice of refreshments; adults and concessions aged 18 and over can choose from a hot drink and a biscuit or a glass of Prosecco. Children and concessions aged under 18 can choose from a hot drink and a biscuit or a soft drink and a biscuit. Boarding commences at 20:45 and the boat departs at 21:15 from the King’s Staith Landing in central York. The boat returns to the departure location at 22:25. Sail a circular route on the River Ouse, as you enjoy a relaxing mix of jazz and swing background music. The on-board floodlights will illuminate landmarks along the water edge, as you take in the historic sights of York from a different perspective. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, rest rooms and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.

Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

5. Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

York: River Ouse Early Evening Cruise

6. York: River Ouse Early Evening Cruise

This 1-hour Early Evening Cruise is an entertaining and informative tour of historic York from the River Ouse. Enjoy the city from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, rest rooms and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks.

York: Dark History Walking Tour

7. York: Dark History Walking Tour

Delve into York's darkest history and hear tales of murder, death, torture, and plague on this guided walking tour. Go on a historical journey to explore the grim stories and untold truths that lurk behind York's facade. Discover long-forgotten secrets, and travel back almost 2000 years to the roots of Eboracum. Find out what happened to the criminals of this city, what happened to the innocent, and what really happens in the shadows of York's mysterious alleyways and streets. Listen to the tale of York's abandoned plague child, and gain a new perspective on the city's iconic sights, like York Minster.

York: Castle Howard Gardens and Grounds Entry Ticket

8. York: Castle Howard Gardens and Grounds Entry Ticket

Explore Castle Howard's 18th-century gardens and discover the backdrop to many iconic films and TV shows, such as Bridgerton and The Great. Look out for wildlife on scenic trails and swing from the trees at the award-winning adventure playground, Skelf Island. After presenting your voucher, explore Castle Howard's 18th-century gardens with around 9,000 acres of the beautiful Howardian Hills. As you wander around the historic parkland, look out for the monuments, pyramids, obelisks, and statues that surround the estate. Get to know the location where many films and television shows were filmed, including Brideshead Revisited, Victoria, The Great, and Bridgerton. Admire familiar sights that have become known across the world as the backdrop to some of the most iconic on-screen moments. Enjoy over 1000 acres of gardens and woodland with picturesque trails and wildlife to look out for, including birds of prey and wild otters. Feel free to take a break in one of the cafes, where you can order food and drinks. Make your way to Skelf Island and mess around in the award-winning adventure playground. Spark your adrenaline as you swing through the trees and make memories with your friends and family.

From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

9. From York: Full-Day Yorkshire Dales Tour

Discover the wonders of Yorkshire Dales National Park on a guided tour from York. Travel by air-conditioned coach to highlights like Bolton Castle, Kettlewell, Pateley Bridge, and more. Enjoy free time to explore local sights and foods in Hawes. Leave York to explore the memorable landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Stop at the 14th-century Bolton Castle, the former home of Mary Queen of Scots, to enjoy sweeping views over Wensleydale. Next, enjoy free time in Hawes. Sample the cheeses at the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery, visit the Dales Countryside Museum, or explore the quaint shops and cafes (costs not included). Move on to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Pass through the picturesque villages on the way to Kettlewell, the main filming location for the Calendar Girls movie. Explore the village, learn more about the true story behind the movie, or relax with the locals in one of the pubs and cafes. Before heading back to York, stop in the charming town of Pateley Bridge and see the oldest sweet shop in the world.

From York: North York Moors and Whitby Guided Tour

10. From York: North York Moors and Whitby Guided Tour

See the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this fascinating and exciting full-day tour to one of Britain's most scenic areas. See the charming market town of Pickering before heading off the beaten track into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, where there will be plenty of chances throughout your day to capture memorable photos and time to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Visit the scenic moorland village of Goathland and see the station turned into ‘Hogsmeade’ for 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone'. Discover the traditional seaside town of Whitby, enjoying a lunch of fish and chips and then taking a stroll along the harbor or visiting the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which was the inspiration for the novel ‘Dracula’. Drive through more classic Yorkshire countryside as you make your way through Egton and Egton Bridge towards Glaisdale. This peaceful village is home to Beggers Bridge, a 17th-century bridge with a fascinating romantic story behind it.  Enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views on the moorlands before stopping to view a collection of historic furnaces and explore the quaint market town of Helmsley. Visit the bustling market square, dramatic castle ruins, charming tea rooms or inviting inns.

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What people are saying about Yorkshire and The Humber

Really enjoyed my night. While other tours in York focus on ghosts, this one focuses more on real history of people and events of the past. In my opinion, that is more chilling than supernatural stories. We were lucky to be in a small group, which, in my opinion added more personality to the night and had you more involved. Our guide was witty and humorous and great to be around. Overall would recommend him and the tour to a friend instantly.

Had a lovely one hour trip , enjoyed the scenic beauties . The boat operator explained the history and area . They were very friendly in guiding as well . Worth the trip !

Josh was a very good guide, enthusiastic and funny. even though there were only 2 of us we had a lovely time and learnt lots. thoroughly recommend Josh

Delivered as advertised. Driver very knowledgeable. Beautiful trip.

One of the best activities you should enjoy when visitingYork!