York, the walled city in North East England, has been one of the favorite destinations for lovebirds that are looking for a romantic trip. The city isn’t too small, but it isn’t too big either. It’s the right size for couples to stroll around and search for some lovely spots. With the charismatic museums, adorable eateries, and trendy cafés, there are so many ways to spend your time with your precious one. For a better retreat, York also offers a great number of cozy accommodations perfect for couples that feature lavish restaurants, rooms with Minster views, and many more. Here’s our list of the most romantic hotels in York, UK, and have your most intimate trip ever!
Where to Stay in York
The city of York was once named the “Best Place to Live”. Knowing this fact, who wouldn’t want to visit this beautiful city with their lover at least once? Besides, there are many top things to do in York that will give you even more reasons to go here. Of course, if you and your partner are visiting York for the first time, you should stay in the city center. Couples can stroll around the neighborhood in search of some romantic spots. That said, you and your love should visit York Minster and kiss under the Heart of Yorkshire window to stay together forever!
Outside of the city wall but still within reach is City Center West. In this buzzing district, you and your partner can have an intimate dinner in one of the hottest restaurants or party until the night is over in the pub. For those who want to have a date in a more peaceful area, you can stay in one of the hotels in the Clifton neighborhood. It’s away from the crowded city center, where couples can hold hands and have a romantic afternoon walk while admiring the Georgian townhouses. You can also spend time in one of the many libraries or parks in the area.
Last but not least, there’s The Mount district. It’s a great alternative when the hotels near the main attractions are fully booked. There’s nothing much going on here, as it’s dominated by offices and schools. However, that means a more private and intimate date with your partner! You can spend the whole day doing lovey-dovey things without worrying about any interference. Some of the most romantic hotels in York are located there too!
Hotel Du Vin & Bistro York
11
Outside of the city walls and in The Mount neighborhood is Hotel Du Vin & Bistro York. Lovers who don’t mind being away from the downtown area and like being surrounded by charming Victorian and Georgian buildings can consider staying here. Although there are no other scenic views around, you can explore the rest of the city easily by going to the station.
Instead of going with an elegant look, the room in this property is more masculine. Expect leather chairs, velvet armchairs, a wooden sleigh bed, and an in-room tub. We recommend bringing you and your significant other’s favorite DVD as the room comes with a DVD player. Enjoy a romantic movie with a glass of wine or snacks from the minibar before calling it a day.
Like other romantic hotels in York, UK, this hotel provides a restaurant that aims to give you and your partner a pleasant morning. From bircher muesli to crepes to egg bread, the breakfast comes with so many dishes. Unfortunately, you can’t have a romantic couple massage in this accommodation as there’s no wellness area available. However, you can ask the staff at the 24-hour service for the nearest massage suitable for couples.
Check Rates on:
Dean Court Hotel; BW Premier Collection
10
Couples who just want to stay in a hotel that’s close to all main spots might love Dean Court Hotel. All major sights like the National Railway Museum, Castle Museum, and Stonegate are within reach. Of course, this will be one of the most romantic hotels for couples if they don’t mind a bit of noise from the bustling downtown.
When staying here, you can expect amenities like a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a work desk. The all-white room is one of the coziest places for you and your darling to rest in. There’s a fridge to store your leftover food, and whenever your couple needs a hot coffee, just make one with the coffee maker. For maximum comfort, we recommend staying in the suite. You don’t need to worry about lacking space, and it has the Minster views.
Since it’s close to many top restaurants that serve delectable dishes, we recommend having romantic fine dining in one of them. For a sweet date, you can choose the one with a riverside terrace. There, you can gaze at your partner for as long as you like under the lovely stars.
Check Rates on:
Principal York
9
Sleek and modern is how we’d describe Principal York. The 5-star property is a grand Victorian station hotel located in the City Center West. The historic downtown area and York Shambles are both just a song away from the hotel. Meanwhile, couples can reach most attractions including the central shops and eateries for a date in just 10 minutes on foot.
We love how all of the rooms have soothing shades of grey, making it very elegant and high-class. Every room comes with ironing facilities. Hence, you and your partner can go for fine dining with the perfect wrinkle-free outfits. The suite comes with an even bigger bed with a small hamper of local produce. Enjoy the hamper along with a cup of tea made using the tea maker in the room for the perfect chillax time.
If both of you are game addicts, we recommend visiting the on-site game room. There, you can compete with each other and see who is the better gamer. The loser then can treat the winner with a traditional afternoon tea served in the Garden Room. Who knows, a little friendly competition will spice up your relationship!
Check Rates on:
The Lawrance Luxury Aparthotel – York
8
The City Center West is packed with many romantic hotels in York, UK, and The Lawrence Luxury Aparthotel is one of the favorites. It’s surrounded by a traditional courtyard and offers a pleasant stay for lovebirds who plan to spend most of the day in the hotel.
