Haunted hotels in York
If you want to see ghosts in York or are visiting York at Halloween, then why not stay at one of the haunted hotels in York?
York is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the U.K so it goes without saying that some of our hotels are haunted too! Whether you want to sleep in a centuries-old inn, a luxury hotel or haunted pubs York offers plenty of options.
You may not be guaranteed a ghost sighting but you’ll enjoy a comfortable and atmospheric stay.
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The Golden Fleece
📍16 Pavement, YO1 9UP
The Golden Fleece is the most haunted pub in York. Dating back to 1503, this ancient pub has an eerie atmosphere that’s perfect for Halloween.
The most famous ghost is Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former landlord, who has been spotted wandering the corridors. Guests have also reported furniture moving by itself, strange footsteps, and a shadowy figure believed to be a Canadian airman who fell from the top floor of the pub.
As it’s one of the most haunted places in York, the old world charm of the Golden Fleece won’t be to everyone’s taste. But I think it’s packed with character and has an unbeatable city centre location.
Location | It’s a 10 minute walk to York Minster and less than 1 minute to restaurants and the city centre. You’ll be opposite The Shambles and round the corner from Jorvik. York rail station is 15 minute on foot.
Facilities | The pub serves food, is dog friendly and has a beer garden. There’s no parking on site but fee-paying public parking is available within a 5 minute walk at Q-Park Shambles. It costs £25 for 24 hours.
Rooms | The inn offers four individually styled bedrooms, each decorated to reflect the building’s historic charm. You can expect wooden beams, antique furniture, and paintings of historical figures.
Each room has a tv, kettle, hairdryer, toiletries and a Nespresso coffee machine plus a separate bathroom with a shower.
The Deluxe Room has a roll-top bath whilst the spacious Suite has a separate living area with sofas and a tv.
As there are only 4 bedrooms, you’re guaranteed an intimate stay but book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Click here to book your room at the Golden Fleece.
Grays Court Hotel
📍Chapter House Street, YO1 7 JH
If you’re looking for the best haunted hotels York has to offer, Grays Court should be on your list.
This boutique 12-room hotel tucked inside the city walls has been continually occupied since the 11th century. It has an unbeatable city centre location as it’s both central and secluded.
Over the centuries, Grays Court has hosted royalty, including King James I. Visitors have reported seeing the spirit of a man in a military uniform, as well as hearing mysterious footsteps in the night.
Location | The hotel is 16 minutes on foot from York rail station and is just a three minutes walk from York Minster. Cafes, pubs and restaurants are on the doorstep.
Facilities | Grays Court York has an award winning Bow Room Restaurant which serves fine dining cuisine, a bar, a Georgian dining room, and a 90-foot long Jacobean era wooden gallery on the first floor. It also offers a pretty garden boasting a fabulous view of York Minster.
On-site parking costs £20 per day and breakfast is included in the room rate.
Rooms | Spacious, high quality rooms feature a mix of English and French style antique furniture, fireplaces and chandeliers. The Cumberland Room offers a double monsoon shower whilst the Willoughby Room has a William IV era four poster bed.
For the ultimate treat, I recommend the Edwards Room with its copper bathtub. However, you may prefer the Mortimer Room which boasts a picture perfect view of York Minster.
I think this haunted hotel in York is also one of the best romantic hotels in York!
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Judges Lodging
📍9 Lendal, YO1 8AQ
If you’re looking for haunted hotels in York city centre, you won’t get more central than The Judges Lodging.
It’s a gorgeous Georgian townhouse turned boutique hotel. The hotel is packed with character and style, grand architecture and refined interiors. It feels like a step back into the 18th century.
The hotel is allegedly haunted by the lingering spirit of a judge who once lived here.
Location | It’s just a few metres to Museum Gardens and a 5 minute walk to York Minster. York train station is 13 minutes on foot.
Facilities | There is a restaurant, two bars (including a basement pub popular with locals like me), room service and free Wi-Fi. A full English breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Like many city centre hotels, there isn’t parking on site. The nearest fee-paying car park is Marygate Car Park which can be accessed during daylight hours through Museum Gardens. It costs £20 for 24 hours.
Rooms | Compact country style rooms sleep two people in a double or twin beds. Each room has a tv, fridge and kettle. The ensuite has a bathtub with an over shower.
The rooms are on the small side but the location and character are hard to beat. Note that the Terrace Rooms face the Cellar Bar so unless you’re a night owl, I’d choose one of the other rooms options.
Feature Rooms and Suites are much bigger and the top floor Judge’s Suite has a stunning view of York Minster.
Click here to check latest prices and availability.
The Black Swan Inn
📍Peasholme Green, YO1 7PR
This black and white half-timbered pub is one of the most haunted pubs in York and dates back to the 15th century.
