Grays Court Hotel York Room photoGrays Court Hotel York Exterior photoGrays Court Hotel York Room photo

Grays Court Hotel – A Favorite for Families in York

Book your stay on our website
and save up to 10%
compared to Booking.com!
Check rooms and rates
From$269 /night
Check-in
30Jul
Check-out
31Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Grays Court, York, YO1 7JH
-
Near the historic old town
Perfect
9.4
9.9
/10
5.0
4.5
/5

5-star historic boutique hotel beside York Minster with private garden access to York's City walls

Amenities & Grounds

Grays Court Hotel is the only privately owned hotel in York with direct access to the city walls from its landscaped gardens. The cobbled courtyard and leafy gardens provide outdoor seating areas with views of York Minster. Guests also have use of the Jacobean Long Gallery, oak-panelled with sofas and original paintings.

Rooms & Suites

Each of the 12 bedrooms is individually designed with antique furniture and fine linens. Rooms offer scenic views of either the gardens or York Minster, such as the Edwards Room with its split-level layout and copper bath. All guest rooms include flat-screen satellite TV and are furnished with period features.

Dining

The Bow Room Restaurant serves a six-course tasting menu from Tuesday to Saturday and holds 3 AA Rosettes with a place in the Michelin Guide 2021. Ingredients are sourced from the hotel's own kitchen garden, and the chef picks herbs daily for the evening menu. A full cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning, and drinks are available from the bar throughout the day.

Location & History

The hotel occupies a building with a narrative dating back to the 11th century and was once home to King James I. It is situated beside York Minster, a five-minute walk from The Shambles and within a ten-minute stroll of York Museum and Gardens. Guests can access York's medieval walls directly from the hotel's gardens after midday.

Sustainability

Grays Court Hotel has a comprehensive focus on sustainability, including organic kitchen gardening that supplies the restaurant. Ingredients are locally sourced and seasonal, reducing food miles. The hotel's private parking (pre-bookable) and central location encourage walking to all major attractions in York.

Highlights

Location: Beside York Minster, 5 min from The Shambles

Rooms: 12 individually designed rooms with Minster or garden views

Dining: 6-course tasting menu, 3 AA Rosettes, Michelin Guide 2021

Grounds: Private garden with direct access to York's City walls

Sustainability: Organic kitchen garden supplying the restaurant

History: 11th-century building once home to King James I

“The history here is palpable-direct access to York's City Walls makes it more than just a stay. Dining elevates the experience with a kitchen garden focus and tasting menus, though some rooms perhaps reflect character over contemporary luxury for the price. Still, the personalized service and setting next to York Minster create an intimate, memorable base.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Double Williams
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Aske
    2 persons
    17 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
  • Deluxe Double Fairfax
    2 persons
    23 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Fireplace
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
July 2026 - July 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
July 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Grays Court Hotel, guests are invited to indulge in culinary delights that honor local flavors and seasonal produce. The Bow Room Restaurant offers an intimate setting where innovative dishes crafted by a talented team of chefs come alive, creating memorable dining experiences.
Grays Court Hotel York Restaurant photo

The Bow Room Restaurant

British, Local
Ambiance
Modern, Romantic
Key Offerings
Guests can enjoy a short-choice, five-course evening menu, with specialties including mackerel tartare and slow-cooked belly pork, alongside champagne and canapés served in the Long Gallery. A comprehensive drinks list complements the seasonal offerings.
Reservation
Recommended
Dinner service available Wednesday to Saturday, from 19:00 to 22:30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 19:00 to 23:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Grays Court Hotel Location

