Last Updated on June 30, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
York is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and it is certainly a great place to visit for a mini family holiday. Steeped in history and culture, this medieval city is the perfect destination for families looking for adventure. There is so much to see and experience in York, from a walk down The Shambles, an awe-inspiring and photogenic ancient, cobbled street, to a journey back in time as you visit the action-packed Jorvik Viking Centre.
The National Railway Museum is a great day out, with endless fun and educational opportunities, plus there is the option to make your own chocolate at Yorks Chocolate Story. With all of these amazing attractions to enjoy, you are going to want a fabulous place to stay so let’s explore the 8 of the Best Family-Friendly Hotels in York for families. If you click on a link in this piece, we may earn affiliate revenue.
In a hurry why not check out our Top Pick?
- Located next to the river
- Great York City Centre location
- Audio available in different languages
In no particular order …
1. Principal York
4★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : Station Road, York, YO24 1AA
Hotel Information – If you are looking for a central base, with a luxury hotel in York City, then the Principal, York is an excellent option. Located just a few steps from York train station, any journey to visit the surrounding area and other local towns such as Harrogate and Ripon is easy.
The rooms at the Principal are elegant, and decorated using sympathetic neutral tones, creating a peaceful oasis in which to rest. Virtually all of York’s finest attractions are accessible by a short walk on foot, and certainly by a short bus or taxi ride. There is a nice-sized indoor pool where you can enjoy a relaxing dip, plus make use of the sauna and jacuzzi.
There is an on-site gym which is well-equipped and air-conditioned ensuring optimum comfort. At the hotel restaurant, the Refectory Kitchen & Terrace, they showcase the best ingredients from York and its surrounding farm and countryside and serve the very best in British cuisine.
➥ This hotel has a swimming pool
➥ This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds
2. Hilton York
4★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : 1, Tower Street, York, Yo1 9WD
Hotel Information – The Hilton York is a fabulous great value for money hotel, located in a prime location inside the York City walls, which are of Roman origin. The contemporary style rooms here are comfortable and bright. There is the option to book connecting rooms, which is excellent for those travelling with family.
You can safely put the little ones to bed in their own room after an exhausting day of exploring, while you enjoy a glass of wine in the room next door. The interconnecting door makes it like home from home. Central to all of the most popular attractions in York City, the Hilton York is literally just a few minutes walk from the York Castle Museum and the much-hyped Jorvik Viking Centre.
The hotel restaurant offers unique views of Cliffords Tower and serves both local dishes as well as European cuisine. Children 5 years and under are invited to enjoy breakfast from the buffet.
➥ Situated in the real heart of York, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.4
➥ Private parking at the hotel
➥ Situated in the real heart of York, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.4
➥ Private parking at the hotel
3. Middletons
4★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DU
Hotel Information – At the award-winning hotel, Middletons, they have considered every little detail of your stay, in order to ensure that you and your family have the most comfortable visit possible. Each room showcases a famous figure from York’s past or present.
For example, there are the Sir Joseph Terry cottages or the Lady Cromwell House. Cute and thoughtful finishing touches are evident in every room, setting this grand yet homely hotel aside from the rest. Comfort is the key in each room, with beautiful quality furniture and bedding, as well as chunky biscuits and milk for a good old cup of tea.
The on-site restaurant serves exceptionally good food. From a simple snack to a long leisurely lunch, you can be assured of a sensational meal. The Afternoon Tea is very popular here, so be sure to taste this quintessentially English treat for yourself. There is a gym on-site for guests to use, which also hosts regular fitness and yoga classes.
➥ Situated in the real heart of York
➥ Family Rooms
4. Dean Court
4★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : Duncombe Place, York, YO1 7EF
Hotel Information – Dean Court boasts a very grand exterior and a superb location alongside the splendour of the world-famous York Minster. This central location means you are always close to the action of the city and also very near to all its best attractions. Dean Court is one of the best hotels for enjoying some of the best views in the city.
In fact, if you book a front-facing room then your window offers views out over the York Minster. Each room is individually decorated, all are equally comfortable and large family rooms are also available, perfect for those travelling with kids. You can also book dog-friendly rooms so even the four-pawed family members can join you during your stay.
