York: Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise

Escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with York’s enchanting Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise. This leisurely one-hour journey along the River Ouse promises a tranquil respite, complete with festive tunes, hot drinks, and a delectable seasonal treat. Soak in the scenic views as the cruise glides past Bishopthorpe Palace’s striking facade, where you might even spot local wildlife. While the on-board facilities ensure your comfort, the true highlight lies in the chance to learn about the spirit of the season, all within the heart of historic York. What more could one wish for during this magical time of year?

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Christmas Experiences In York.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Cruise

2 Included in the Experience

3 Highlights Along the Cruise

4 Getting to the Cruise

5 Pricing and Booking Details

6 Scenic Views on the Cruise

7 Onboard Facilities and Services

8 Cruise Schedule and Duration

Key Points

A 1-hour relaxing cruise along the River Ouse, offering scenic views of Bishopthorpe Palace and local wildlife.
Includes a choice of hot drink and traditional mince or apple pie.
Access to on-board facilities, such as a bar and restrooms, as well as live commentary and Christmas music.
Convenient parking options and easy accessibility from the Kings Staith landing and Ouse Bridge.
Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Cruise

The Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise offers a 1-hour relaxing journey along the picturesque River Ouse, providing scenic views and a festive atmosphere.

This delightful cruise allows visitors to soak in the beauty of York’s surroundings while enjoying a choice of hot drink and a traditional mince or apple pie.

Throughout the cruise, passengers can access the on-board facilities, including a bar and restrooms, and listen to live commentary and traditional Christmas music, creating a truly immersive experience.

One of the highlights is sailing past Bishopthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York, offering a unique perspective of this historic landmark.

The cruise also provides opportunities to spot local wildlife, such as swans, cormorants, and kingfishers, adding to the tranquil ambiance.

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Included in the Experience

A choice of hot drink, including tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, along with a mince or apple pie, are included in the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise experience.

Passengers also have access to the on-board facilities, such as a bar and restrooms, throughout the 1-hour journey.

The cruise provides live commentary and traditional Christmas background music, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenic views or want to experience the Christmas spirit on the River Ouse, the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise offers an enchanting and memorable experience.

Highlights Along the Cruise

Sailing past Bishopthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York, offers passengers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural splendor.

Attendees can also spot an array of wildlife, including graceful swans, diving cormorants, and the elusive kingfisher, adding to the serene and picturesque ambiance of the cruise.

The highlights of the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise include:

Witnessing the stunning façade of Bishopthorpe Palace
Observing the vibrant birdlife along the River Ouse
Enjoying the festive atmosphere with traditional Christmas music
Experiencing the tranquility of a river cruise in the heart of York

Getting to the Cruise

To reach the Kings Staith landing for the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise, visitors can take advantage of the convenient parking options in the area.

The St. George’s Field (YO10 4AB) and Castle (YO1 9RY) car parks are the closest options, located just a short walk from the departure point.

For those arriving by train, the landing can be easily accessed by following the directions across the Ouse Bridge.

The cruise’s central location in the heart of York makes it readily accessible, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the festive ambiance and scenic views along the River Ouse.

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Pricing and Booking Details

The Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise offers pricing from €17.87 per person, allowing visitors to reserve their spot and pay later.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for those planning their festive outings.

Booking this cruise is easy and convenient:

Choose your desired date and time.
Reserve your spot and pay later.
Take advantage of the free cancellation policy if needed.
Arrive at the meeting point and enjoy the relaxing cruise along the River Ouse.

With these practical pricing and booking details, visitors can look forward to a merry and stress-free Christmas experience aboard the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise.

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Scenic Views on the Cruise

As passengers embark on the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise, they’ll be treated to a picturesque journey along the River Ouse, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including graceful swans, majestic cormorants, and the elusive kingfisher.

The cruise also offers a unique vantage point to admire the towering spires of Bishopthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York.

With the festive ambiance and live commentary, the cruise provides a delightful way to experience the beauty of York’s natural surroundings during the holiday season.

Onboard Facilities and Services

Complementing the scenic views, the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise offers passengers access to a range of onboard facilities and services, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the journey.

Aboard the vessel, guests can take advantage of the following:

A fully-stocked bar serving a selection of hot and cold beverages.
Conveniently located restrooms for passenger comfort.

Live commentary from knowledgeable guides, providing insights into the local history and points of interest.

Background music that sets the festive tone, with traditional Christmas tunes playing throughout the cruise.

These amenities, coupled with the stunning vistas of the River Ouse, create a truly memorable yuletide experience for all who embark on the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise.

Cruise Schedule and Duration

The Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise runs on a scheduled basis, with cruises departing at regular intervals throughout the festive season. The cruises last for approximately one hour, allowing guests to soak in the festive ambiance and scenic views along the River Ouse.

Cruise Schedule
Departure Times	Frequency	Duration
11:00 AM	Every Hour	1 Hour
12:00 PM	Every Hour	1 Hour
2:00 PM	Every Hour	1 Hour

The relaxing cruise offers the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy the tranquility of York’s picturesque waterways.

Recap

The York: Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise offers a delightful and immersive holiday experience.

Travelers can enjoy scenic views, live commentary, and festive music as they sail along the River Ouse.

With a choice of hot drink and mince or apple pie, and access to onboard facilities, it’s a truly memorable way to celebrate the season in the heart of York.

You can check if your dates are available here: