York Hotels

York: A Journey Through History

Enhance your York holidays with a memorable 2-hour walk around the City Walls, the longest medieval town walls in England, tracing the lines of the original Roman fortifications. Throughout York city centre, you'll discover a variety of hotels offering gorgeous views of this majestic backdrop, perfect for immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage.

While you're exploring York's medieval roots, York Minster Cathedral is not to be missed.  Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers through the underground chambers of the Undercroft and explore the cathedral's 2000-year history. If you're feeling energetic, try the 275-step climb up the Central Tower for panoramic views of the city.

There's plenty of choice if you want to eat and drink in historic surroundings too. The Black Swan on Peasholme Green shows off its original 17th-century exterior and is one of the oldest pubs in the city. Or, you can climb to the top of Grand Old Duke of York's hill and stop off at The Durham Ox, where you'll sink into worn leather armchairs in front of the fireplace of this traditional boozer.

When it's time for a rest stop, you'll find great cafes popping up all over the city. Chocolate lovers can grab a hot chocolate or some homemade truffles at York Cocoa House or even try your hand at one of their chocolate-making workshops. Or, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and tasty afternoon tea at renowned Betty's Tea Rooms.

There's always a good time to enjoy York's packed calendar of events, including Spring's annual York Chocolate Festival, Summer's Yorkshire Medieval Festival or Autumn's Illuminating York, which sees light projections transform the city's landmarks. Cutting-edge light technology will give you a whole new perspective on Clifford's Tower and other iconic York sites. Why not pick a hotel near Clifford's Tower to be close to the action?

Foodies will be in their element here as some of the UK's finest produce comes from York. The number one spot is the bustling Farmers' Market on Parliament Street, where you can pick up fresh produce at bargain prices. When you've finished exploring the market, there are tasty lunches on offer at Henshelwoods Delicatessen.  Yorkshire has an abundance of farm shops, too so you're never far from great food.

Best places to stay in York to be near the popular attractions

York's ancient city walls encircle its charming centre, an ideal spot for a night out, shopping, or sightseeing. Within these walls, you'll find key attractions like the Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and Clifford Tower. The York Dungeon and St. Mary's Abbey add to the city's allure, alongside numerous museums and galleries.

Discover The Shambles' unique streets and York's delightful shopping areas, including the famed Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Staying near the station, or City Centre West, puts you within a short walk of these walls.

For race enthusiasts, the racecourse on Tadcaster Road, the A1036, offers nearby accommodation options in Middlethorpe, ensuring easy race-day access.

Where to stay with your family in York

Although popular for nights out and packed with students, York is a very family-friendly city. On race days or sunny Saturday afternoons, it can be very busy, but the atmosphere is jovial.

Besides the Minster and the Jorvik Viking Experience, kids will enjoy the historic city walls, the Yorkshire Museum, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and York Castle Museum. Another great family experience is York’s Chocolate Story or a trip to the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms (but be prepared to queue).

Where to find cheap hotels in York

In general, the hotels in York are either located in the city centre, or fan out along the city’s main roads, so you won’t find many York hotels in residential areas. You can find some good budget options outside the city walls to the east, towards Fulford and the garrison.

The three-star Best Western York Pavilion is a pretty spot to stay with lovely gardens and an old-fashioned elegance. Monkgate is very close to the road, but also home to budget accommodation like the Doubletree by Hilton (rooms ~£100/night). For great access to the Minster, but still outside the walls, try the leafy suburbs of Bootham and Clifton. The Minster Hotel offers comfortable and modern accommodation just steps from the city walls for usually less than £100/night.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Whether you’re here to shop, sample delicacies tour museums – or just to soak up the atmosphere in this magical city – you’ll probably want to stay in the centre of York.

Moxy York is a great option; a four-star stay for usually under £100/night. The decor is funky, and the communal spaces are inviting, with fun touches; there’s even a fitness suite.

Around the station and Clifton are both good budget areas that are still walking distance from the city centre. Close to the station, The Bay Horse is a classic pub with reasonably priced rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers. The rooms are cosy, and the pub serves roasts and pub classics and has a handy beer garden for summer.

Hotels with rooftop bars in York

You get a pretty great view over the historic city from Sora, Malmaison’s seventh-floor rooftop bar. In summer, the bar is a sun trap with a panoramic view and in the evening, it’s a romantic spot for cocktails with a sparkling backdrop.

Choose from a selection of irresistible sushi, Robatayaki, and pan-Asian tapa dishes. The rooms are just what you expect from Malmaison – colourful, modern and with playful touches.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Hotels in York don’t come much grander than The Principal, where understated modern elegance meets glorious original features. In the past, it played host to Queen Victoria, and now, the rooms are how you might imagine modern royalty would choose to decorate – luxurious but not fussy.

There’s a pool, sauna, steam room and gym. You can eat in the Refectory restaurant for good Yorkshire specialities or head to the elegant Garden Room to sample the chocolate-themed afternoon tea, in keeping with the city’s history.

Spa hotels in York

The Grand, York, is a well-known and much-loved five-star spa hotel, just between the station and the city centre. It’s one of York’s fanciest addresses, and the rooms are suitably spacious and luxe.

You can dine in one of the two restaurants, The Rise or The Legacy (which has a fine-dining tasting menu), book an afternoon tea or race-day brunch, or simply unwind in the bar, decorated in an old-fashioned elegant style.

The tranquil spa has a swimming pool, whirlpool, Nordic dry sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge and state-of-the-art gym; and you can book massages, facials and body treatments.

York Luxury Hotels

In the heart of the picturesque Minster Quarter, Grays Court has an illustrious history of hosting royalty and nobles – and a fantastic view of the minster, too. The rooms are unique and decadent, furnished with grand four-posters, freestanding baths and old-world touches. If the interior is five-star luxury, the walled garden is five-star tranquillity, and its produce travels just a few metres before landing in the kitchens of The Bow Room restaurant. Expect exquisite fine dining in The Bow Room and a more relaxed, lunch menu in the historic Long Gallery.

The 10 must-sees of York

• York Minster: Gothic cathedral with famous stained glass

• The Jorvik Viking Centre: A fully reconstructed Viking Village experience

• The York Dungeon: Ghost attraction

• City walls: A short historic walk

• St. Mary’s Abbey: Ruins of an 11th-Century abbey

• The Shambles: Shopping streets

• The Races: York’s famous racecourse

• York’s Chocolate Story: Tour through York’s chocolatey history

• York Castle Museum: Indoor replica of a Victorian street

• National Railway Museum: Over 300 railway vehicles on display