Looking for the best family hotels in York – in a central location that won’t blow the budget? Then read on – this York family hotels guide is for you!
The good news when looking for York city centre accommodation is the city’s not overly big, so most hotels are reasonably central and you can easily walk to most tourist attractions.
However, the bad news is there really is no such thing as cheap York accommodation! However, there are quite a few privately owned apartments that you can rent out. The best thing about this is you get plenty of space and can prepare your own meals – generally a much cheaper alternative than hotels in York with family rooms.
Recently staying in York, we spent a fair bit of time researching the area and comparing the family hotels York offers. To make it super simple to find accommodation for your trip, we’ve shortlisted 10 York central accommodation options and included all the information you need to decide which one is best for you.
So, let’s get started and find you the perfect family accommodation in York.
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Page Contents
Best Family Hotels York Map
From the map below, you can see the location of all the apartments and family friendly hotels York offers covered in this guide.
Zoom in and out for a closer view.
Best York Family Hotels Overview
Below is a super quick overview of all the York hotels for families covered in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine the perfect York family accommodation for you.
For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Name | Distance to City Centre | Room Facilities | Hotel Facilities | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibis York Centre
| 1km | Hotel Room 4 single beds Tea/coffee | Cafe Bar Parking | Check Price |
| 3 The Kings
| In City Centre | 2 Bed Apartment 2 Double beds Kitchen Laundry | NA | Check Price |
| Trembling Madness
| In City Centre | 1 Bed Apartment 1 Double bed Sofa Kitchen Laundry | Parking nearby | Check Price |
| Novotel York Centre
| 1km | Hotel Room 1 Double bed Sofa Tea/coffee | Pool Restaurant Bar Parking | Check Price |
| Victoria Cloisters
| 400m | 1 Bed Apartment 1 Double bed Sofa Kitchen Laundry | Free parking | Check Price |
| Churchill Apartment
| 400m | 2 Bed Apartment Double bed & 2 singles Kitchen | Free parking | Check Price |
| York Apartments
| 500m | 2 Bed Apartment Double bed & 2 singles Kitchen Laundry | Roadside parking | Check Price |
| Goodramgate Apartments
| 400m | 1 Bed Apartment 1 Double bed Sofa Kitchen | Parking nearby | Check Price |
| George Hudson Court
| 300m | 1 Bed Apartment 1 Double bed Sofa Kitchen Laundry | Free Parking | Check Price |
| Kings Apartment
| 900m | 1 Bed Apartment 1 Double bed Sofa Kitchen Laundry | Parking nearby | Check Price |
Where to stay in York?
Given all the main tourist attractions are in the city centre – this is where it’s recommended you stay. The closer you can stay to the centre of town, the less walking you and the kids need to do.
However, when it comes to York hotels in the city centre – they tend not to be the best child friendly hotels as they often can’t accommodate a family in a single room and they’re not ideal if you’re looking for York cheap accommodation.
Although what you will find in the city centre and the surrounding area are some reasonably affordable apartments – which in many cases is better than a York hotel family room. These apartments come with kitchens, usually 1 or 2 bedrooms and often a washing machine too – so you can catch up on washing.
The downside of staying in an apartment is you don’t tend to get any additional facilities you’d expect from a hotel – such as a bar or a restaurant.
Another bonus with staying in an apartment over hotels with family rooms in York is they often come with free parking. This is perfect if you’ve driven into town.
At the end of the day, provided your accommodation is within walking distance of the city centre, any accommodation of your choice will be fine.
You can easily see the location of the accommodation covered in this guide on the map above. But to make it even easier for you, in the table above we’ve also listed the hotel’s distance from the City Centre.
Best Family Friendly Hotels – York Review
After hours of research and exploring York’s city centre, I’ve shortlisted 10 of the best family accommodation York offers.
These are among the best York budget accommodation options for families and are all in a good location so you can easily reach all the popular tourist attractions.
Ibis York Centre
Ibis York Centre sits on The Mount near Micklegate Bar, one of the mediaeval gateways into the City of York. The Mount is lined with Georgian and Victorian era buildings and leads to The Knavesmire, one of York’s largest green spaces adjacent to York Racecourse.
The Ibis York Centre has family rooms offering single beds for four (no sofa beds in this family room) and cots are free on request. The ensuite room has a desk, tv and tea and coffee making facilities.