As expected, all the spacious room comes with an air conditioner, free Wi-Fi, and an iPod dock. The cozy sofa is the perfect place for you and your significant other to snuggle each other while watching some movies on the HDTV. When hungry, both of you can spend a romantic time cooking and feeding each other in the dining area. Even better, the kitchen also features a washing machine, a dishwasher, an oven, and a microwave.
After cooking for lunch and spending the day cuddling on the plush bed, we recommend going out at night to enjoy the nightlife. You can start by choosing one from the many fine restaurants along the street. After a candlelight dinner, go to a romantic bar and have a couple of drinks, but make sure not to get too drunk to walk back home.
Check Rates on:
Middletons
7
Adventurous couples who like to explore the city’s most famous attractions should consider staying in Middletons, one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK. It’s in the downtown area, just a 10-minute walk away from the York train station and York Minster. Speaking of that, you and your darling MUST go to York Minster. Upon arriving there, stand under the Heart of Yorkshire window and have a romantic kiss! Legend has it, those who kiss under the window will stay together forever ever after!
Couples who prefer simple and warm rooms will very much like this hotel. The rooms are split across 6 buildings facing a grassy courtyard. Each of them is equipped with free Wi-Fi so couples can share their romantic trip to the world. The upgraded room will come with a freestanding tub perfect for a bubble bath for two. Proving itself as one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK, this hotel also features a Bridal Suite. It’s perfect for newlyweds to spend a sexy night or two together.
Couples can enjoy a fresh complimentary breakfast every morning. Meanwhile, the restaurant serves a variety of menus throughout the day. You and your lover can also sip a drink on the sunny terrace or in the lovely hotel garden. Don’t forget to motivate each other in the 24-hour gym where both of you can attend some classes and a spin studio.
Check Rates on:
The Grange Hotel
6
The Grange Hotel is a contemporary hotel that lies in the Clifton district. It’s within easy walking distance to the city center but away from the crowds. Besides shopping centers, this accommodation is also surrounded by some fine Georgian townhouses. Couples whose routines involve lots of reading can discuss their favorite book in nearby libraries such as the King’s Manor Library, York Central Library, and York Minster Library.
Spread over three floors, the rooms in this accommodation are like what you’d expect from one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK. Each room is beautifully designed with classic wallpaper, creating a very lovely atmosphere for couples. It also comes with a luxurious Hypnos bed where you and your baby can cuddle all day long. We’re very satisfied with the private bathroom as it boasts toiletries from the renowned The White Company and fluffy towels.
This accommodation provides many events that lovers can join, such as jazz and soul nights, as well as gin tastings. Whenever you and your partner want to relax, you guys can spend a romantic time in the bar. Since this hotel is pet-friendly, feel free to bring your little furry buddy along for the perfect little family trip.
Check Rates on:
Jorvik House
5
Jorvik House is located just 2 blocks from the River Ouse, perfect for couples who love to have an afternoon stroll around the neighborhood. Located in the city center, lovers can have a lovely date in the York Museum Gardens which is right across the hotel. If you and your lover want a more guided exploration, witness the best of York on foot by joining a 90-minute walking tour. Follow the guide as he brings both of you to see the top spots in York and tell you some insights about the city.
Meanwhile, the guestroom is nothing but perfection. The plush bed is covered with an Egyptian cotton sheet, making you and your lover just want to hug each other in the bed all day long. Still in your bed, both of you can watch any shows you want as the flat-screen TV comes with Freeview, the biggest TV platform in the UK. Also, while watching, don’t forget to sip a cup of coffee from the coffee making facilities. For a sexier stay, you can upgrade your room and enjoy a bath together in the in-room whirlpool tub.
Start your morning with a romantic breakfast in the on-site restaurant that overlooks the enclosed garden. When the weather permits, have a date at the Scarborough Rail Bridge. Not only it gives both of you access to the City Center West, but it also provides excellent views of the city and river. There’s also a small field there so you can have a picnic and share a kiss during the sunset.
Check Rates on:
The Mount Royale Hotel
4
Set outside the city center, The Mount Royale Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK with a vintage vibe. Since it’s away from the downtown’s jam-packed streets, be ready for some walking. However, it also means more time to spend with your lover, as you both slowly walk while holding each other’s hands.
The whole property is decorated with antique furniture, framed portraits, Chinese vases, and other aesthetically pleasing ornaments. There are 24 rooms in total that are generous in size. We recommend staying in the garden room, where couples can spend their morning in the exotic patio while enjoying the views of the garden. The private bathroom is also spacious, giving them a chance to have an intimate shower.
