The river Ouse is one of York’s must-see attractions (if you can call a river an attraction!), and the most fun way to see it is by skippering your own self-drive motorboat from City Cruises York. Accommodating up to eight people, the self-drive boats provide plenty of room for you and your family to head out on your own adventure, navigating the same river that brought the Vikings to our beautiful city all those centuries ago! Pre-booking and walk-ups welcome – Pre-booking is advised (it gets really busy during the summer in particular), but they always keep some boats in the harbour for walk-ups.

*City Cruises York discount code: Save £5 on self-drive boat hire with our Little Vikings code – enter littlevikings5 at checkout or mention the discount if you book in-person. Terms and conditions apply

– One-hour self-drive boat hire

– Eight passengers maximum

– Available from 10am until late afternoon (depends on light and weather)

– Self-drive hire point: King’s Staith, York YO1 9RZ