The hotel has a cafe serving a buffet breakfast and dinner, plus a bar offering 24 hour light snacks. Parking is available on site for £10 per day.
York rail station is a walkable 10 minutes, and if you need a good runaround, there is a playground in Scarcroft Park a 6 minute walk away.
What’s to love?
Ibis York Centre is close to York station and is surrounded by shops and dining options. It is one of the more affordable family rooms in York.
What’s not to love?
It is 1 kilometre to the city centre, but the walk will pass quickly as you will be distracted on route by Micklegate Bar, the city walls and cobbled Micklegate.
The breakfast at Ibis York Centre is expensive, but there is a supermarket a 2 minute walk from the hotel where you can pick up a continental breakfast. Several neighbouring pubs also offer a ‘full English’ cooked breakfast and children are welcome.
Summary
For families after one of the cheapest options in York, the Ibis is an excellent choice. It offers good facilities and a comfortable room in a convenient and historic location.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
3 The Kings
3 The Kings is a 2 bedroom apartment in an unbeatable location in the heart of the pedestrianised area of the city centre. It is just around the corner from The Shambles, Kings Square and The Roman Baths.
The apartment offers a large double bed, a double bed and 2 bathrooms. There is a good sized, double aspect living room with sofas and tv. The kitchen has a dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, plus a dining table for six. The property is nicely decorated and has a homely feel.
All of York’s major attractions are within walking distance. York Minster is a 6 minute walk and Jorvik Viking Centre is 5 minutes on foot.
There are cafes and pubs adjacent to the property and a supermarket a 2 minute walk away. One of the best bakeries in York (Thomas’s) is at the foot of the apartment.
It is also a 3 minute walk to The Shambles Market, which has fantastic pop up street food options.
What’s to love?
The city centre location; everything you want to see or do (or eat) is on your doorstep.
What’s not to love?
There is no parking on site and cars are not allowed on the street during the day. The nearest overnight parking is at Q Park Shambles car park, a 10 minute walk away. Parking costs from £20 per 24 hours.
The apartment is on the second floor above a row of shops and there is no lift.
Summary
If you want to stay in the heart of York, this self contained, comfortable apartment is a fantastic and affordable option.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Trembling Madness Apartments
If you are looking for family rooms in York city centre packed with character, the 650 year old Trembling Madness Apartments are for you.
The apartments are in a courtyard behind the mediaeval ‘House of Trembling Madness’ pub, which is on pedestrianised Stonegate, one of the most popular and historic shopping streets in the city.
‘The Haunted Chamber’ apartment sleeps up to four in 1 bedroom with a sofa bed in the living room. The bedroom has a four poster wooden bed, wooden floors and a roll top bath.
The living room looks like it has stepped out of a history book with its wooden furniture and floors. It has a large sofa, a tv, a dining table and a Playstation. The kitchen has a stove, fridge, oven and washing machine.
In contrast, ‘The Old Gallery’ is a colourful 1970’s style apartment sleeping up to five in 2 double beds and 1 single bed. The downstairs open plan living area features sofas, a tv, a dining table and a double bed. The kitchen has a stove, oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. A steep set of stairs leads to a loft with a single bed.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi and a range of books and games for kids. Free travel cots are available on request.
York Minster and The Shambles are a 4 minute walk from Trembling Madness Apartments. The nearest green space is Dean’s Park, behind York Minster, which is also 4 minutes on foot. York rail station is a 15 minute walk.
What’s to love?
These unique, character properties offer views of York Minster from its windows. You can walk to pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops in less than one minute.
What’s not to love?
There are sloping roofs in each apartment which are not ideal for tall travellers, plus ‘The Gallery’ has a steep staircase.
There is no on site parking but pre bookable, secure parking is available nearby via the owners of the apartment. Parking is a 10 minute walk and costs £6 a day.
Summary
If you want a memorable, quirky family stay in the heart of York, book a Trembling Madness apartment.
Click here for more information and to check the current price.
Novotel York Centre
Novotel York Centre is a 4 star hotel on the banks of the River Foss just outside York city walls. You can walk to the city centre in 15 minutes through the city streets or on leafy pedestrianised riverside paths. It is one of the few hotels in York with swimming pool and family rooms at an affordable price.
A spacious, air conditioned ensuite family room sleeps four in 1 double bed and a sofa bed which can be separated into 2 single beds. It has a tv, a fridge, a safe, and a kettle. Larger suites and superior rooms with a double bed and sofa bed are also available.
