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England Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended England Cruises & boat tours

York: River Ouse City Cruise

1. York: River Ouse City Cruise

The York City Cruise provides an entertaining and informative tour of the historic city as seen from the River Ouse. Enjoy the sights from a different perspective as a friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream. Your cruise departs from the King's Staith landing. Admire the scenery from the comfort of the enclosed saloon or the upper deck and treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the bar. The duration of the cruise is either 45 minutes or 1 hour and is determined by the weather on the day and by demand. Your ticket will be valid for whatever duration is offered on the day of your visit. Typically the 1-hour cruise follows a route that heads upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of York city and then downstream as far as the Millennium Bridge on the city’s southern outskirts, before returning back upstream to the original landing stage. The 45-minute cruise operates in the same area without going quite as far in either direction, passing through the center of the walled city. During the cruise, the captain will keep you entertained with live commentary about the sites you pass. Learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port, as you sail along the river that brought the Romans and the Vikings to this site. You’ll sail on a vessel that features an enclosed and heated saloon, restrooms, and a fully stocked bar serving beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.

Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

2. Skipton: 1-Hour Canal Cruise

Welcome aboard the best 60 minutes of historic escapism you can find in Skipton. Enjoy a lively canal trip that proves you don't have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time. Keep your camera ready to capture the picturesque countryside scenery.  Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of “Phoenix Nights” and “8 out of 10 Cats” fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary. Above the jokes and laughter, hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution through Yorkshire. Food and drink are available onboard too for a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

3. Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise on the Mersey River

Step back in time as you hear about the Beatles and Mersey Ferries on this river cruise in Liverpool. Discover Liverpool’s iconic waterfront from the deck of a legendary Mersey Ferry. Hop aboard the ferry at Liverpool Pier Head and begin your water adventure. Have the option to purchase some delicious refreshments while you admire the city from the water. Listen to commentary as your guide points out sights Sail past the cast iron, brick and stone buildings at the Royal Albert Dock. Take in views of the architectural ensemble of the 1900-era 3 Graces which includes a stunning Gothic-style skyscraper. Hear about the Beatles performing on the Riverboat Shuffle cruises in the early 1960s to tales of smuggling, Mersey Ferries carry a cargo of memories. Find out how they are connected to the Mersey Ferries. Sit back and enjoy the fascinating commentary and absorb the heritage.

Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

4. Skipton: 2-Hour Afternoon Tea Cruise

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

Cambridge: Guided Punting Tour

5. Cambridge: Guided Punting Tour

Discover Cambridge University on a guided punting tour along the River Cam. Hear more about student life as you see some of the historic colleges of one of the world's most reputable universities. This punting tour covers the entire length of the River Cam, along which the colleges of Cambridge University are located. Soak up more than 800 years of history as you take in the historic sights. Relax in comfortable seats that feature traditional cushions and blankets. Enjoy interesting historic commentary from your punter, along with some amusing Cambridge punting stories. The 7 colleges featured on the tour boast some of the most illustrious and influential alumni to have graduated from Cambridge. Hear tales of student life, academic and social, from Isaac Newton to Prince Charles.

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

6. Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

7. Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Appreciate Merseyside and Liverpool’s iconic waterfront from the vantage point of the River Mersey on a sightseeing cruise. Then, soak in the city's sights from a hop-on and hop-off open-top bus with live commentary. Start the adventure from the Pier Head, where the 50-minute river cruise departs hourly. Enjoy commentary that highlights the city’s waterfront heritage as you take a ferry across the Mersey. Then, head back to dry land for an open-top city bus tour of the city. See the best of Liverpool from your bus and hear commentary on Liverpool's history. Visit iconic places of interest and learn about the city’s culture and history with a live guide on every bus. Hop off and back on to visit sites of interest to you. Bus tour stops: • Albert Dock • Pier Head • Liverpool One • The Cavern Quarter • Museums, Gallery & Library • Queen Square Bus Station • Adelphi Hotel • Metropolitan Cathedral • Philharmonic Pub • Liverpool Cathedral • St Luke's - Bombed Out Church • Chinese Arch • Cain's Brewery Village • M&S Arena & ACC

Manchester: City Center Canal Cruise

8. Manchester: City Center Canal Cruise

See Manchester from another perspective on a scenic canal cruise. Make your way along the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, admiring some of the city's key sights including Manchester United's home ground and the historic Stephenson's Railway Bridge. Board the cruise in central Manchester and embark on a trip to the heart of Manchester's old docklands and the center of the city. See sights from the modern Media City, now home to the BBC and the new home of ITV's Coronation Street, to the imposing Old Trafford football stadium and George Stephenson’s railway bridge from 1830. Pass by the first of the 120-meter-long locks of the Manchester Ship Canal, admiring the impressive Imperial War Museum and old Pomona Docks before heading into the heart of Manchester along the River Irwell. During the cruise, listen to commentary that describes the history of the Manchester Ship Canal. Learn about the industries that made the city one of the powerhouses of Europe in the 19th century and hear about the exciting future that's currently being built.

Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

9. Oxford: Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise

Traveling down the University Regatta course, the boat passes Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses, and other landmarks on your way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts, and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combine to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley you will travel into the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. The boat turns for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys. Aboard the boat an indulgent afternoon tea is provided by the renowned riverside restaurant, the Folly. The traditional menu typically includes: a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, a selection of cakes, tarts, or petit fours, and tea.

Cambridge: Bridge of Sighs Punting Tour

10. Cambridge: Bridge of Sighs Punting Tour

Enjoy the best Cambridge punting tour on the River Cam and glide along the famous, private, and sublime College Backs. Discover the secrets and inspiring history of the city from your guide. Punted by your own chauffeur, travel under eight bridges, including the famous Bridge of Sighs. Coast past the Wren Library and the Mathematical Bridge. See the pristine gardens and soak up the views of the stunning King's College Chapel. Relax as your guides tell you interesting facts and stories that focus on Cambridge. You'll hear about the renowned university, the riverside colleges, as well as the spectacular buildings that you pass as you drift through the College Backs. Book a place on a shared tour that seats up to 12 people, with 3 people per row. The punts are dressed with plush cushions, snug blankets are equipped with little tables.

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What people are saying about England

A really enjoyable experience. our guide ( sorry didn't catch her name) was very knowledgeable and funny with her commentary. Well worth the money and I will be bringing hubby when in London in June

Cool way to see London, nice slow pace, we enjoyed it, from inside, cause it is February, but it was very interesting!! I would recommend!!

Tour guide was kind and funny, lots of knowledge of the rivers, knows his stuff! Lovely time all round

Great impersonator and a fantastic time had. Thank you for a really good evening

Very informative interesting trip. A lovely way to see the beautiful scenery.