Gray's Court Hotel

It may be a city, and with all that entails - crowded streets, busy restaurants, lots of noise - but York still offers the quiet, calm retreat of a country house hotel, if you know where to look. They may not always be bang in the centre - though one certainly is - but nowhere in York is very far from anywhere else. York's country house style hotels all have the charm of historic buildings, many with gardens; some with spas, too. Food is a highlight and all offer a peaceful retreat after a day's sight-seeing. Indeed, in some cases, you may not feel like stirring from the comfort of the lounge and afternoon tea.

For the city centre

Grays Court HotelOlivia Brabbs Photography

  • It's hard to believe Gray’s Court is right in the centre of York, in the shadow of the Minster. The magnificent building, dating from the 11th century, wraps you in peace and comfort, with gracious bedrooms, a magnificent first floor hall, elegant fine-dining restaurant and huge gardens. There’s even private parking, and most visitors don’t even know it’s there.

Just outside town

Middlethorpe Hall

  • For a country house hotel near York – indeed, only 10 minutes from the centre - Middlethorpe Hall sits wrapped in gardens and parkland and is a stage-set perfect William and Mary house. Sitting rooms are scattered with deep armchairs and warmed with fires; bedrooms are dotted with antiques, and there’s a choice of dining rooms serving beautifully presented food. There’s a spa, too.

Still not sure?

Best Country House Hotels in York

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

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.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned to enjoy the best of the both worlds. Set in beautiful countryside but just 10 minutes from York's city centre
  • Total relaxation - An elegant country house hotel with pretty gardens, grand interiors, standout service, and a spa - ideal for a relaxing break
  • Foodies - The restaurant is a smart occassion with exemplary British cuisine served in elegant surrounds
  • Historic - An 18th century National Trust property that's part of the Historic Houses Hotel
from £203 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Grays Court

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.

  • Local exploring - Locations don'e get better than this for city exploring set between the Minster and the walls
  • Historic - With Norman origins, this is possibly the city's oldest continuously lived-in private house
  • Foodies - The small menu restaurant serves stunning British fine dining cuisine
  • Great walks - Discover the rugged beauty of the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks
from £220 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Helen Pickles

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