The hotel has an onsite restaurant serving main meals, snacks and afternoon tea, plus room service is also available. There is an outdoor terrace with views over the river.
Kids will love the large, indoor heated pool; family hotels in York with swimming pool access are ideal for rainy days in the city. Guests have free WiFi and onsite parking is available for £14.50 per night.
York rail station is a 25 minute walk from the hotel, but you can also catch three public buses from the station to The Barbican theatre, which is a 3 minute walk from the hotel.
There are shops, cafes and pubs nearby, and it is a 7 minute walk to Spark, a York favourite for street food. It is a 20 minute walk to York Minster and 12 minutes on foot to The Shambles.
What’s to love?
Novotel York Centre has comfortable rooms and excellent family friendly facilities in a convenient location near York City walls and the River Ouse.
What’s not to love?
If breakfast is not included in your room price, it is expensive to buy on the day. However, there is a supermarket a 7 minute walk away where you can pick up a continental breakfast.
Summary
A good value for money hotel with family friendly facilities and onsite parking.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Victoria Cloisters Apartments
The centrally located Victoria Cloisters Apartments is on a quiet side road, a one minute walk from the River Ouse and 6 minutes on foot from Jorvik Viking Centre.
The ground floor apartment sleeps up to four in 1 bedroom with an extra large double bed plus a sofa bed in the open plan living/kitchen area. There is a tv, a dining table and a kitchen equipped with an oven, washing machine and microwave.
Free WiFi and parking are available (subject to availability). If you need more space, two-bedroom apartments are also available in the same block for an extra cost.
It is a 13 minute walk to York Minster and 7 minutes to The Shambles. There is a supermarket and several cafes just around the corner from the apartment. York rail station is 13 minutes on foot, but you can get a bus from the station, which will drop you within a one minute walk of Victoria Cloisters Apartments.
What’s to love?
This apartment is fantastic value for money because of its central location and a short walk to city attractions. It also has the bonus of rare free parking in York. Plus, it is a short 10 minute riverside walk to Rowntrees Park, which offers the best playground in the City of York.
What’s not to love?
The apartment is a little small for four people, but it is easily manageable for a short stay.
Summary
Victoria Cloister Apartments has free parking, excellent transport links and is within a short walk of everything you need in York.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Churchill Apartment at Aspire Apartments
Cheap family hotels are hard to find in York, so the next best thing is an apartment offering the same high standard as a hotel. The Churchill Apartment, part of Aspire Apartments, fits this criteria. It is only a 5 minute walk to Museum Gardens (home to St. Mary’s Abbey and the Yorkshire Museum) and York Minster.
The modern 2 bedroom apartment is homely and offers priceless views of York Minster from its large living room windows. It is on historic Bootham, a 5 minute walk from Bootham Bar, one of the city’s mediaeval gateways.
The apartment can sleep four in 1 double and 2 single beds. It has a separate comfortable living area with sofas and tv. The modern kitchen diner features an oven, dishwasher and washer/dryer.
Aspire Apartments offer free WiFi, secure bike storage and free private parking in the building’s underground car park, from where there is lift access to the upper floors.
The apartment is surrounded by cafes and restaurants and a supermarket at the base of the building where you can pick up snacks and breakfast (their freshly baked chocolate croissants are the best).
It is 10 minutes on foot from Aspire Apartments to The Shambles. York rail station is 15 minutes on foot, but there are three public buses you can catch from the station, which will drop you directly outside the apartment.
What’s to love?
The apartment is close to the city centre and a park and offers guests a comfortable stay with lots of space, privacy and free parking.
What’s not to love?
Aspire Apartments is a bit pricier than accommodation outside of York city centre but booking this gorgeous apartment will save travel time and public transport costs or parking fees.
Summary
A contemporary, spacious apartment within walking distance of major York attractions. The fabulous views of the Minster are a bonus.
Click here for more information and to check the current price.
York City Centre Apartments
York City Centre Apartments is on a quiet side street just off busy Gillygate, a street known for its artisan cafes and independent shops. It is a five minute walk to York Minster, York Art Gallery and the city walls.
This ground floor apartment has 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to four people in 1 double and 2 single beds. There is a spacious kitchen/lounge with a dining table, a microwave, oven, dishwasher and a washing machine, plus a sofa and tv. The apartment is simply decorated but is comfortable and filled with light.
