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The Canal and Rivers Trust is responsible for the River Ouse which runs for approximately 21km (13 miles) through York stretching from the parish of Nether Poppleton in the north to Naburn in the south.

Check who's responsible for fly-tipping in and along York's rivers; for water quality issues including pollution incidents, contact the Environment Agency.

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Moorings for visiting boats on the River Ouse

48 hour visitor moorings are located between Scarborough Railway Bridge and Lendal Bridge on the northern riverbank of the River Ouse.


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Please note:

  • in flood condition these moorings are completely submerged
  • the Canal and River Trust are responsible for the enforcement of mooring bylaws
  • toilet, Elsan, refuse disposal and fresh water facilities are available within the Starr Inn complex
  • water facilities are available within Yorkshire Museum Gardens between 1 April and 30 September, via a Canal and Rivers Trust access key
  • the mooring area is used by tour boats and a seasonal boat-based café
  • Royal Gun salutes take place from Yorkshire Museum Gardens; for safety reasons moorings directly below firing positions are closed between 9.00am and 12.30pm on salute days

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Moorings for residential and private boats on the River Ouse

Residential and private moorings can be found in the Fulford, Bishopthorpe and Acaster Malbis areas.

York Marina, which is 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) south of the city centre, offers both annual mooring and overnight stops.

We do not run the residential moorings on York's rivers.

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Public slipways on the River Ouse

Public slipway onto the River Ouse are available in the following locations:

Blue Bridge Slipway

Kings Staithe Slipway

  • Location: bottom of Lower Friargate, Kings Staithe
  • Maximum width: 2.75 m
  • Nearest car park: St George's Field car park
  • Note: Kings Staithe is part of the adopted highway, take note of traffic regulations in place)

Marygate Public Landing

  • Location: bottom of Marygate.
  • Nearest car park: Marygate
  • Note: no moorings at the landing, keep publicly available at all times.

Queen’s Staithe Public Wharf

  • Location: south of Ouse Bridge, bottom of Queen’s Staithe Road.
  • Parking: the Staithe is subject to a traffic order, check traffic restrictions.
  • Note: no moorings at the wharf, must be kept available for public loading and unloading of goods (1989 Navigation Order). Do not secure vessels to the gantries.

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Rowing on the River Ouse

The River Ouse is the home for York City Rowing Club, University of York, University of York St John and St Peters School Rowing Clubs.

York City Rowing Club organises a number of annual regattas:

  • March: Yorkshire Head
  • May: Spring Regatta
  • June: Summer Regatta
  • September: Autumn Sprint
  • November: York Small Boats Head

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River tours and boating on the River Ouse

There are a number of guided river trips and self-drive boats operating on the River Ouse, get information via Visit York.

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York Millennium Bridge

York Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle route over the River Ouse. It joins New Walk to Terry Avenue, south of York city centre, creating a 3.2 km (2 mile) circular walk and shortcuts to Rowntree Park, York Racecourse and the University of York.

Get more details via Visit York, or see other countryside walks.

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Also see

Waste, Highways and Environmental Services

Telephone: 01904 551551