Business Details
Luxury Boutique Hotel in York with Historic Charm
Grays Court Hotel is a distinguished boutique hotel nestled in York's historic Minster Quarter, offering guests a unique blend of centuries-old heritage and modern luxury. Our establishment has been meticulously preserved since its 11th-century origins, providing an unparalleled experience through award-winning hospitality, culinary excellence, and beautifully maintained gardens. With 3 AA Rosettes for The Bow Room Restaurant and recognition in the Michelin Guide 2025, we combine historical significance with contemporary comforts. Our team of experienced professionals ensures personalized service across 12 individually designed bedrooms, each reflecting the property's rich legacy. Sustainability is integral to our operations, demonstrated through organic kitchen gardens supplying our chefs and eco-conscious practices throughout the hotel.As custodians of this historic building since 1091, we maintain its architectural integrity while delivering modern amenities. Our gardens, curated by expert horticulturists, offer a tranquil retreat amidst York's city walls. We specialise in creating memorable experiences through fine dining, private events, and curated stays that celebrate Yorkshire's heritage. Our commitment to excellence has been recognised through multiple awards, including the AA Breakfast Award. With continuous improvements to facilities and service delivery, we ensure every guest experiences the timeless elegance that has defined Grays Court for centuries.
Services
Boutique Rooms
Fine Dining
Event Hosting
Garden Access
Sustainability Tours
Highlights and features
- Award-winning culinary excellence with 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin recognition
- Historic 11th-century building offering unique ambiance and architectural heritage
- Sustainably sourced ingredients from on-site kitchen gardens
- Luxurious individually designed rooms with period features
- Award-winning gardens providing a tranquil retreat in York
Associations and certifications
- AA Rosettes
- Michelin Guide
- Hardens Guide
- AA Breakfast Award
What people say
Exceptional service
Historic ambiance
Best tasting menu
Professional staff
Wonderful stay
Services
Boutique Accommodation
Our 12 individually designed en-suite bedrooms offer luxury accommodation with views of York Minster, city walls, and gardens. Each room features antique furnishings, modern amenities, and unique design elements reflecting the property's 900-year history while providing contemporary comforts for discerning guests.
Fine Dining
The Bow Room Restaurant delivers exceptional culinary experiences with 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin Guide recognition. Our menus feature locally sourced ingredients from Yorkshire producers and herbs from our kitchen gardens, creating innovative tasting menus that showcase regional flavours in an elegant setting.
Event Hosting
We offer historic venues for private dining, weddings, and corporate events. The Long Gallery and walled gardens provide atmospheric settings enhanced by professional event coordination and seasonal menus crafted by our award-winning culinary team.
Garden Access
Our award-winning gardens provide a tranquil retreat with bio-diverse planting that attracts wildlife year-round. Guests can enjoy seasonal produce grown organically in our kitchen gardens, which inspire many dishes on our tasting menus while relaxing in this historic green space.
Sustainability Initiatives
We implement comprehensive sustainability measures including organic kitchen gardens, energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems, and recycling programs. Our practices ensure minimal environmental impact while maintaining luxury standards, with produce grown using nematode pest control to protect local wildlife.
People
Ian Doyle
Head Chef
Award-winning chef Ian Doyle brings Michelin-starred expertise from Ireland and Scandinavia to The Bow Room Restaurant. His culinary vision focuses on Yorkshire's seasonal produce, creating innovative tasting menus that earned our restaurant 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin recognition.
Julie Fern
Head Gardener
Julie Fern curated our award-winning gardens for 16 years, developing bio-diverse planting schemes that support local wildlife. Her work established the kitchen gardens supplying our chefs with organic produce, creating a sustainable link between horticulture and culinary excellence until passing the role to Natalie Smith in 2025.
Questions
What dining options are available at Grays Court Hotel?
The Bow Room Restaurant offers fine dining with 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin recognition. The Bar provides an extensive drinks menu with local ales, while seasonal garden dining is available in our walled gardens.
Are there accessible rooms for guests with mobility needs?
We offer ground-floor rooms with accessible features. Our historic building has some limitations, but we provide assistance and can advise on the most suitable accommodations when booking.
What sustainability practices does the hotel implement?
We maintain organic kitchen gardens supplying the restaurant, use energy-efficient lighting, implement water conservation systems, and have comprehensive recycling programs to minimise our environmental impact.
Can I host a private event at Grays Court?
Yes, we offer venues for weddings, corporate events, and private dining. The Long Gallery and gardens accommodate up to 50 guests with bespoke menus and professional event coordination.
What is the cancellation policy for room bookings?
Cancellation policies vary by rate type. Flexible bookings allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival, while non-refundable rates require full payment at booking. Please check specific terms when reserving.
Are pets allowed in the hotel?
We welcome well-behaved pets in designated rooms with a £30 per pet supplement. Pets must be kept on leads in public areas and are not permitted in dining spaces.
Reviews (6)
Jos Brown
Nov 27, 2021
Report
This visit was an experience filled with pure enjoyment. The hotel itself is very beautiful and the setting couldn't be any better. The dinning room is tastefully decorated and looks out onto the city walls, visible even in the dark. The food was fabulous. Beautifully presented and described carefully by the excellent staff. This was our first visit, but not our last.
Victoria Livingston
Nov 12, 2021
Report
My husband and I had dinner at The Bow Room to celebrate our anniversary, and it was wonderful. The staff are so welcoming and helpful and clearly know their stuff when it comes to the food and wine, and how to make sure everyone has a lovely time. Having a drink and canapes in the beautiful Jacobean panelled gallery was a great way to start the evening. The pacing of the tasting menu was perfect so that you don't feel rushed or full, and the food itself was exceptional. All in all - a fantastic evening - highly recommend!
Susan Grace
Oct 08, 2021
Report
My review is primarily of our two meals here recently but also of this weekends medical conference where we took over the whole hotel. The food was stunning on both occasions - this is certainly now on a par with the best we have visited and hopefully will soon get a Michelin star! The hotel ambience is lovely and all our 24 guests loved it. The staff could not do enough to accommodate our needs. Thanks to Helen, Sarah, Alex and all the staff for terrific meals and a great weekend event.
Sandra Faucher
Sep 28, 2021
Report
From the moment we entered, our reception was friendly and the manner in which we were dealt with was very professional. We were shown to our table and our waitress Emma was attentive, helpful and very competent. Well done! & particular thanks to her for making our stay so enjoyable.
Kim Offord
Aug 27, 2021
Report
Lovely lunch platters, beautiful surroundings, the staff were great and really welcoming. They were great with the baby.
Missing a trick not offering dessert, a fruit platter or similar would have really finished things off.
Missing a trick not offering dessert, a fruit platter or similar would have really finished things off.
Mark Lawrence
Aug 20, 2021
Report
Brilliant restaurant! Had an impressive taster menu where every course seemed to get better. Faultless service and the staff were very accommodating even when we got the date wrong on our initial reservation! Stunning building and lovely gardens backing on to the City Walls. A must-go when in York.
