With the May half-term arriving and summer just around the corner, spending an afternoon on the Ouse is hard to beat when the sun is shining in York. Whether you’re a resident, or just visiting with the kids, getting out on the river offers a lovely change of pace!

If you want to take things easy and give little legs a rest, the York Sightseeing Cruise is a great way for all ages to experience the city’s oldest landmark: the river itself! Grab a cold drink from the onboard bar, sit back together on the open-air deck, and watch the history drift by. There is even a Fish and Chips Cruise if your crew fancies a classic dinner on the water, letting you avoid the hassle of finding a table in a busy restaurant.

For something a bit more hands-on during the school break, you can drive the boat yourself! Hiring a Self-Drive Boat lets you be the captain, steering up to four family members along the river. It gives you the freedom to pack some snacks and explore entirely at your own pace, which is always a bonus when traveling with children.

Later on, swapping a busy pub garden for a breeze on the water is a lovely way for the whole family to wind down. The ‘Alive After Five’ cruise lets you relax and catch the sunset as the city quiets down, making for a peaceful end to the day before heading back!

This is a sponsored post in partnership with our friends at City Cruises York