Our favorite part of the accommodation is the large garden. There, both of you can start the day by having a pleasant breakfast surrounded by potted plants and flowers. When you’re exploring the garden that’s full of secret corners, you might stumble upon the sauna, the hot tub, or the teardrop-shaped heated swimming pool. If your partner can’t swim, it’ll be the perfect chance to sweetly teach him or her how to.
Check Rates on:
Grays Court
3
If you’re looking for one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK that’s well-situated in the city center, Grays Court might be one of the strongest candidates. It’s placed between the York Minster and the medieval city walls, where it’s only a 5-minute walk from the picturesque Shamble shopping streets. Couples can go there and splurge on as many matching items as they want. Its strategic location has also contributed to making the hotel to be one of the 11 best hotels in York.
Going up to the second floor, you’ll find many types of rooms available. All of them are have neutral-colored walls and carpets, classic antiques, French Provencal bed, and button back armchairs. You and your loved one can spend some time having a heart to heart talk on the linen-covered sofa near the fireplace. Your stay won’t be boring as each room offers scenic views of the pretty garden.
The perk of staying here is being able to enjoy your meal in the Bow Room, which has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes Award. Lovebirds can visit the restaurant to enjoy a variety of beverages and toothsome cuisines. In the evening, you and your couple can have the 9-course tasting menu that will leave both of you speechless. After the meal, relax for a little bit and appreciate the impressive art collection in the Bow Room.
Check Rates on:
The Grand, York
2
Built in 1906, this medieval building is now a 5-star hotel opposite the original city walls. Besides being one of the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in York, The Grand is also considered by many as one of the most romantic hotels in York, UK. For culinary-minded lovers, this might be the perfect one for them. Not only you and your baby can enjoy yummy cuisines in the on-site restaurant, but you can also attend a cooking class and make each other’s favorite dishes.
When staying in this accommodation, we recommend choosing either the executive room or the suite. First, you and your lover will have more facilities and can dance the night away in the spacious room. Second, it comes with an additional lounge area and a Nespresso coffeemaker to help you stay up all night watching some romantic TV shows. But most importantly, both of you will have complimentary spa access. There, you’ll discover a large swimming pool, a hot tub, a massage room, and a steam room. Nothing sounds better than having a romantic couple massage after a tiring day exploring the city together.
Near the hotel is the Memorial Gardens, and we highly suggest going there for a romantic evening walk. It’s a very warm garden with a group of ducks near the river. Enjoy the evening strolling the park while embracing each other, and don’t forget to take a few selfies under the beautiful sky of York!
Check Rates on:
The Churchill Hotel
1
This sophisticated and mansion-like hotel is set in the center of York. Built around 1827, The Churchill Hotel cleverly mixes its original features and high ceiling with modern luxury. Inside the property, couples can see many historical artifacts associated with Winston Churchill. Speaking of artifacts, you and your partner can visit the Jorvik Viking Center. It’s comfortably close to the hotel, and in the museum, you’ll be able to witness lifelike mannequins and life-size dioramas.
The room is dominated by charcoals with some splashes of colors to keep it alive. It feels simple yet lavish at the same time. We recommend couples to stay in the Bridal Suite for the most romantic experience. Not only it’s bigger and has more amenities, but it also comes with a sexy in-room bathtub just beside the seating area, giving you and your love a chance to have an intimate time. We also like how they add little decorations like the flower pot that makes the atmosphere even sweeter.
For your convenience, the hotel provides a tablet in each room, allowing you to order room service or access Netflix as you wait for your breakfast. At night, couples can binge drink in the Wellington Bar that offers a wide range of drinks. For alternatives, you can spend sweet time together in the large beer garden with a wood-fired pizza oven.
Check Rates on:
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in York:
- Evening Dinner Cruise – Spend a romantic night by enjoying a three-course dinner aboard Captain James Cook with your lover. During the two and a half hour cruise, you’ll be entertained by a live sightseeing commentary and romantic background music.
- York Afternoon Tea Cruise – Bring your darling along for a high tea cruise with a selection of dainty homemade sandwiches and yummy desserts. Have as much tea as you want and enjoy your romantic tea date.
- Skosh – One of the top restaurants in the city that serves global cuisines. We recommend ordering the famous buttermilk fried chicken thighs with aerated hollandaise.
Recommended Activities In York:
- York: River Ouse City Cruise – Have a romantic hour on the River Ouse and enjoy York from a different perspective. As you sail up and down the stream, listen to the guide who will tell you entertaining information about the city.
- Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour – Since listening to horror stories alone might be scary, bring your partner along! The conductor will show you York’s top sights and tell you some creepy insights into some of the gruesome events that happened in York.
- Rowntree Park – Visit this 20-acre park featuring tennis courts, a skateboarding area, and areas for picnicking. Spend a romantic hour here as you and your loved one see the swans and Canada geese.