The 7 Best Family Hotels in York (2025)

Steeped in history yet bursting with fun, York is a fantastic city for families to explore together. Kids can hop aboard old steam trains at the free-to-visit National Railway Museum, step back to Viking times at Jorvik, or sail along the River Ouse on a sunny afternoon. Between adventures, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly places to stay — from hotels with spacious family suites and swimming pools to cosy guesthouses just steps from the city’s top attractions. Whether you’re here for a weekend of sightseeing or a longer break, York makes it easy to keep everyone entertained and comfortable.

Good-value family hotels

• Bar Convent Guesthouse is a characterful former convent offering bright, welcoming rooms and a peaceful garden retreat just steps from York’s walls. Families love the hearty breakfasts, warm hospitality, and handy guest kitchen—perfect for easy, relaxed stays near all the city’s highlights.
• 23 St Mary’s is a handsome Victorian townhouse with period charm, polished wood floors, and elegant, traditional rooms. Nestled on a quiet street between the Minster and the river, it’s ideal for families seeking space to unwind—especially in the inviting, homely sitting room after a full day exploring York.

Mid-range family hotels

• Children will love the fact that Dean Court is right opposite the Minster. They’ll need to get down to breakfast early to bag the tables with the best views. Amongst the contemporary style bedrooms there are five that are specifically geared to family’s needs (one with separate room with single and bunk beds). And the staff are known for their warmth and friendliness.
• For a family hotel with on-site parking, take a look at Hotel du Vin & Bistro York. Bedrooms are smartly contemporary with masculine colours – if you want lots of space, choose the main building (a converted Victorian orphanage) rather than the extension – and there are plenty of nooks and crannies for children to explore.
• For a home-from-home feel, choose one of the country-style cottages at Middletons. Sleeping up to six people, including bunk-beds, they’re ideal for helping families relax and do their own thing. Part of a group of Grade ll-Listed historic buildings around a courtyard, the hotel has a restaurant, parking, access to a nearby leisure club and is in a quiet residential area within the city walls, around 10 minute-walk from the centre.

Luxury family hotels

• York’s original station hotel, a grand Victorian affair, has been converted into The Principal York, a large and sleek, luxury hotel. There are plenty of areas for children to explore, plus the basement has been converted into a leisure centre with pool. Meals are good-value, too, with decent children’s menus.
• Equally luxurious, The Grand Hotel sits across the road from The Principal and just inside the city walls, it is one of York’s best family-friendly hotels. Bedrooms are large, and children are welcomed with colouring books and their own bathrobes. There’s a good-choice restaurant plus, for budding chefs, a cookery school for both adults and children.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in York,
• Browse through our recommended properties in the whole of Yorkshire,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.