How to hire the little red boats in York

When we see the return of the iconic little red boats York residents like me know that summer is just around the corner. 

Seeing the little red boats in York chugging up and down the River Ouse is a sign that spring has finally arrived in the north! For me, it’s as exciting as spotting the first daffodil on the banks of Clifford’s Tower. 

Hiring one of the red boats York has to offer is one of the best things to do on a sunny day in the city. The boats are affordable, easy to hire and simple to drive.  

If you just want to make a booking and don’t have time to read this article, you can pre-book your little red boat here. Otherwise, read on to discover everything you need to know to hire your own red boat. 

 

Essential guide to the red boats in York

 

What are the red boats York?  

 

York’s ‘little red boats’ are small, self-drive boats that you can hire for up to one hour to cruise the River Ouse that flows through the centre of York.

They are the cheapest self-drive boats York has to offer and, even better, you don’t need a boat licence or a drivers licence to hire one.

Each red boat York holds a maximum of eight people. However, the boats are small so if you are a group of eight adults, I think you’ll find it a squash. We’re a family of five which I think is the perfect number for a comfortable boat ride. 

If you’re short on time, you can also do half-hour rentals. 

 

When can I hire a red boat in York? 

 

The boats start running on February 10th and run throughout the spring and summer in York until November 17th. Rentals start at 10 am each day.

There isn’t a set closing time for the boats as rental availability depends on the light and weather conditions on the day. The boats don’t operate at dusk or during the night. 

 

Who can hire a red boat? 

 

You can hire a boat if you are over 18. If you’re lucky enough to look younger than 18, you’ll will be asked to show photo ID. 

You cannot hire a boat if you, or any of your group, are under the influence of alcohol.

 

What is the little red boat hire price?

 

Hire prices are per boat, not per person, so this is a cost effective way to explore the river in York, especially if you’re visiting York with kids or as part of a small group. 

In off-peak periods a one hour rental will cost £35 per hour on weekdays and £40 per hour on weekends. 

In the peak summer season and during school holidays, a one hour rental costs £40 on weekdays and £45 on weekends. York boat hire doesn’t get cheaper than this! 

This self-drive boat York requires a returnable security bond of £40 is required for all rentals and must be paid by card or in cash before you depart in your boat. The fully refundable deposit protects the boat company against any damage to the boat or late returns. 

 

Little red boat York rentals – how to book 

 

I always advise booking one of the red boats York in advance, especially in summer months. There are only 14 boats in the fleet so they book up quickly.  

You can book a time slot to suit you and your schedule so you won’t have to waste precious sightseeing time queueing for an available boat. Time slots are available at 15 minute intervals so a red boat can be fitted into even the busiest York itinerary. 

To ensure you get secure a boat and to avoid long queues on the day, book in advance here.

Another benefit of booking online is that you get free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure should your trip plans change or you get a rainy day in York and don’t fancy being out on the river. 

Boats depart from Tower Landing between Tower Gardens and The Lowther Pub (use postcode YO1 9RZ). It’s a two minute walk from Clifford’s Tower and a 15 minute walk from York Minster.

When you arrive at the landing for your booking, you’ll get to skip the line using a priority queue. If you arrive late, you may miss your time slot and your boat will be allocated to someone else. 

If you’re unsure of your dates and timings, it is possible to do walk-up on the day rentals.

However, you must be prepared to queue, particularly in peak season. Plus, any boats that become available will be prioritised for pre-booked guests.

 

Is it difficult to drive the boat?

 

These York self-drive boats are easy to operate – I don’t have a driver’s licence and I’m able to drive one.

There is a pedal for go, a throttle for speed and a steering wheel. It’s similar to driving a dodgem on a fairground ride but slower and with more control (and without the bumping obviously)!

It’s important to note that the drivers seat and front window are low down. My 6 ft 5 husband was unable to see out of the window when he sat in the seat so he had to kneel on the floor instead! So if you’re tall, I suggest sitting back, enjoy the ride and let someone else take the wheel. 

 

Where can you go in a red boat?

 

You must follow a designated loop route along the River Ouse and always drive on the right in the direction of travel.

The most scenic part of the river is on the right hand side from the departure point. I suggest driving this part first in case you run out of time. 

Initially, you will pass the Kings Arms Pub (one of the oldest pubs in York) before passing under Skeldergate Bridge. You will then run alongside Museum Gardens where you’ll be able to see the towers of York Minster rising behind the park.

You will chug past residential houses and the back of historic St. Peters School which Guy Fawkes attended as a child. The route becomes increasingly leafy and you will feel as if you are in the countryside even though you remain in the suburbs of York.

You must turn your little red boat around at Clifton Bridge and return along the other side of the river. If you have time, you can continue past the departure landing and continue through the city centre under Ouse Bridge.

On this route you will travel past Rowntree’s Park before turning around at the pedestrian Millennium Bridge to return to the boat dock at Tower Gardens. 

It’s an easy circular route so you won’t get lost but you’re provided with a map, just in case. Yorkies will happily shout at you from the riverbank to tell you to turn around if you venture too far by mistake. 

 

Are the little red boats York worth the cost?

 

We love taking a red boat out on the river with our kids and try to do it at least once every summer. We bring a picnic and enjoy the sun and city views. It’s great fun and the cheapest boat hire York has to offer. 

The boats are great value for money for families and group. I think it’s also a romantic thing to do in York for couples. However, it you’re a solo traveller, the red boats will work out more expensive than other York boat trips. 

The boat won’t have a recorded commentary like the City Cruise boat trips so if you want to learn something about the city whilst on the river, self-drive boat hire York is not for you. 

However, if you’ve ever wanted to be your own captain or just want to soak up the amazing City of York skyline, you’ll love the red boats York as much as I do.

Hiring a little red boat in York allows you to see the city centre from a different perspective and get a sense of how green our beautiful city is.  

 

Self drive red boats York – Useful information

 

• The little red boats run every day whatever the weather. The boats don’t have a full roof so if it’s a rainy day in York wear your waterproofs!
• Before you board your boat you will receive a short safety briefing so make sure you get to the departure point at least 5 – 10 minutes before your booked time.
• The boats are low lying on the river and have a very low side. It is essential to keep young children close.
• There are no toilets or storage available at the departure point at Tower Gardens. The nearest public toilets in York are in Marks and Spencers on Parliament Street or in Fenwicks in Coppergate.
• You are allowed to bring a picnic aboard but alcohol is not permitted.
• Dogs are allowed on board as long as they are kept on a leash.
• Like other York boat trips, the red boats do not operate in times of flood or extremely high river levels.

Self drive red boats York – Safety information

• Life jackets are not provided for adults unless requested.
• Children under 10 must wear a life jacket (provided free of charge).
• The River Ouse is busy with boats, kayakers, rowers and geese (!) so it’s essential to pay attention at all times whilst driving.
• Rowdy groups or anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed on board.
• Always drive on the right hand side of the river in the direction you are travelling.
• When passing under the bridges, go through the central archway.
• Always be aware of oncoming and passing boat traffic. The river is busy particularly at weekends.
• Boats must stick to the designated route. You’re not allowed to stop and disembark anywhere on the riverbank except the start / end point at Tower Gardens.

 

I hope this essential guide has convinced you to give the little red boats in York a try. It’s a unique and fun thing to do in York whatever your age or interest.

Happy cruising!