B&Bs in York

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about B&Bs in York?
• B&Bs in York: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring York: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in York?

• Cosy, romantic stays: Most York B&Bs are intimate properties built with couples and weekenders in mind, with breakfast included and warm touches of character throughout.
• Where to base yourself: Staying within the medieval walls puts the Minster, the Shambles and the riverside on your doorstep, with quieter, better-value pockets just minutes away.
• Guest favourites: York's B&Bs receive consistently high ratings from Holidu guests, who love the cosy surroundings, generous breakfasts, and attentive staff.
• Food and dining: From adventurous small plates to relaxed brunch spots, the compact city centre is packed with highly rated places to eat within easy walking distance.
• Things to do: Expect world-class museums, Viking history and grand country houses, from the National Railway Museum to Castle Howard and the Jorvik Viking Centre.

York's B&Bs are cosy, characterful boltholes, most of them designed with couples in mind, though many comfortably sleep small families too. If a B&B isn't quite right for your party, you'll find plenty of alternatives across the same city, from self-catering apartments and characterful cottages to spacious holiday homes and rustic log cabins on the leafy outskirts. Whichever you choose, the most sought-after B&Bs in York tend to share a familiar set of creature comforts:

• A private garden or terrace
• A freshly cooked breakfast
• Fast Wi-Fi
• A kettle, coffee maker and microwave
• A television and in-room entertainment

With these comforts as standard, a York B&B makes an easy, relaxed base for exploring the historic city.

What are the best areas to stay in York?

For first-time visitors, the city centre within the medieval walls is hard to beat, putting the Minster, the Shambles and the riverside on your doorstep. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise York's small, independently run B&Bs for their warm welcomes, spotless rooms and the staff's genuinely useful local tips. Many travellers single out how easy it is to walk into the centre, and how much they value a relaxed breakfast before a day of sightseeing.

Here are our top-rated B&Bs from the past year:

1. Oxtoby's Upstairs - 10.0: A spotless first-floor stay for four with its own enclosed yard; guests love the central setting and the easy walk to the Minster.
2. The Lodge - 10.0: A roomy six-guest retreat with a private garden, praised for its comfort and space and ideal for a small group or family weekend.
3. Floating Lodge - 10.0: A charming waterside chalet for two close to York, perfect for couples; reviewers single out the peaceful setting and that rare on-the-water novelty.

York sits in the heart of North Yorkshire, in the north-east of England, roughly halfway between London and Edinburgh and easily reached from both by rail. The compact, walkable centre is ringed by its famous medieval walls. It's a city that oozes history, with plenty to fascinate anyone with an interest in the Vikings, the days of knights and ladies, or the age of steam.

🥗Where to eat in York?

The York dining scene offers an irresistible mix of traditional classics - including roast dinners with those all-important Yorkshire puddings - and international favourites. Loosen your belt and check out these restaurants recommended by our travel experts:

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Olivia, here for a weekend away, recommends Brew & Brownie in York: this much-loved brunch spot near the Minster is famous for fluffy pancakes and a friendly buzz, so arrive early at the weekend to skip the queue.

1. Discover the National Railway Museum
2. Spend an afternoon at York Maze
3. Tour the grand Castle Howard
4. Indulge at York's Chocolate Story
5. Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre
6. Meet the animals at Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park
7. Feel the thrill of York Racecourse

1. Discover the National Railway Museum

   This vast, free-to-enter museum tells the story of Britain's railways from the very first steam engines to record-breaking icons. Among the star exhibits are the streamlined Mallard, the legendary Flying Scotsman and the historic Furness Railway No. 3. With miniature railway rides, a working turntable and the chance to step inside a royal carriage, this is a superb day out.

2. Spend an afternoon at York Maze

   Open through the summer months, York Maze is a brilliant family day out with more than 20 attractions packed into the site. The centrepiece is the enormous maize maze, redesigned every year so the fun never feels repetitive. Beyond it you'll find tractor rides, giant slides and a house of illusions to keep all ages entertained.

3. Tour the grand Castle Howard

   A short drive from the city, Castle Howard is one of England's grandest stately homes, built between 1699 and 1712 for the Earl of Carlisle. Despite the name, it's an ostentatious Baroque country house rather than a castle, and its interiors are as opulent today as they ever were. Take a guided tour of the lavish rooms, then lose an afternoon in the sweeping gardens, with their fountains, lakes and woodland walks.

4. Indulge at York's Chocolate Story

   York has a rich chocolate-making heritage, and this guided experience brings it to life in the heart of the city. Over the course of the tour you'll trace the story of the city's famous chocolate families, learn how confectionery is made, and discover the origins of household-name treats. Best of all, there are plenty of tastings along the way, and you can even have a go at making your own.

5. Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre

   Around 960 AD, York was the thriving Viking capital of Jorvik, and this much-loved attraction recreates that world in vivid detail. A ride carries you through reconstructed streets complete with the sights, sounds and even smells of the tenth century, all based on genuine archaeological finds from the site. Costumed interpreters and hands-on displays help bring everyday Viking life to the surface.

6. Meet the animals at Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park

   Set within the grounds of Askham Bryan College, this small but charming park makes a gentle, family-friendly outing just outside York. Wandering its paths, you'll come face to face with an appealing mix of animals, from chattering meerkats and lively monkeys to colourful fish and inquisitive civets. The focus on conservation and learning makes it a thoughtful choice for families, and the compact size means little legs won't tire too quickly.

7. Feel the thrill of York Racecourse

   One of the finest racecourses in the country, York Racecourse draws around 35,000 spectators to its biggest fixtures and serves up a genuinely thrilling day out. Many race days pair the action with live music and a lively, dressed-up atmosphere, so it's as much an occasion as a sporting event. Check the fixture list before you travel, as the best meetings sell out well in advance.