Guests have free Wifi and free roadside parking (subject to space). There is a supermarket a one minute walk from the apartment, plus several pubs and restaurants within a five minute walk. The Shambles is 10 minutes on foot.
York Rail station is a 20 minute walk away, but you can catch one of four public buses from the train station, which will drop you on Gillygate.
What’s to love?
The space, separate bedrooms and free parking come at an affordable price within a few minutes walk of York city centre.
What’s not to love?
The potluck roadside parking is not ideal, but a pay and display car park is a one-minute walk from the property.
Summary
A contemporary, spacious apartment on a residential street but very close to shops, cafes and York city centre.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Goodramgate Apartments
Modern Goodramgate Apartments are in a listed building adjacent to Monk Bar, one of the city’s mediaeval entrance gates. It will take less than a minute to reach the York city walls.
There are several apartments at this property and the most affordable for families are Monks Loft and St. Maurice’s Den. Both are 1 bedroom apartments sleeping up to four in 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed in the living area. Cots are available for an extra charge.
The apartments have an open plan kitchen/lounge with a flat screen tv, a dining table and a sofa. The kitchen features an oven, stove, fridge freezer and dishwasher. The bathroom has a walk-in rainfall shower.
Each apartment has a modern decor with colourful soft furnishings. St. Maurice’s Den is a duplex apartment with stairs leading from the lounge to the bedroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the building.
Goodramgate apartments is a 3 minute walk from York Minster and 5 minutes from The Shambles. York rail station is 20 minutes on foot. Goodramgate is located behind the property and is packed with traditional pubs, delis, cafes and independent shops.
What’s to love?
These spacious and well equipped modern apartments have a surprisingly affordable price tag considering their fantastic city centre location.
What’s not to love?
The apartments are on different floors, and there isn’t a lift. If you don’t want to struggle with kids, luggage and a buggy, opt for a ground floor apartment. There is no parking on site, but a public car park across the road (Monk Bar car park) costs £15 per day.
Summary
Contemporary, comfortable and affordable apartments in an unbeatable location.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
George Hudson Court Apartments
George Hudson Court Apartments is on a quiet side road outside the city walls off Monkgate, one of York’s main thoroughfares. Monk Bar, the largest of the city’s gateways, and the city walls are within a two minute walk.
There are two 1 bedroom apartments here, one on the first floor and one on the ground floor.
The apartments each have 1 bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the open plan living area and can sleep up to four.
Apartments feature a sofa, flat screen tv and a kitchen with an oven, microwave and fridge. There is also a useful washing machine and dryer. Free Wifi and free on site parking are available.
It is a 20 minute walk to York rail station, but you can catch a bus from the station to nearby Monkgate. Both York Minster and The Shambles are 8 minutes away on foot.
What’s to love?
The modern, comfortable apartments are in a secure gated development with free parking.
What’s not to love?
The open plan living area is small for a family of four, but it is manageable for a short stay.
Summary
The George Hudson Court Apartments are bright, contemporary and at a great price, with free parking within easy reach of the York city centre.
Click here for more information and to check the current price
Kings Apartment at the Hudson Quarter
The Hudson Quarter is a new development inside the city walls on quiet Toft Green, a 5 minute walk from York rail station. This is an ideal apartment for families travelling to York by train.
The Kings Apartment sleeps four in 1 bedroom with a double bed and a sofa bed in the open plan lounge area. There is a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, washing machine, dryer, dining table, sofa, and TV. The bathroom has a walk-in rainfall shower.
Parking is available at a public car park further along Toft Green and prices start from £17 per day.
Toft Green runs parallel to Micklegate, a cobbled road known for its numerous pubs, restaurants and cafes. The nearest supermarket is inside York rail station. This apartment is also close to the National Railway Museum; a short 10 minute walk away. The Shambles is a 13 minute walk and York Minster is 12 minutes on foot.
What’s to love?
The modern, luxurious apartment is in a quiet residential complex within a short walk of the train station and York city centre.
What’s not to love?
Like other apartments listed, the open plan living area is small but comfortable and adequate for a short stay.
Summary
The Kings Apartment at the Hudson Quarters is a contemporary apartment with excellent facilities – ideal for anyone travelling to York by train.
Click here for more information and to check the current price.
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Hopefully you found this guide on where to stay in York with kids helpful. Other great guides which you may also find helpful include things to do in York with kids, things to do in Bath and things to do in London with kids.