Top York Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt-style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll unravel cryptic clues to unlock the hidden path to a location within walking distance. Decode the clue and search nearby to find the answer. All on your mobile phone using Telegram available on all app stores (like Whatsapp!). --"We had a great time, seeing some interesting hidden gems and generally 'observing' more than you normally do!" --"This was great fun for a sunny day out! Right mix of hard and difficult questions and a good walk too :)" --"A lot of fun - we've done a lot of these and this was up there as one of the best" --"Just completed the York trail - great fun walking round the city!! Really enjoyed it thanks." * Please be aware that this route involves the York wall, which has steps that aren't suitable for wheelchair access and requires lifting a stroller. *

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.

See York in a different way—via an environmentally-friendly pedicab. With a local guide, explore the highlights of the city including Minster Yard, King's Manor, Exhibition Square, Bootham Bar, and more. Choose from two lengths of tours, depending on how much time you have and how much you’d like to see.

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.

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).

A fun and different way to see York! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

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 wild winter landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on this action-packed full-day tour from York. Visit the lively market towns of Ripon and Masham; explore the royal castle of Middleham and stop for lunch (own expense) in beautiful Reeth. Then, marvel at natural wonders like Aysgarth Falls, Brimham Rocks and Klinsey crag; hear tales of Mary Queen of Scot’s at Castle Bolton; and soak up the atmospheric in the typical Dales villages of Buckden, Kettlewell and Grassington.

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.

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.

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.

You'll be immersed in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt-style adventure through York. Once your tale starts, you’ll unravel cryptic clues to unlock the hidden path to a location within walking distance. Work as a team to decode the clue and search nearby to find the answer. All on your mobile phone using Telegram or Whatsapp (free on all app stores).

Wine and dine on this wonderful evening dinner cruise on the Ouse, enjoy an informative and entertaining commentary and even have a dance to the background music. Your evening begins the moment you step aboard as a friendly waiter serves a delicious starter accompanied by a glass of house wine. As you sail through the city your Captain will entertain you with a sightseeing commentary, interspersed with background music that accompanies your delicious three course dinner, followed by a choice of tea or coffee and chocolates. Your meal is cooked fresh on board by our experienced caterers. And enjoyed whilst taking in the sights of the river in York and beyond by night. We also sail past Bishopthorpe Palace, the official riverside residence of His Grace the Archbishop of York.