County · England
Where to stay in York
Roman walls, a soaring Minster and England's most atmospheric old streets.
York packs two thousand years into a walkable medieval core: Roman walls you can walk, the soaring Minster, and the narrow, leaning lanes of the Shambles. It is one of England's most atmospheric cities.
Stay within or beside the walls in a historic house or country-house spa, and explore on foot.
The shortlist
Best places to stay in York
Grays Court
A 900-year-old house tucked between the city walls and York Minster, intimate and full of history.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
A William III country house with a spa and indoor pool in parkland on the edge of York, run by the National Trust.
No.1 York by GuestHouse
A characterful boutique townhouse with a basement spa, moments from York Minster.
Best areas to stay in York
Within the city walls. Steps from the Minster, the Shambles and the best of the old city.
By the Minster. The most atmospheric corner, quiet once the day-trippers leave.
Just outside town. Country-house spas in parkland by the racecourse.
Getting there & around
Train. East Coast main line from London King's Cross in around two hours.
Car & transport. Best on foot; the centre is compact and walkable.
Car-free. York is ideal car-free: arrive by train and walk; a great base for rail trips into the Dales and Moors.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you stay in York?
Within or beside the city walls for atmosphere and walkability, or a country-house spa just outside for more space.
Is York walkable?
Very. The medieval centre is compact, and you can even walk the Roman walls around it.
How do you get to York?
The East Coast main line from London King's Cross reaches York in around two hours.