Guests of the boutique hotel receive a complimentary full English breakfast as part of their stay. The whole family is invited to enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant too, where superb quality cuisine is served, made from locally sourced ingredients where possible.
➥ Situated in the real heart of York, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.9
➥ This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds.
5. Radisson Hotel York
3★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : North Street, York, Y01 6JF
Hotel Information – The Radisson Hotel York offers a convenient location, ideal for tourists, overlooking the River Ouse in the heart of the city. Views can be enjoyed from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Each of the two hundred hotel rooms are comfortably decorated and features cute and thoughtful extras to ensure you have the very best stay.
The rooms all feature air conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities. There are family rooms available for larger parties and ideal for those travelling with younger children. This is the ideal space and convenience when travelling with little ones. The connecting rooms and additional sofa bed allow you to enjoy extra space and privacy, plus baby cots are available at reception upon request.
When it comes to mealtimes there is a superb restaurant at the Radisson. You can choose to have a full English breakfast or enjoy a variety of food from the International buffet. High chairs are available for the happiness and safety of younger guests.
➥ Modern air-conditioned accommodation
➥ Family rooms
6. Guy Fawkes Inn
4★inn ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : City Centre, 25 Petergate, York
Hotel Information – Guy Fawkes Inn is a unique hotel located in the heart of York City under the imposing shadow of the York Minster. This place is dedicated to the story of Guy Fawkes who was born here way back in 1570. Throughout the property are facts and information about this infamous character and his world-famous plot.
A stay here is a great way to introduce a big part of English history to the kids, in a fun and interesting way. The Guy Fawkes Inn offers its guests complimentary guided tours through the historic sites of York. The hotel itself offers 13 four-star rooms, all varying in size and decoration.
The restaurant at the hotel is lit by gas lamps, to create an authentic ambience of the time it represents. This AA Rosette award winner serves the very best in classic British cuisine and regional real ales!
➥ All 13 individually furnished rooms have comforts such as free WiFi and free newspapers
➥ Guest reviews highly rate the overall comfort of rooms at the property.
7. The Grand
5★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : York, Station Rise, YO1 6GD
Hotel Information – The Grand is a splendid, luxury 5-star property with spacious rooms, it is in a great location located in the centre of York and close to all the city’s very best attractions. The Grand warmly welcomes families to base themselves with them as they explore the historic surroundings.
They offer a variety of family packages so be sure to discuss these with them on booking. The hotel offers plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy too including a state-of-the-art Cookery School where Parent & Child classes can be enjoyed, or for something more relaxing, the relaxing spa facilities are family-friendly and even offer an under sixteen’s manicure!
When it comes to mealtimes you can choose from dining in one of the best restaurants in York, The Rise Restaurant for dinner or afternoon tea or choose to indulge in one of two Spring-inspired tasting menus in the fine dining restaurant, Legacy. Or you can ring for room service. Whichever you choose, you will be served stunning cuisine created using locally sourced organic ingredients by seriously talented chefs.
➥ This hotel was highly rated for its very comfy beds.
➥ Indoor swimming pool
8. Novotel York Centre
4★hotel ➥ BOOK Here
Address ? : Fishergate, York YO10 4FD
Hotel Information – The Novotel in York city centre is a comfortable and practical hotel that offers a perfect place to stay for families visiting York. It offers pleasant views across the River Foss, and four-star service and facilities.
You have the opportunity to book a large family room, ideal for parents travelling with younger children. The Novotel York Centre welcomes your furry family members too, being pet friendly and providing specific rooms for those travelling with animals. The guest rooms are modern, bright, and well-equipped.
The trendy, on-site Gourmet Bar serves meals and snacks throughout the day and into the evening. Here, you can enjoy a range of local and international cuisine, simple yet authentic, in a casual and informal setting. Why not treat yourselves to one of the delicious afternoon tea packages on offer too? The perfect way to spend the afternoon in the superb city of York!
➥ Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast
➥ All rooms have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning
Please conduct your own research through reviews and the booking website with regard to the facilities, the rooms and the upkeep of the above hotels. The above information is for reference only.
