Last Updated on February 9, 2026
It’s little wonder that a place famed for Vikings, chocolate and trains is a popular city break with families. Here’s where to stay with kids in historic York.
When friends from our days living overseas come to visit, we usually steer them towards staying in York rather than Leeds (where we live) – and not just because it saves us changing the bedding.
York is one of those rare cities that can charm everyone. The proof? Even my picky 10 and 14-year-olds are fans.
Following years of exploring, I’ve written about some of my favourite attractions in this walkable northern city for Lonely Planet. But once you’ve basked in the history, gardens and museums, the question becomes: where’s the best place to rest and recharge?
Based on extensive research, local know-how, and some unapologetic snooping around friends’ and family members’ hotel rooms, I’ve put together a list of places from 5-star treats to budget-friendly bunks.
I hope it saves you some time wading through reviews, interrogating AI and crossing your fingers.
After all, as all parents know, finding the right place to sleep can transform time away into something a little closer to a true holiday.
What are the best hotels in York for families?
Best York hotel with a view: Dean Court
Best York aparthotel: Roomzzz Aparthotel
Best good value York hotel with family rooms: ibis Styles York Centre
Best family-friendly 5-star hotel in York: The Grand
Best family-friendly hostel in York: YHA York
Best York hotel with a swimming pool: Novotel York Centre
Most magical family-friendly hotel in York: Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
Best York hotel with a view: Dean Court
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The central location is a big draw of this handsome red-brick 4-star hotel. Front-facing rooms allow young eyes to gaze onto the soaring spires of York Minster.
You’re steps from shops and restaurants, yet moments from the lawns of Dean’s Park (look out for the statue of Paddington munching on a marmalade sandwich) and Museum Gardens (home to the Yorkshire Museum with its collection of dino fossils). Perfect for a picnic or running off some energy before bed.
Inside, family suites feature a double bed, plus either a sofa bed or bunks for the kids. The cooked-to-order breakfasts come highly recommended. Dogs welcome (£15 per night per dog).
Best family-friendly aparthotel in York: Roomzzz Aparthotel
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For families who want a kitchenette for rustling up snacks and money-saving meals, this sleek aparthotel is a great choice.
It’s perfectly placed beside Rowntree Park – home to playgrounds, ducks, skate ramps and a lovely café with piles of children’s books. It’s peaceful at night, yet just a scenic 10-minute riverside stroll into town.
Family Grande studios come with a big double and a sofa bed (two kids stay free), while the two-bedroom loft adds another sofa bed and a terrace for spreading out. Free cots, too.
Sunny days in Rowntree Park with kids
Best good-value York hotel with family rooms: ibis Styles York Centre
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If you’re after a good-value base to lay your head, this Ibis is worth adding to your shortlist. Family rooms may not be huge, but they do come with four single beds and a private bathroom. (I checked, and despite what some online listings suggest, there are no shared facilities beyond your own room.)
Inside, the look is fresh and modern, a contrast to the more traditional Georgian building, built in 1835 as a brewery. It’s a 10-minute stroll to the city’s central buzz and handy for the station.
Best family-friendly 5-star hotel in York: The Grand
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The Grand adds a dash of glamour to a York family minibreak. Family rooms are a generous 398 sq ft, with space for extra beds or travel cots, plus extras such as air con, robes and slippers for adults and juniors, and a coffee machine for bleary-eyed parents.
The newly renovated spa is suitably swish. Parents may want to tag-team a visit to the herbal steam room or Himalayan salt sauna. There are also dedicated family swim times (16.30–18.00) in the warm hydrotherapy pool for children aged over three. Just note spa access is bookable and charged.
The beautiful Edwardian building was constructed as a railway headquarters and is therefore very handy for the station, as well as all the sights.
Best family-friendly hostel in York: YHA York
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YHA York provides wallet-friendly digs for families and groups. Book one of the private en-suite rooms with bunks for an easy, no-frills base – bedding is included, just bring your own towels (I love our microfibre ones for packing down small).
Housed in a villa previously owned by the Rowntree family (of KitKat fame), it’s a sociable spot about a 15-minute riverside walk from the city centre and close to Homestead Park’s playground, café and green space.
There’s breakfast available, a café and licensed bar, a self-catering kitchen, parking and free WiFi in shared areas.
Best York hotel with a swimming pool: Novotel York Centre
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You’ll need to book your 30-minute splash slot in advance, but this four-star’s indoor pool is a welcome treat after a day pounding York’s cobblestones.
Family rooms are calm and contemporary in crisp whites and soft greys, with a queen bed and a double sofa bed. You’re well placed for the city walls and the brilliantly hands-on York Castle Museum.
The buffet breakfast has plenty to please even picky eaters. And, you never know, you might get to slip away to the sauna.
Most magical family-friendly hotel in York: Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
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For families seeking something different, this magic-themed bolthole is the sort of place that will conjure up lasting memories.
There are just five bedrooms: two sleep families of four, while The Apothecary fits up to five with a king-size bed and three singles. One family room lets you bed down inside a Victorian-style railway carriage, with playful nods to King’s Cross and a certain wizarding world, turning lights-out into part of the adventure.
The location is spot on, just around the corner from York’s most atmospheric street, The Shambles, with its gaggle of quirky independents. The hotel itself occupies a medieval house refronted in brick in the late 17th century, so there’s real history behind the theatrics.
Considering Manchester with kids? Read this blog post.
How to get to and around York with kids
By train
York is easy to reach by rail. The station sits just a minute or two from the historic centre, so you can be wandering medieval streets almost as soon as you step off the platform. Direct trains take around 2 hours from London and roughly 2.5 hours from Edinburgh.
Getting around
York is compact, and it’s easy to walk between most of the headline attractions.
The small caveat? Those postcard-worthy cobbles are charming but uneven, so sturdy shoes are a better bet than heels. Pushchairs can manage, but expect a bumpy ride; a baby carrier can be easier for navigating narrow ginnels and climbing the steps up onto the city walls.
Cobbled charm on The Shambles, York
Final thoughts
The beauty of York is that it’s compact, walkable and packed with things to do, which means the “right” hotel really comes down to your family’s style and budget rather than needing to do lots of soul searching about location.
Do bear in mind, though, York is especially popular during school holidays and summer weekends, when family rooms are often the first to go.
That said, if you are worried about crowds, I find that it’s very easy to give them the slip – a walk along the river to Rowntree Park normally does the job. As does a trip to one of York’s excellent but slightly lesser-known spots, such as York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum and DIG. Or the York Cat Trail passes through both quieter lanes as well as more bustling areas.
And the real reward of staying overnight? You can stroll the free-to-wander city walls at dusk, the Minster keeping its silent vigil as the light fades, and spin stories of ancient battles and betrayals to wide-eyed children who might just believe every word.
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