York Hotels

One of the earliest cities to exist on our fair island and the county town of beautiful Yorkshire, ‘God's own garden,' York has a long and interesting history, much of which remains visible within its historic boundaries. Best Western have four charming hotels in York itself, each of which are bursting with character and personality and completely different from the last. For a grand stay full of pampering and luxuries, try Dean Court Hotel at Duncombe Place, just a few minutes walk from the centre. For something a little more charming and cosy, try our little Kilima Hotel on Holgate Road. One thing's for certain, a stay in one of our Yorkshire hotels will give you a UK city break you will not forget.

York neighbourhoods

Founded in Roman times, the architecture and building materials reflect its ancient beginnings. The city witnessed numerous happenings and adventures over its history, including Viking invasions; multiple uprising during and after the Norman Conquest; becoming an important religious centre during medieval times; and being centre stage for much of the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the country, atmosphere oozing out of the dappled stone walls and structures as you amble down the cobbled streets. From our central hotel in York, make sure you visit the Shambles, a quaint and picturesque lane bordered by boutiques and shops teetering over you on either side. A stroll down here really will transport you back to the Middle Ages. Farther south lays the pedestrianized shopping area of Coppergate. Here you'll find the Viking-themed Jorvik Centre, an interesting museum and visitor attraction.

Shopping in York

The city is very up and coming in the eyes of aspiring fashionistas. If you're looking for a unique gift, spoiling the children, or something special with which to treat yourself, York has it all. The Coppergate Shopping Centre caters to all tastes, offering a variety of stores ranging from the Fenwick department store to designer names like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton. The city centre provides a truly unique shopping experience as you wander down the ancient streets, popping into numerous independent boutiques to check their quirky offerings before grabbing a couple of coffees from some of the small, local cafes. For something more familiar, head to Coney Street for high-street brands or Monk's CrossShopping Centre for high-quality, great-value goods from TK Maxx. One area you should definitely visit from your hotel in York is Newgate Market, a beautiful and thriving place and one of the largest single pedestrianized areas in Europe.

Eating and drinking in York

The city has a variety of world-class restaurants to suit all tastes. If you're ever in the mood for a candlelit medieval ambience, York is the place to come, with the old and ramshackle Nineteen restaurant on Grape Lane, cloaked in old-world charm and serving award-winning dishes with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. For a surprising and memorable meal try Betty's Café Tea Rooms in St Helen's Square. Its art-deco interior has diners all at sea as it's based on the Queen Mary passenger liner. As you sit quietly, enjoying a cup of tea and some of the delightful home-made dishes in between the huge curved windows, the elegant wooden panelling and ornate mirrors, it is easy to imagine yourself aboard the luxury liner which so struck the café chain's founder, Frederick Belmont, all those years ago. If you fancy a drink after your meal or perhaps a relaxing night cap before you pop back to your hotel in York centre, there is an array of traditional pubs lining the streets equipped with outside furniture, allowing you to watch the world pass by.

Culture and nightlife in York

Aside from twilight strolls down the city's ambient streets or a tour of the settlement's iconic and one-of-a-kind structures, a day and night out from your hotel in York will be varied, fun and jam packed. For a bit of culture in this cultural city, head to The Grand Opera House, a magnificent venue where you can watch anything from comedy to West-End musicals. For a magical family trip or perhaps an outing with a loved one, head to the Christmas-themed Ice Factor rink. York is a remarkable and unique city. A stay of any length in a Best Western York hotel will be a fantastic experience; perhaps the most memorable destination for a UK city break.

View York Attractions