Top York Outdoor Activities

Delve into the dark recesses of York’s history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits, and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings. 

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the Ouse River. Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the York Museum and Gardens. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.

Skip the standard group tours and enjoy an alternative history of York during this award-winning, immersive guided tour of the city. Pass by top attractions—such as the Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre—as you listen to your guide tell tales of witches, queens, and murderers that you wouldn’t hear on most other tours.

See a spookier side to York without the worry of getting lost during this guided ghost walk around the streets and snickelways (alleys) of the medieval city. Listen to your guide tell tales of York’s tragic past that you wouldn’t otherwise hear, ask questions along the way to learn more, and enjoy an atypical introduction to the city.

Journey back in time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of York, England’s quintessential medieval town. Your flexible 24-hour ticket enables you build a custom itinerary of York’s main attractions such as The Stonebow, Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens and more. With unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and 20 possible stops around town, you have the best of the city at your fingertips.

Puzzle fans need look no further than this immersive York treasure hunt murder mystery, set in 1491, that’s sent to your phone (over the Telegram app) as a series of riddles. Discover classic sights and quirky delights as you unravel each cryptic clue, unlock the path to the next location—and bring the criminal to justice. You’ll cover around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), with two optional pub breaks en route.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during an Ouse River cruise. Setting off in the early evening, sail past ancient landmarks and quaint riverside villages, all the while learning about the area’s Roman and Viking heritage. Keep warm in the heated saloon, where alcoholic drinks, warm beverages, and snacks can be purchased at your own expense.

Take the helm of your own boat and explore the river that brought the Vikings to the beautiful City of York by hiring a self-drive boat. They are fantastic fun, safe and easy to drive. Suitable for up to 6 passengers.

Venture into the wild and windswept lands of the North York Moors on this full-day tour from York. Drive through the countryside to reach North York Moors National Park and enjoy a walk amongst nature. Learn the legacy of Dracula and Captain James Cook in the seaside resort of Whitby. Next, spot filming locations from British TV series 'Heartbeat' and the Harry Potter movies in Goathland, where you board the famous North Yorkshire Moors steam railway for a spectacular ride home.

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

Located in East Yorkshire, Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park is home to dozens of exotic bird species and birds of prey, as well as animals ranging from meerkats and alpacas to iguanas and wallabies. Book your tickets in advance, and you’ll have access to the park’s 21 acres of habitat zones; can attend daily feedings, displays, and other educational presentations; and can even upgrade to have park keeper-guided meet-and-greet opportunities with the animals.

Combine two activities in one—a leisurely river cruise, plus traditional afternoon tea—on this sightseeing tour. Board the Captain James Cook in central York, and wend your way down the River Ouse. As you go, admire the city’s scenic riverbanks while also indulging in finger sandwiches, scones and pastries, plus tea and coffee (upgrade to add a prosecco accompaniment to your afternoon tea). You’ll also see the opulent Bishopthorpe Palace, home to the Archbishop of York.

Explore the highlights of York without being stuck in a tour group on this self-guided treasure hunt. No need to carry a physical map, as all of the clues and maps can be accessed through your smartphone. Along the way, pass by top landmarks, and learn interesting stories about the city that you might discover otherwise.

Combine your sightseeing with a delicious meal when you explore York via lunchtime river cruise. Board the Captain James Cook—one of the largest vessels on the River Ouse—and set sail from King’s Staith Landing. You’ll enjoy a 2-course buffet lunch, plus tea or coffee. As you go, admire the sights from the water, learn more about York's highlights from the skipper’s commentary, and even glimpse Bishopthorpe Palace: home to the Archbishop of York.

Set sail on a romantic evening cruise along the Ouse River and see York’s historic landmarks from the water. Sip a glass of Prosecco or non-alcholic beverage (depending on the ticket option) as you glide past the illuminated city skyline, and admire the riverside parks and buildings lit up by the boat’s floodlights.

York has an abundance of restaurants to choose from, but this dinner cruise experience helps you maximize your time in the city by combining dinner and sightseeing at the same time. After boarding the boat, sail down the River Ouse with commentary about the sights you pass, background music, and a delicious three-course dinner.

The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is one of England’s most enchanting destinations, but it can be hard to get around without your own transport. This private full-day tour from York includes a visit to the seaside town of Whitby, a steam train ride across the wild Yorkshire Moors, and stops in traditional market towns such as Pickering and Helmsley.

Experience York at its most festive when you visit in December, but don’t worry about crowds: this Christmas-themed river cruise makes for a relaxing way to see the sights. Depart from the city center and chart your way down the River Ouse. Your boat’s indoor saloon area makes for a cozy place to retreat, particularly with a hot beverage and an apple or mince pie in hand. Listen to festive tunes, learn more about the city, and catch glimpses of the lovely Bishopthorpe Palace, located just beyond city limits.

An immersive adventure through York's past and present. Unravel cryptic clues as we take you on a journey through the city. Meet figures of myth and history, solve riddles, enjoy charming cafes and quirky pubs. Do you have what it takes to defeat ancient monsters and save the city? Work as a team to decode each clue and search for a nearby answer. All sent to your mobile phone via Telegram or Whatsapp (free on all app stores).

Uncover the charms of 1960s Yorkshire on a full-day tour from York, visiting film locations from classic British TV show Heartbeat. Admire the rugged scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors, get a taste of local life in villages like Pickering and Goathland, and visit the seaside resort of Whitby, also famous for its Dracula connections. Along the way, visit Heartbeat locations like Aidensfield Station, Bernie Scripps Garage and Funeral Parlour; stop for a drink at the Aidensfield Arms pub (own expense) and tuck into traditional fish and chips (own expense).

Self-guided Travel Exploration Experience - 1 ticket allows up to 15 Family & Friends! - Over 100 Destinations & Challenges - Win Prizes* - Avoid Crowds, Kid Friendly, Hidden Gems - Start & Finish anytime - 100% Free Cancellation Our York themed scavenger hunt is a truly innovative way to travel and explore. Simple to use, great fun, and the best way to discover places and experiences you may never find alone. Take the stress out of planning your day trip with this perfect blend of challenge, fun and learning. Utilising seamless GPS technology, you choose where you begin, decide your route, take breaks, and when and where you finish. With hundreds of destinations and challenges displayed on your screen, you can attempt to visit them all (earning points and prizes) or simply enjoy the journey at your own pace. Whether exploring by car, on foot around town, or hiking across the countryside, our GPS technology guides you every step of the way. Make your day out an adventure! *T&Cs