Grays Court is the most atmospheric place to stay in York, and one of the most unusual hotels in Britain. It stands on Chapter House Street, behind the Minster, in a house whose history begins in 1091, when Thomas of Bayeux, the first Norman Archbishop of York, had it built for the newly created role of Treasurer, to entertain visitors on royal, state and church business. Ranulf, the first Treasurer, lived here from 1091 to 1108, and the house is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied building in Britain. Over the centuries its residents included the Duke of Somerset, the Civil War general Sir Thomas Fairfax and several archbishops, while James I and James II stayed as guests and William Wilberforce was a frequent visitor. Today it is a small hotel with just twelve bedrooms, each named and decorated individually, and the public rooms include the panelled Long Gallery, which holds one of only two surviving sundials by the York glass painter Henry Gyles. The Bow Room is the fine-dining restaurant, open from Wednesday to Saturday, and lunch is served daily, in the walled garden when the weather allows.
Location and getting around: Grays Court is on Chapter House Street, only yards from York Minster and a short walk from Bootham Bar and Monk Bar, where you can climb onto the City Walls. The Shambles is about five to ten minutes away, and almost everything in the old city is walkable. The station is around fifteen to twenty minutes on foot or a short taxi ride. Parking is available for hotel guests only, by prior arrangement, at a nightly charge, and spaces are limited, so book one when you reserve your room.
Rooms: there are twelve bedrooms. All but one are on the second floor, with the De Montfort room the only one on the first floor. The rooms vary in size and character, as you would expect in a building of this age.
Who it suits: couples, history lovers and anyone who wants a quiet, intimate stay in the shadow of the Minster. It is less suited to families, as there are no family or interconnecting rooms, and because of its listed status the hotel cannot offer disabled access or facilities.
Good to know: check-in is from 3pm and check-out is by 11am. The Bow Room serves a tasting menu and an à la carte menu with two evening seatings, and booking is required. The Garden Bar is open from midday to 8pm. Afternoon tea is not offered, so plan that elsewhere.
Why stay here
- ✓Yards from York Minster
- ✓The Bow Room fine-dining restaurant
- ✓Walled garden and Garden Bar
- ✓Long Gallery lounge
- ✓Lunch served daily
- ✓Guest parking by arrangement
- ✓Twelve individual bedrooms
- ✓Building dating back to 1091
Good questions
How old is Grays Court in York?+
Its history dates back to 1091, when it was built for the first Treasurer of York. It is thought to be the oldest continuously occupied building in Britain.
Does Grays Court have parking?+
Yes, parking is available for hotel guests by prior arrangement at a nightly charge. Spaces are limited, so book when you reserve your room.
Is Grays Court suitable for families or wheelchair users?+
It has no family or interconnecting rooms, so it suits couples best. Because of its listed status, it cannot offer disabled access or facilities.
