Where to Stay in York
York is the perfect compact city for a mini-break
The Bishop & The Bison
In brief: Boutique accommodation with a quirky theme in a Victorian townhouse only 15 minutes’ walk from York city centre.
Our highlight: They are fully licensed to serve alcohol so make the most of a fun weekend away with some breakfast Champers, or relax after a day exploring with a gin served up in their cosy President’s Lounge.
Insider guide: The Bishop & The Bison describe themselves as a boutique hotel with an ‘Americana à la Victoriana’ aesthetic. Incongruous as this might sound, their irreverent (but luxuriously executed) style has been drawing lots of positive attention, and they were awarded ‘Best B&B and Guesthouse 2023’ at the Visit York Tourism Awards. Guests can choose from eight individually-styled rooms, four themed around bison, four bishops, all with unique artwork by artists from Yorkshire and the United States. Breakfast (including vegan and veggie options) can be enjoyed in The Bishopthorpe Dining Room or outdoor courtyard.
Clifton, York YO30 6BL
07415 005150
bishopofyork.com
Tower House
In brief: A tech-savvy townhouse in the centre of York.
Our highlight: Tower House’s own app which allows you to do everything from checking in and ordering breakfast to controlling the room temperature.
Insider guide: This grand Victorian property was built in 1895 by the owners of Rowntree’s Chocolate Factory to house the factory’s doctor, but has been a guesthouse since the 1980s. There are eight ensuite rooms (all air conditioned), each with its own unique style and features including four-poster beds and spa baths. The full English breakfast is made using the best local ingredients but they’ll also rustle you up an English muffin burger or focaccia sandwich if you want.
2 Feversham Crescent, York YO31 8HQ
01904 655571
towerhouseyork.co.uk
The Grand York
In brief: York’s only five-star hotel, just minutes from the Minster.
Our highlight: The state-of-the-art cookery school here offers classes where you can learn a little extra about fine cuisine, before you try the real deal in the hotel’s three AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, Legacy.
Insider guide: Formerly the Edwardian headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company, now cleverly reimagined as a luxurious hotel, The Grand’s original features elegantly complement contemporary touches for a stylish finish. Even the ‘classic’ rooms are large by hotel standards – and they come in two styles, one encompasses the building’s heritage and the other is a modern twist on the building’s history. There’s a range of dining experiences to savour here, from the award-winning restaurant Legacy (with modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menus) to The Rise Restaurant Terrace & Bar (a go-to for afternoon tea), and you’ll want to sink into the seats in the intimate 1906 Bar for a tipple or two. Following a few hours of walking around the walled city, their skilled therapists offer a long list of treatments and beauty therapies in the hotel’s spa, home to a whirlpool, steam room, Nordic dry sauna and 14-metre swimming pool.
Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
01904 380038
thegrandyork.co.uk
No.1 By Guesthouse, York
In brief: A boutique hotel at the heart of the city of York.
Our highlight: Four-legged guests get a thumbs up – and they’ll get treats on arrival! There’ll be comfy dog beds in your room and dog walking recommendations for the local area.
Insider guide: Just a 10-minute walk from York Minster, No.1 By Guesthouse is the perfect booking for your next city break. If you’re travelling by train, the team will meet you and swap your luggage for a city map (and an umbrella on less kind spring days) so you can take in some of the city’s historic sights before checking in. The 38 bedrooms each have their own quirks and the spa (in the arches of the cellar) promises bespoke wellbeing experiences in its five treatment rooms. They’ve thought about every detail here from the Yoto Player for tiny tots, to record players in every room and even an in-house pantry filled with treats everyone will love.
1 Clifton, York YO30 6AA
01904 644744
guesthousehotels.co.uk
Grays Court
In brief: One of the most historic hotels in England with views across York’s medieval walls.
Our highlight: On warmer days you can head into their stunning walled garden (or the Long Gallery if the weather is less obliging) to enjoy a cocktail.
Insider guide: The oldest inhabited house in York and the only privately owned building with direct access to York’s city walls, the 12 lovingly restored ensuite rooms here offer unbeatable views of York Minster. Luxury is at the forefront of all the rooms, from the William IV four-poster bed in the Willoughby or the copper bath in the Edwards, to double monsoon showers, and a profusion of unique antique furnishings. The three AA Rosette-winning, Michelin Guide-recommended Bow Room Restaurant serves a sumptuous tasting menu overseen by head chef Ian Doyle, whose menu showcases ingredients grown in the kitchen garden alongside premium local suppliers.
York YO1 7JH
01904 612613
grayscourtyork.com
Middletons
In brief: An award-winning hotel with historic premises in York city centre.
Our highlight: Emperor’s Gym is great for anyone who doesn’t want to compromise on their workout while they’re away.
Insiders guide: Winner of York Tourism Awards’ Large Hotel of the Year 2023, Middletons is comprised of six historic, Grade II or Grade II*-listed buildings in a prime location in the centre of York. There are 56 uniquely converted bedrooms in buildings ranging from an old hospital to an old sawmill, all of which have been named after prominent local figures. For example, the Sir Joseph Terry Cottages are named after he of Terry’s Chocolate Orange fame (expect appropriate treats upon arrival), and are separate from the rest of the hotel with space to accommodate families of up to six.
Skeldergate, York YO1 6DU
01904 611570
middletonsyork.co.uk
Principal York
In brief: An impressive Victorian hotel in the heart of York, with great views of the city.
Our highlight: The interiors! The grand, late-Victorian rooms were designed by award-winning architect Goddard Littlefair.
Insider guide: There are 155 elegant rooms to choose from and the suites are particularly special, with spectacular views of the Minster and the historic city. Chic neutral interiors (some with a roll top bath) make them a perfect destination after a long day of exploring. For a bite to eat, visit The Refectory Kitchen and Terrace, a light and airy space that serves high quality traditional British food, and for a tipple, the popular Chapter House Bar is great for a range of local ales and expertly made cocktails.
Station Road, York YO24 1AA
01904 653681
theprincipalyork.com
Railway House
In brief: Eight stylish holiday homes perfect for solo escapes, romantic breakaways or weekends away with friends.
Our highlight: The seriously Instagrammable copper bathtubs.
Insider guide: Sophisticated and elegant, with Shaker-style kitchens, spa-like bathrooms with luxury Bath House toiletries (and the holy grail of free parking), each of these apartments provides the perfect home-from-home to explore the city of York. The pretty private gardens surrounding Railway House are exclusive to guests – an ideal place to enjoy breakfast and a morning cuppa in peace. Each French country house-style apartment (or platform) is self-contained – think Little Greene painted walls, original window shutters and Bert & May tiles.
128 Holgate Road, Holgate, York YO24 4FL
0800 699 0098
railwayhouseyork.co.uk
Guy Fawkes Inn
In brief: A medieval inn in the shadow of York Minster, with an AA Rosette restaurant.
Our highlight: Each guest staying here is offered a free guided walking tour of York.
Insider guide: This historic inn with 13 ensuite bedrooms is in a great central location, so a stay here means you’re perfectly positioned to explore the city. The birthplace of notorious plotter Guy Fawkes, a number of the bedrooms here have breathtaking views of the Minster. Head down to the candle- and gas-lit restaurant where fresh local produce is used to create a mix of classic and modern British food.
High Petergate, York YO1 7HP
01904 623716
guyfawkesinnyork.com
