Best Country House Hotels in York (2025)

Gray's Court Hotel

Encircled by ancient walls and crowned by the towering York Minster, York is a city where history is never far from view. You can wander medieval streets like the Shambles, cruise along the River Ouse, or spend an afternoon exploring its museums and independent shops. When it’s time to rest, York’s country house hotels offer a peaceful escape — many set in grand period buildings with gardens or spas. Some are tucked just beyond the city centre, others right in it, but all promise good food, comfort, and a welcome retreat after a day of sightseeing.

For the city centre

Grays Court HotelOlivia 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

Middlethorpe Hall

  • 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 is also a relaxing spa to top it all off.

Still not sure?

Best Country House Hotels in York

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

York

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.

  • 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
from CA$378 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Grays Court

Grays Court

York

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.

  • 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
from CA$409 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Back to articles

Written by Helen Pickles

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.