I

t’s impossible not to chill out on a river cruise through the centre of York. Asthe elegant red-striped riverboat glides out of the city and on into the Yorkshire countryside, you get to put your feet up in the heated lounge or soak up the rays on the sun deck.

Of course there are plenty of sights to see along the way; like the 4th-century Roman Multangular Tower, St Peter’s School (where a young Guy Fawkes first learnt to rebel) and the cast-iron Skeldergate Bridge, built by the Victorians.

But this journey isn’t just historical; it also gives you chance to have a nosey at the modern riverside penthouses that have sprung up – and catch the yummy aroma emanating fromthe Terry’s Chocolate Factory. Don’t worry if your stomach starts rumbling; you’ll soon be mooring up at the rather picturesque village of AcasterMalbis – or more specifically, the 17th-century Ship Inn.

In the 19th century, bargeskippers were forced to take their refreshment outside the pub but today you’ll find a warm welcome, homemade bar meals (including a barbieon sunny summer days) and the finest Yorkshire brew.

Then it’s back onto the boat to clear your head on the way home.