
Cottages in York
243 properties for Cottages. Compare and book at the best price!
Other holiday ideas and property types in York that might be interesting
At a glance: what should you know about renting a cottage in York?
- Historic charm with modern comfort: Medieval stone cottages, timber-framed properties, and farmhouses blend period character with contemporary conveniences including Wi-Fi and kitchen appliances.
- Diverse locations for every preference: Choose from historic city centre properties near York Minster, riverside cottages with bird-watching opportunities, The Shambles shopping street homes, or peaceful rural retreats outside the ancient walls for your ideal Yorkshire escape.
- Thoughtfully equipped for relaxation: Enjoy private gardens with seating areas, barbecue facilities for outdoor entertaining, full kitchens for self-catering convenience, and parking spaces for hassle-free exploration.
- World-class attractions nearby: Experience York Dungeons, the Railway Museum with iconic locomotives, The Shambles medieval street, Museum Gardens, York Castle Museum, Beningbrough Hall, and the York Art Gallery featuring Victorian paintings and Dutch masterpieces within easy reach.
- Acclaimed dining and hospitality: Discover highly-rated restaurants offering craft beers, traditional British fare, afternoon tea, and homemade cakes in historic settings loved by visiting travellers.
Cottages in York: find your perfect retreat
What types of accommodation are available?
Our York cottages include charming rustic cabins and historic city-centre properties. Whether you seek medieval stone cottages overlooking the River Ouse, countryside farmhouses, or elegant townhouses within the ancient city walls of York, you'll find something that suits you. Look out for amenities such as:
- Fast Wi-Fi throughout
- Private gardens with seating areas
- Barbecue facilities
- Full kitchens
- Pet-friendly cottages
For something thoroughly modern, look at apartments in the city centre. A B&B makes a good alternative if you'd rather not cook during your holiday. If a city break doesn't appeal, look at holiday lettings in the Yorkshire Dales National Park for rural calm.
What are the best areas to stay in York?
The historic city centre is the best base for exploring York's most iconic attractions, with properties nestled beneath York Minster and within the medieval streets. The table below details areas for specific interests:
| Area | Best for | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Historic city centre | Culture and history enthusiasts | Walking distance to York Minster, medieval streets, museums, and fine dining restaurants throughout the city. |
| River Ouse waterfront | Nature lovers and wildlife observers | Cottages overlooking the meandering river with abundant bird watching opportunities and scenic riverside walks. |
| The Shambles | Shoppers and medieval architecture fans | Located on York's most famous shopping street with timber-framed buildings and unique independent boutiques at your doorstep. |
| Countryside outside walls | Those seeking peace and rural tranquillity | Quiet cottage retreats with gardens and easy access to York's attractions without city-centre hustle and bustle. |
| Clifford Tower area | History buffs and ghost tour enthusiasts | Close proximity to the legendary York Dungeons, Clifford Tower, and departure points for the famous Ghost Walk tours. |
Guests consistently praise York holiday homes for the authentic historic charm of the city's medieval stone cottages and timber-framed properties, which offer a genuine sense of York's rich history combined with all modern conveniences. Visitors also highlight the private gardens and outdoor seating areas as highlights of their stays, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Exploring York: our top recommendations
York is nestled in North Yorkshire, northern England, where medieval history meets vibrant contemporary culture, celebrated for its ancient city walls and dramatic countryside surroundings.
🥗Where to eat in York?
According to Google Maps data and reviews, House of the Trembling Madness is the best rated restaurant in York. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.
| Restaurant name | Review score | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| House of the Trembling Madness | 4.7/5 | Craft beers, traditional pub atmosphere, and hearty British fare |
| Valhalla York | 4.7/5 | Authentic ales, cosy ambiance, and classic pub experience |
| Betty's Café Tea Rooms | 4.6/5 | Afternoon tea, pastries, and vintage British tea room charm |
| SPARK York | 4.6/5 | Contemporary cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and local ingredients |
| The Cut & Craft York | 4.5/5 | Premium steaks, craft cocktails, and fine dining experience |
⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Sarah recommends Betty's Café Tea Rooms in York: the perfect spot for traditional Yorkshire tea and homemade cakes enjoyed in a charming historic setting.
York Minster is the largest cathedral in Northern Europe, even bigger than Notre Dame!
Activities: what are the top things to do and see in York?
- Get a fright at the York Dungeons
- See some of the world's most iconic locomotives
- Shop in The Shambles, York's medieval shopping street
- Relax in the Museum Gardens
- Hunt history in York Castle Museum
- Discover Beningbrough Hall
- Enjoy fine art at the York Art Gallery
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Get a fright at the York Dungeons
York's history is displayed in gruesome, audio-animatronic detail in the York Dungeons, an extraordinary representation of medieval life in York including torture equipment which was used within these very walls. Not for the faint hearted!
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See some of the world's most iconic locomotives
Free to enter, York's Railway Museum houses truly special trains such as the Japanese Bullet Train and The Mallard. You'll also find a delightful model railway and a fabulous exhibition of railway memorabilia, alongside a picnic area inside a lovely natural playground.
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Shop in The Shambles, York's medieval shopping street
The Shambles is York's most famous shopping street and is a sight to behold whether or not the lovely stores which line it interest you. Timber framed buildings lean this way and that, apparently precariously, but just as they have for several hundred years!
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Relax in the Museum Gardens
The Museum Gardens, free to enter, house a huge botanical collection which is a delight to walk around. Enjoy a picnic on the grass or wander round the ruins of St Mary's Abbey which still stand proudly within the grounds of the gardens.
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Hunt history in York Castle Museum
This superb, interactive museum holds something of interest for everyone. Explore their excellent reproduction of a Victorian street, or step back in time right into the real historic prison cells!
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Discover Beningbrough Hall
This beautiful country home is just 15 miles from York and is well worth the trip. Enjoy the historic house and its well-kept grounds and give the kids a treat at the wonderful adventure playground.
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Enjoy fine art at the York Art Gallery
The York Art Gallery's collection ranges from Victorian paintings to Dutch masterpieces to 20th Century Lowrys. The gallery is one of the finest art collections in the north of England and a must-see destination for all art lovers.
Information about cottages in York
| 🏡 Cottages available: | 308 properties. |
|---|---|
| 💳 Discount available: | Up to 54% off. |
| 🌙 Minimum price per night: | From £28. |
| ⭐ Most popular amenities: | Wi-Fi, garden and barbecue. |
| 🐾 Pet-friendly: | 46 properties. |
