Grays Court Hotel feels like a secret known only to those who seek it out. Hidden behind ancient walls in York’s tranquil Minster Quarter, this is a rare and romantic retreat steeped in over a thousand years of history. From its origins in the 11th century to its present life as an award-winning boutique hotel, this is a house that has welcomed kings, noblemen and distinguished guests for centuries. With peaceful gardens, elegant interiors and views of York Minster, Grays Court offers a timeless escape, equally enchanting in sunlit summers and candlelit winter evenings.
A warm welcome has been offered at Grays Court since 1091. Built on the site of a Roman fortress and continuously occupied ever since, the house has served as the official residence of the Treasurers of York Minster, home to dukes and generals, and later the distinguished Gray family, after whom it is named. Layers of history are woven into every corner, yet the atmosphere remains intimate and relaxed. Today, Grays Court blends historic character with refined hospitality, creating a place where heritage is felt, not displayed.
Set within the Minster Quarter, this hotel enjoys a uniquely privileged position in the heart of York. It is the only building in the city with private access to York’s historic City Walls, with a 300-metre stretch gifted to the city in 1878. Beyond the walls lie beautifully curated gardens with uninterrupted views of York Minster. Designed to encourage biodiversity, the gardens provide a peaceful sanctuary for guests, birds and pollinators alike, offering a rare sense of seclusion within the city.
Featuring twelve individually designed rooms, rich in character, expect freestanding bathtubs, antique furnishings, plush fabrics and striking bedframes. Each room is thoughtfully furnished in keeping with the history of the house, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and deeply atmospheric. A night here feels quietly regal, without ever being formal.
The Bow Room Restaurant offers refined dining in an elegant historic setting. Awarded three AA Rosettes and featured in the Michelin Guide, the kitchen is led by Head Chef Ian Doyle, whose experience includes Michelin-starred kitchens in Waterford, Stockholm and Copenhagen’s legendary Noma. Menus celebrate the best local produce, complemented by fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel’s own kitchen gardens. Seasonal, considered and beautifully executed, dining here is a highlight in its own right.
With its private City Wall access, biodiverse gardens and deeply atmospheric interiors, Grays Court Hotel offers an experience that is both quietly luxurious and richly historic. Whether visiting for a romantic weekend, a celebration or simply to dine well, this is a place that feels lifted from legend — timeless, intimate and unmistakably York.
Grays Court Hotel, Chapter House Street, York, YO1 7JH
York - United Kingdom
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