Its resident ghosts include a Victorian gentleman dressed in bowler hat who likes to tut at guests, and a young woman, thought to be a jilted bride, who wanders around the upstairs rooms.
Other ghostly sightings include a highwayman in the kitchen, a black cat and a boy dressed in Victorian clothes.
The accommodation is fairly simple but has a unique, historic feel. The Black Swan is perfect for those who want to stay somewhere with a spooky yet warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Location | The pub is close to the city walls and The Shambles and it’s an 8 minute walk to York Minster. However, it’s a long 25 minute walk from York rail station so I recommend catching the No. 9 bus from outside the station.
Amenities | The pub serves food and hosts a live-music folk club every Thursday night. There’s no parking on site but you can pay for parking at Q-Park The Shambles nearby (£25 for 24 hours).
Rooms: Each room has its own character, with antique furniture, exposed beams, and old-world charm. The quirky nature of the building means no two rooms are alike.
Stag and Turpin sleep up to 3 people in a double four-poster bed plus a single bed. Cottage sleeps up to 4 people in a four-poster double and 2 single beds. Each room has a tv, DVD player, kettle and an ensuite with a shower.
Rooms cannot be booked on third party sites and must be booked by contacting the pub directly.
The Dean Court Hotel
📍Duncombe Place, YO1 7EF
If you want to stay somewhere right in the thick of it, with one of the best views in York, The Dean Court Hotel is the place to be.
Located directly opposite York Minster, and next to St. Wilfred’s Church, this hotel offers stylish, modern rooms with a hint of traditional charm. While it doesn’t have as many ghost stories as some of the other haunted hotels in York, its prime location and historic ties to its neighbouring churches adds a sense of eerie atmosphere, especially at Halloween.
Location | York Minster is right across the street and Museum Gardens and one of the most haunted places in York, the Theatre Royal is just around the corner. York rail station is under 15 minutes on foot.
Amenities | The hotel has a restaurant and bar, with a good range of food and drinks available. I think it does one of the best afternoon teas in York.
Valet parking is available for £20 per day.
Rooms | The rooms are stylish and comfortable, with a blend of modern and traditional decor. Many rooms have views of York Minster, which looks particularly stunning (and spooky) at night.
Each room has an extra-large double or twin beds, a tv, kettle, safe and a seating area. The ensuite has either a shower or a shower head over a bathtub.
If you’re visiting York with kids, Dean Court offers family rooms for 4 and even rarer, a room for 5.
Middlethorpe Hall & Spa
📍Bishopthorpe Road, YO23 2GB
This 4 star, 17th-century country house offers both history and elegance. It’s a National Trust property set in 20 acres of gorgeous grounds, just outside York city centre.
Visitors and staff have reported strange sightings and cold spots. One of the spookiest stories involves the apparition of a woman in a long, flowing dress, who is said to wander the halls at night.
Location | It’s a 2.5 miles / 4 km from York city centre. To avoid parking fees in York, catch the Park and Ride from Askham Bar (a 7 minute drive from the hotel). Alternatively catch the No. 11 bus from outside the hotel.
Amenities | There’s a spa, gym, an indoor pool, an award-winning restaurant, and beautiful gardens to explore. You can also enjoy afternoon tea in the grand drawing room. Free parking is available on site and breakfast can be included in the room rate.
Rooms | The ensuite rooms are grand and stately, with traditional English country-style decor. You can expect antique furniture, fireplaces, plush fabrics plus some rooms in the main house have four-poster beds. Several rooms offer separate living rooms or views over the gardens and grounds.
Each room has a safe, a Nespresso coffee machine, a tv and filtered water.
Book your stay at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa here.
Hocus Pocus
📍2 Patrick Pool, YO1 8BB
This small boutique hotel dates back to the 17th century. It was recently modelled on a magical, sorcery theme. Although I have not heard of any ghost sightings here, I think the hotel is well suited to visitors looking for a spooky, memorable stay.
Location | Hocus Pocus is next to The Shambles market in the centre of York. It’s a 14 minute walk to York rail station, less than a minute to The Shambles and 7 minutes to York Minster.
Amenities | There are no amenities in the hotel (including a reception). However, the owners are available by phone. They have also partnered with local pubs and restaurants to offer guests helpful discounts.
Rooms | The 5 differently themed rooms sleep between 2 – 5 people in double and single beds. The rooms are compact but are thoughtfully decorated with ornate wooden beds, stone walls and candelabras. You’ll feel as if you’re in Hogwarts!
Some rooms have four-poster beds and a fireplace plus all rooms have a tv, safe and ensuite with a shower.
Hocus Pocus is in a busy part of the city centre so you may experience night time noise.
Discover latest prices and availability for Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel here.
Haunted hotels in York do not guarantee ghostly sightings but they do guarantee a comfortable stay in a spooky, atmospheric surroundings.
Just remember—if you hear footsteps at night or feel a sudden chill, you might not be alone! 👻
