Best country house hotels in York

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

Olivia 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

• 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.

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  • Grays Court York 11 rooms from £220

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Middlethorpe Hall & Spa York 29 rooms from £203

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin Travel

    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. See More

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Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 14th February 2023