The Best B&Bs in York

A five-minute walk to the magnificent grounds of York Minster, the elegant Georgian House B&B is a haven for couples seeking an intimate sojourn. There are 22 guest rooms available in this Grade II-listed bed and breakfast, all of which have been refurbished and soundproofed. It offers a complimentary glass of prosecco upon arrival, with the option to upgrade to a romance package, complete with flowers, champagne and afternoon tea.

Picture a Victorian-era establishment, complemented by narrow passageways and whimsical rooms. Add in cosmopolitan food, and you’ll find yourself at the Lamb and Lion Inn. It’s next to Bootham Bar, a historic landmark, and you can see the towering spires of York Minster from the inn’s garden. Stay here if you’re looking for a central location, excellent city views and homely rooms.

Friars Rest Guest House offers a quieter place to stay just outside the bustling city centre, in the Fulford neighbourhood. If a family-friendly guest house with plentiful riverside walks is what you’re after, this is an idyllic place to reconvene after a busy day exploring the streets of the Roman-Viking hybrid city.

Spend a weekend at No 21 York, and you’ll be instantly transported to the pre-industrial times when the B&B’s foundations were first laid. Beautifully refurbished, it offers complimentary Harrogate Spring Water, opulent bathrobes and a hospitality tray brimming with tea and home-made biscuits. No 21 York is just a short walk from York Art Gallery and York Theatre Royal.

Just minutes from York Minster, the Museum Gardens and the National Railway Museum, St Mary’s Guest House boasts sumptuous furnishings, free off-street car parking, same-day laundry services and a team of staff who will instantly feel like lifelong friends. Light sleepers will be delighted to know that every room features heavy-set black-out curtains for the ultimate night’s sleep.

Don’t be discouraged by B+B York’s simple name – this homely guest house is far from ordinary. There’s a good variety of rooms, including doubles, twins, triples and even quads. In addition to a traditional full English breakfast, B+B York also serves up eggs benedict with organic fried tomatoes. Pet owners will be happy to know that it also has pet-friendly rooms to accommodate your furry friend.

Opposite the former school of the infamous Guy Fawkes, Burton Stone Inn is an outstanding Grade II-listed property that boasts old-fashioned charm with a modern twist. The inn’s on-site bar serves real ales, wines and aged, malt whiskies and features a pool table, jukebox and live sports on TV. Each room has hypoallergenic bedding and a flat-screen TV, and there is a free car park on-site.

John and Lisa Lowery, owners of the Crescent Guest House, welcome guests with open arms to their restored Georgian residence. Built in 1770, it lies in the picturesque surroundings of Bootham, just minutes from top York attractions such as the York Minster, Bootham Bar and the Museum Gardens. Thanks to refurbishments, it’s now a tranquil retreat while still boasting a favourable location.

A 10-minute walk to the city centre, Bowman’s Guesthouse is in the Clifton area and showcases sophisticated decor with contemporary additions. With six guest rooms, this bed and breakfast offers clean, comfortable accommodation and bistro-style dining options, complete with continental and traditional English breakfast alternatives, all within a charming setting.

Presenting eight plush bedrooms, complete with super-quiet air conditioning, Tower House offers a modern take on a vintage guest house. There is free on-site parking if you’re driving into the city and a complimentary shuttle service into the centre. Keeping up with the times, it also offers an app that you can use to check into your room, pre-order breakfast, contact reception and check the weather forecast.