Best romantic hotels in York (2025)

With its historic streets, riverside charm, and iconic medieval walls, York is made for romance. Whether you’re wandering its narrow lanes, strolling along the river, or exploring hidden gardens, the city has a magical, love-in-the-air kind of vibe—sunny or misty, morning or twilight. Our list of the best romantic hotels in York covers cosy hideaways, peaceful retreats, and spots with amazing food—basically everything you need for a dreamy getaway for two.

For the city centre

Just steps from York Minster, Guy Fawkes Inn exudes historic charm and romance. Gas-lit bars, creaky wooden floors, and rich, moody interiors set the scene, while elegantly simple bedrooms—some with four-poster beds—offer a cosy, intimate retreat steeped in character and timeless English style.
Hidden yet grand, Grays Court is an historic gem dating back to the 11th century. Once home to the Archbishop of York’s treasurer, it features stone-flagged staircases, gracious bedrooms, and a vast first-floor hall ideal for afternoon tea. The elegant restaurant overlooks sprawling gardens framed by medieval city walls.
Set on a quiet Bootham street near the river, 23 St Mary’s is a refined Victorian townhouse with charming country-house style. Traditional rooms feature carefully chosen antiques, while the four-poster suite adds a touch of indulgence—perfect for a comfortable, elegant York stay.

For close to York

Just 10 minutes from York, Middlethorpe Hall & Spa exudes country-house charm amidst gardens and parkland. Elegant bedrooms feature antiques and indulgent four-poster suites, while the wood-panelled dining room, spa, and pool ensure a thoroughly pampering stay in a refined, tranquil setting.

For a garden

Nestled near York’s river and city centre, Middletons is a serene hideaway with a charming courtyard garden surrounded by Grade II-listed buildings. Light, airy bedrooms with vintage-style furnishings create a peaceful retreat, making it an elegant and tranquil base for exploring the city.

For foodies

Clementine's Townhouse Hotel in Bootham fuses stylish bedrooms with contemporary and antique touches, bold bathrooms, and the loft suite’s private sauna. The three-AA-rosette Park Restaurant serves Modern British cuisine, making intimate, indulgent dining the highlight of your stay.

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The 6 Best Romantic Hotels in York

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$374 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Guy Fawkes Inn

York

An atmospheric pub-with-rooms in the heart of the city, opposite York Minster and walking distance to the sights. Darkly cosy, with gas-lit bar and dining-room, bedrooms are elegantly simple with well-worn antiques, some with four-poster beds, plus there's hearty food and real ales.

Local exploring - An atmospheric hotel walking distance from many of the city's historical and cultural sights
Foodies - It is pub food but done very well - perfect for foodies wanting an authentic pub experience
Lively - The pub runs regular events - the Sunday night live blues gig is particularly popular
Historic - The history goes that Guy Fawkes was born in the cottage to the rear of the property

from CA$256 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

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$405 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Clementine's Townhouse Hotel

York

This large and handsome B&B in a peaceful and well-heeled part of the city offers rooms with a rich designer style and a flair for the quirky. With a garden and sitting-room, there’s plenty of space to relax too.

Short break - York has a good choice of attractions but it is also compact making it a great option for a quick weekend break
Families - Several pairs of adjacent rooms are in self-contained areas of the two buildings - well suited to families
Local exploring - Walking distance to York's many attractions including York Minster and several museums
Great walks - Walk along the old walls of the city and enjoy the fantastic views

from CA$263 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

23 St Mary's

York (Yorkshire)

An elegant and peaceful townhouse B&B, a 10-minute walk from York Minster, with light and comfortable bedrooms, and a home from home atmosphere. Relax by the sitting room fireplace after a day out sightseeing; book a luxury suite for a four-poster bed. An inviting city break base.

Local exploring - Set in the heart of York, within walking distance from the main attractions, this hotel is perfect for local exploring
City Style - Set in a heritage, Victorian townhouse with cosy interiors, this hotel has lots of local Yorkshire style
Families - Family rooms are available at this hotel, making it a favourite with parents
Great walks - Head into York on a long walk from this hotel and visit the main sights, including the Theatre Royal and Guildhall

from CA$184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Middletons

York (Yorkshire)

A cluster of beautifully restored listed buildings centred around a courtyard garden is the setting for this refined hotel. Bright guestrooms are dressed in a soft pastel palette with vintage-style furnishings. The fine-dining restaurant is exemplary. A charming bolt-hole.

Romantic Break - Couples rate this heritage hotel highly; book a cottage room for a charming country feel, with exposed stone walls
Weddings - Set in a listed property with an idyllic courtyard garden, book this hotel for your dream wedding venue
Local exploring - Set a short stroll from the city centre, this hotel is a tranquil base for local exploring in York
Sights nearby - Visit York Minster, a historic cathedral in the city dating back to the 7th century. The church is renowned for its architecture

from CA$258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The 6 Best Romantic Hotels in York (2025)

For the city centre

For close to York

For a garden

For foodies

Still not sure?

The 6 Best Romantic Hotels in York

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

Guy Fawkes Inn

Grays Court

Clementine's Townhouse Hotel

23 St Mary's

Middletons

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