York’s impressive living heritage, charming medieval streets and beautiful Gothic cathedral have made it one of the UK’s top three cities to visit. There’s a stellar selection of accommodation in the historic city, from cosy B&Bs to award-winning smart hotels fit for a whole range of budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in York offers something for everyone — whether you’re keen to immerse yourself in the city’s rich past or dreaming of a trendy city break in a modern design hotel.
A history buff’s dream, much of York’s city centre is medieval: a network of cobbled lanes — known as ‘The Shambles’ — promises surprises around every corner. Set within imposing 13th-century walls, the area is pedestrianised during the day (8am - 4pm) – ideal for idyllic exploratory ambles. Discover independent shops brimming with everything from books and vintage clothing to artwork and chocolates, then duck into a cafe for a well-deserved slice of cake, before rounding off the evening in one of the city’s lively bars. Spectacular York Minster is not to be missed — it ranks amongst the world’s most striking cathedrals.
York is a wonderful year-round destination with a fabulous programme of annual events — from the Viking Festival in February, to the Literary Festival in March and the gorgeous Christmas Fair in December. Time your trip accordingly, and peruse our pick of the best places to stay in York to ensure that you’re heading back to somewhere brilliant after a superb day of cobbled strolls.
The Principal York is a classic Victorian station hotel with elegant rooms, some of which offer superb views over the Minster. Set in lovely gardens (perfect for afternoon tea!), this is a smart spot both for travellers arriving by train, and for those eager to experience a verdant retreat right in the heart of the city.
Dean Court Hotel occupies prime position, just opposite the Minster. Chic modern interiors and smart black-tiled bathrooms are tucked behind an attractive traditional facade.
Hotel Indigo York has a funky semi-industrial vibe, with quirky design touches, a warm welcome and a true Yorkshire influence to both food and ambience. Whilst still within the old city walls, this property is on a quieter, trendy street in an area known for its eateries and vintage shops.
Grays Court oozes history — the building dates from the 11th century and is likely the city’s oldest lived-in house. It also occupies an enviable location between the Minster and the medieval walls. Bedrooms are airy and classic, and the hidden location makes this one of the city’s best-kept secrets!
The Hotel du Vin & Bistro York features quirky, comfortable rooms. The buzzing bistro, excellent wine list and smart, romantic feel makes this offering from the well-regarded hotel group an ideal spot for a weekend à deux.
Guy Fawkes Inn brims with charm, offering splendidly atmospheric rooms with dark wooden furnishings and exposed beams. On the site of the birthplace of Guy Fawkes himself, this is a stellar way to immerse yourself in York’s history — complete with hearty pub food and within easy reach of all the sights.
B+B York offers light, bright bedrooms in a lovely building just minutes from York’s historic city walls. Hearty breakfasts set guests up perfectly for days of exploring.
23 St Mary's is a plush B&B brimming with funky decor, housed in a Victorian townhouse. Highlights include a central location, characterful design and four-poster beds in the luxury suites.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is a majestic country-house hotel just ten minutes from York itself. Choose this spot for beautiful gardens, an award-winning restaurant, classically elegant bedrooms, antiques and oil portraits. Restful and romantic.
The Grand Hotel is a striking red-brick edifice, previously the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company. Think big sumptuous bedrooms, superb service, a luxurious spa in the former vaults and a whisky lounge to retreat to after dinner.
York is easily accessed by air, with regular international and domestic flights landing at Leeds Bradford Airport. Hop aboard a bus or train to York itself (approx. 1 hour).
Alternatively, drive to the city or take the train to conveniently located York Station.
If you would like to hire a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
Whilst the weather is warmest in July and August, clear, crisp spring and autumn days are well-suited to exploring. York is immensely popular at festival times, so do book your accommodation well in advance to avoid missing out!
Expand your search to explore the best places to stay in Yorkshire.
Alternatively, see our pick of the best places to stay in Leeds.
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York
Graceful Georgian mansion converted into an on-trend contemporary boutique hotel. Standard rooms channel a trendy modern vibe, while statement suites go all out. Sleek dining areas - including brasserie, terrace & bar - are all places to be. Works for both romantic weekends or upscale city breaks.
