Last Updated on October 5, 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 visit Yorkshire, 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 even the most demanding traveller. 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 English 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 turn time away into something 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 central 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. Book a front-facing room for the chance to be greeted in the morning by the soaring spires of York Minster.
Inside, family suites feature a double bed, plus either a sofa bed or bunks. The cooked-to-order breakfasts come highly recommended. Dogs welcome for an extra charge.
Nearby family fun
You’re steps from York’s shops and restaurants, yet moments from the green oasis of Dean’s Park. While you’re there, look out for the statue of Paddington Bear munching on a marmalade sandwich.
Alternatively, its a short walk to Museum Gardens, home to large lawns, ancient ruins and the Yorkshire Museum (with its collections of dino fossils). Perfect for a picnic. Come summer, the Full Moo Ice Cream Boat is often moored on the River Ouse on the edge of the park (on Dame Judi Dench Walk). In autumn, the gardens play host to a rabble of spooky wire statues.
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.
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 available on request.
Nearby family fun
I always think this aparthotel is perfectly placed. It’s just next to Rowntree Park – home to playgrounds, ducks, skate ramps and the lovely Rowntree Park Reading Cafe, with its piles of children’s books. It’s peaceful at night, yet just a scenic 10-minute riverside stroll into the centre.
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.
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.
Nearby family fun
You’re just across the road from the Everyman Cinema. Housed in a cool Art Deco building, its cosy sofas are the ideal spot to snuggle down and enjoy a film should you get a rainy afternoon.
From here you can also enjoy the thrill of following in the footsteps of Charles I and James I and entering York through the Medieval city gate of Micklegate Bar. Resembling a storybook castle in miniature, the spikes on the gate were once used to display the severed heads of traitors. Horrible Histories fans will be delighted.
Best family-friendly 5-star hotel in York: The Grand
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The 5-star Grand adds a dash of glamour to a family mini break in York. Family rooms are a generous 398 square feet, with space for extra beds or travel cots, plus extras such as air con, adult and junior-sized robes and slippers, 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 to 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.
Nearby family fun
You’re brilliantly central here. You’re also on the right side of the city for the free National Railway Museum. Even if you aren’t a major train enthusiast, it’s hard not to be wowed by the scale and beauty of the collection, featuring everything from a Japanese bullet train to shiny steam locomotives. It’s well worth paying the fee to enter the hands-on Wonderlab gallery if you’re with toddlers or primary-aged kids. You can see our day out there on this Instagram post.
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 20-minute riverside walk from the city centre.
There’s breakfast available, a café and licensed bar, a self-catering kitchen, parking and free WiFi in shared areas.
Nearby family fun
You’re close to the green space of Homestead Park, with its playground and café.
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. The buffet breakfast has plenty to please even picky eaters. And you never know, you might get to slip away to the sauna.
Nearby family fun
While the YORVIK Viking Centre might be better known, my favourite York museum for little history lovers is York Castle Museum. Just a 10-minute walk from the Novotel, it was once York’s notorious prison. Now it houses a collection that lets you play old penny slot machines, learn about the First World War, and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of a Victorian street. School holidays normally mean lots of workshops and events.
You’re also handy for SPARK York, a welcoming community space slash food hall, with excellent menu options and a small play area for restless tots.
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, turning lights-out into part of the adventure.
You’re in the middle of York’s hubbub – just around the corner from York’s most atmospheric street, The Shambles, with its gaggle of quirky independents. This means it might not be the best fit for light sleepers. But if you have older kids who don’t mind a bit of noise and want some theatrics, this might be just the ticket.
Nearby family fun
The Shambles throngs with visitors drawn to its magical little spaces. The Shop That Must Not Be Named is a must for Potter fans. Meanwhile, The Society of Alchemists brings witchy vibes and incredible scents. The Potions Cauldron serves up shimmering drinks and immersive experiences.
Perhaps my very favourite, though, is The York Ghost Merchants: a seller of hand-painted diminutive spooks. I’m far from alone in my love of this retailer, and hour-long queues regularly form outside. If you want a shorter wait, walk 10 minutes to The Ghost Dispensary (but shhh, don’t tell).
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.
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