Grays Court, York, YO1 7JH
Explore York
Explore York's Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
York Minster
York Minster
3 minutes walking
York Minster, a stunning Gothic cathedral, boasts intricate stained glass and guided tours of its history and architecture.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Jorvik Viking Centre
9 minutes walking
Jorvik Viking Centre offers immersive experiences showcasing Viking history through excavated artifacts and interactive displays.
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum
7 minutes walking
York Castle Museum features exhibits on local history and themed galleries, plus unique collections, including Victorian street scenes.
Clifford's Tower
Clifford's Tower
14 minutes walking
Clifford's Tower, a historic landmark, offers panoramic views of York and engaging insights into its medieval significance.
Rowntree Park
22 minutes walking
Rowntree Park is perfect for leisure walks, family picnics, and features a playground for kids, enhancing outdoor relaxation.
York Ghost Walks
10 minutes walking
York Ghost Walks provide thrilling insights into the city's haunted past through guided evening tours, ideal for adventure seekers.
Little Italy
3 minutes walking
Little Italy serves authentic Italian dishes in a cozy ambiance, known for its homemade pasta and exceptional wine selection.
Bengal Brasserie
3 minutes walking
Bengal Brasserie offers traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist, featuring vegetarian options and exotic curries.
Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate
3 minutes walking
Ambiente Tapas presents a vibrant atmosphere, specializing in Spanish tapas and offering a selection of local wines.
The York Dungeon
The York Dungeon
11 minutes walking
The York Dungeon presents engaging live action and theatrical performances, showcasing the darker history of York in an entertaining format.
York's Chocolate Story
York's Chocolate Story
6 minutes walking
York's Chocolate Story combines a family-friendly tour with interactive chocolate-making sessions, celebrating York's sweet heritage.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    York 4 min  ·  1000 ft
  • Airports
    Leeds Bradford (LBA) 77 min  ·  31.8 mi
    Doncaster Sheffield (DSA) 95 min  ·  39.3 mi
  • Train
    York Railway station 12 min  ·  3300 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 12 min  ·  3300 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Grays Court provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish
Number of rooms:
12

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Grays Court Hotel stands out for its stunning location right next to York Minster, making attractions easily accessible. Guests frequently mention the superb breakfast, often enjoyed with views overlooking the private gardens and city walls. While some guests have noted that smoking is not allowed in the garden, the hotel's character and beautiful grounds, combined with quiet and private rooms, make it a memorable stay.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 241 verified reviews
9.3 /10
Perfect
93 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.9/10
Location
9.9/10
Breakfast
6.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Pros
Excellent staff
Delicious breakfast
Prime location
Cons
No lift
Dinner service
Guest reviews
based on 241 reviews
9.3/10
based on 177 reviews
9.4/10
Rose from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Elizabeth Gray
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 08, 2025
9.3/10

a charming retreat

helpful staff hotel charm perfect location
the staff offered to carry our bags to the room, a nice touch. the hotel is full of charm and steeped in history. all staff are excellent, pleasant and engaging, a rare quality in my experience. the location is perfect with everything within walking distance, so we abandoned our car in the hotel carpark.
i found that smoking in the garden was prohibited (i am a smoker). i had to smoke outside the front door. it was inconvenient.
Service
9/10
the reception staff deserve recognition, they greeted me with smiles. the team provided attentive care throughout my visit. their dedication.
Dining
9/10
i enjoyed the breakfast, it was delicious (especially the pastries!). the hotel's menu included many options. evening cocktails in the lounge were tasty and well prepared.
Facilities
10/10
the hotel boasts a garden where i enjoyed relaxing under the city walls. the location provides easy access to attractions. parking is an added bonus!).
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Jade from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Williams
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: July 14, 2025
9/10
friendly staff beautiful hotel
the hotel is next to york minster. breakfast included superb food and a view of the private gardens. the dining room also faces the city walls.
I found that smoking was not allowed in the garden. This was a SURPRISE.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Grays Court Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Grays Court Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at Grays Court Hotel?
Private parking is available on-site for £20 per day, and a reservation is needed.
Which attractions are located close to Grays Court Hotel?
Nearby attractions include York Minster (0.3 km), The Shambles (0.5 km), and York's City Walls (1 km).
What dining options are available at Grays Court Hotel?
The Bow Room Restaurant serves a six-course tasting menu and a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast is included with each stay.
Does Grays Court Hotel offer Wi-Fi access?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Does Grays Court Hotel have facilities for golf?
The hotel features a golf course on-site.
What amenities do the rooms at Grays Court Hotel include?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen satellite TV, coffee and tea making facilities, and offer scenic views.
How far is Grays Court Hotel from Leeds Bradford Airport?
The hotel is 55 km from Leeds Bradford Airport.
Which languages do the staff at Grays Court Hotel speak?
The staff is fluent in both English and other languages.
How close is Grays Court Hotel to the city center of York?
Grays Court Hotel is approximately a 15-minute walk from the city center.
What entertainment options does Grays Court Hotel provide?
Guests can relax in the landscaped garden or in the Jacobean Long Gallery with original paintings.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.