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Welcome to York - The River Route

6 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | York, England

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years.

With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights.

We offer two Welcome to York walks, aimed at people new to the city. On our River Route we’ll take a waterside walk through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via St Mary’s Abbey, the River Ouse, and King’s Staith, we’ll tell tales of fights and floods, monks and merchants, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart - or maybe the moat - of York Castle.

What's Included

  • Unique expertise from our PhD-qualified leaders

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Museum Gardens
    Museum Street, York YO1 7FR, UK

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Clifford's Tower
    Tower Street, York YO1 9SA, UK

    We finish the walk at the foot of Clifford's Tower, near the York Castle Museum.

    What To Expect

    St. Mary's Abbey

    See the spectacular ruins of St Mary's Abbey and learn about King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Hamlet Of St Marygate

    Walking down from Museum Gardens onto Marygate, we'll see how this ancient street connected the River Ouse to the main road north. We'll see the old abbey walls, and Marygate Tower, and discuss how St Mary's Abbey controlled huge areas of medieval Yorkshire.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Ouse Bridge

    A bridge has crossed the Ouse here for over a thousand years. Learn about its amazing history.
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    5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    King's Staith

    See the River Ouse from King's Staith, York's main quay for more than 500 years. Hear stories of York's medieval water lanes, and learn why very few kings ever landed at King's Staith!
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

    Clifford's Tower

    Finish the walk with a view of the dramatic medieval keep of York Castle, and learn about its remarkable history. Clifford's Tower is well worth a visit after our walk finishes.
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    10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Welcome to York – The River Route?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-317401P4

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    5.00
    6 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    6
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

    Loading Options
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Unique expertise from our PhD-qualified leaders

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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    Free Cancellation

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    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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