Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Boating the River Ouse

Find boating information for the River Ouse

River Ouse

Length60.8 miles
Locks3

Maximum boat dimensions

Length17.5m57ft 4"
Width4.66m15ft 2"
DraughtTidal
Headroom5.94m19ft 5"

Boating on the River Ouse

Boaters 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. So before you travel, you may want to check our guidance information below:

Naburn Lock

Naburn Lock operating times

  • Before High Water (HW): 3 hours 
  • After High Water (HW): 4.5 hours 

Booking requirements

  • Winter (Mid Oct – Last Week in Feb): 48-hour advance booking required. 
  • Summer (Last Week in Feb – Mid Oct): 48-hour advance booking recommended. We will accommodate shorter notice where possible. 
  • To book, please contact the lock keeper at 01904 728500. 

Operating hours

  • Summer: 6am – 10pm (Last week of February to mid-October) 
  • Winter: 6am – 10pm (First daylight tide only, from mid-October to the last week of February) 

Additional information

  • Location note: Naburn Lock marks the end of the tidal section of the River Ouse. 
  • Lock keeper shift times: Now available on the Canal & River Trust website
  • Lock operations: All locks are mechanically operated and manned during the hours stated above. Self-penning is not permitted—all operations are managed by Canal & River Trust lock keepers. 

Emergencies 

  • The Canal & River Trust is not an emergency service, but will assist where possible. 
  • In an emergency, call 999 and request the Coastguard. 
  • For emergency operational issues, contact First Response at 0800 4799947 (available 24/7).

Local to you

Show me places within...

Explore your nearest canals and ways to enjoy them Find walks, activities and more within:

of

Last Edited: 18 March 2025

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration