You are here:

River Ouse (Yorkshire)

Boats on the River Ouse in York

The magnificent York Minster stands sentinel as the River Ouse flows for 60 miles through fertile land and centuries of history, on its way towards Goole and the mighty Humber. The River Foss joins the Ouse at York, or Jorvik as it was known under the Vikings.

The River Ouse is a fascinating area to explore by water. A succession of historic towns and the city of York are connected by this wide waterway, with expansive water-meadow scenery and a wide variety of wildlife.

Navigators should note that the river becomes tidal below Naburn Locks, and the waterway downstream of Selby is not recommended for novices. The lower reaches of the river are only suitable for seaworthy craft.

See current Notices to Mariners for the River Ouse.

Download the River Ouse Safety Guidance leaflet (Adobe PDF) - The notes in this leaflet are advisory and are intended to provide guidance for leisure vessels planning passage on the upper tidal reaches of the River Ouse north of Goole.

Download York City Council's safety leaflet here.