York (Yorkshire)
An elegant and peaceful townhouse B&B, a 10-minute walk from York Minster, with light and comfortable bedrooms, and a home from home atmosphere. Relax by the sitting room fireplace after a day out sightseeing; book a luxury suite for a four-poster bed. An inviting city break base.
York
A unique guesthouse in an elegant living convent. Newly refurbished comfortable rooms, a baroque chapel, Victorian garden and a glass-roofed entrance hall make this an impressive building. A cafe serves meals until high tea. Best of all is staying amongst the sisters of the convent.
York
A landmark building in York boasting a prime position opposite the Minster. A pretty traditional exterior opens onto chic modern interiors featuring soft hues, clean lines and chic black tiled bathrooms. The cuisine is unfussy, local and undeniably good and staff are friendly and attentive.
York
A smart boutique B&B in leafy Clifton, just 15 minutes from the centre of York. Eight individually designed rooms reflect the owners love of Victoriana and Americana! Think statement William Morris style wallpapers, luxury bed linens and toiletries. Stylish stay that's perfect for a York city break.
York
Located in the Mount area of York - Hotel du Vin has delightful, elegant bedrooms in a charming 19th Century, listed building. Expect lots of cosy romantic spots to enjoy drinks and nibbles before venturing out to explore this fabulous city. A chic base.
York (2 Rougier Street)
If you’re looking for a delightful, design-savvy stay in the heart of York, Malmaison’s latest outpost is just the ticket. Dining at SORA Sky Bar affords an incredible view of the city & beyond to the White Horse of Kilburn. Enjoy on-site spa, brasserie & meeting facilities. Fun with fresh feel.
York (Yorkshire)
A fun, modern hotel with a strong design sense, a Yorkshire influence to its food and a warm and friendly welcome. Plus, it's in one of York's trendier areas but still close to the centre. Book a premium suite for a spa-style bathroom. Very chic.
York
An atmospheric pub-with-rooms in the heart of the city, opposite York Minster and walking distance to the sights. Darkly cosy, with gas-lit bar and dining-room, bedrooms are elegantly simple with well-worn antiques, some with four-poster beds, plus there's hearty food and real ales.
York (Yorkshire)
A cluster of beautifully restored listed buildings centred around a courtyard garden is the setting for this refined hotel. Bright guestrooms are dressed in a soft pastel palette with vintage-style furnishings. The fine-dining restaurant is exemplary. A charming bolt-hole.
York
This large and handsome B&B in a peaceful and well-heeled part of the city offers rooms with a rich designer style and a flair for the quirky. With a garden and sitting-room, there’s plenty of space to relax too.
York (2-4 High Petergate)
This historic Georgian inn, in the shadow of the city’s medieval walls, oozes atmosphere from its cosy bars to its low-ceilinged bedrooms. Food is a cut above the average pub menu and there’s a good range of Yorkshire ales plus a hidden beer garden.
York
A chic B&B offering a superb location just minutes from York's historic city walls. Light and airy rooms are simply dressed with soft hues, light pine furniture and modern bathrooms. Hearty breakfasts are served. The perfect base to explore the city on foot.
York
This stunner of a Georgian mansion has been given a cool 21st-century makeover that retains lovely period details but updates them with a laidback style, minimalist bedrooms and a cossetting spa. Family- and dog-friendly, too. A stylish fun base with easy access to the city's best sights.
York
The perfect choice if you want to explore York but from the comfort of a country-house hotel. Classic looks combine with handsomely furnished rooms and a well-regarded restaurant, all wrapped up in acres of parkland - and the city just 10 minutes away.
York
A well-named hotel in a historic, former railway-company HQ. Expect five-star levels of service, a spa and a fine AA Rosette restaurant offering modern British cuisine. Bedrooms and suites are vast, comfortable and designed for the modern traveller. A spoiling stay to discover York from.
York
This hotel not only oozes history - the building dates from the 11th century - but is in an enviable location, between the Minster and the medieval walls. Bedrooms are light and gracious, the food elegant, and few tourists know it's there.
York
A classic Victorian station hotel set in pretty gardens in the heart of the historic city. Elegant rooms are contemporary and spacious with the best boasting Minster views. Sumptuous afternoon teas and contemporary-style dining are a highlight. A luxurious retreat ideal for exploring York from.
