Grays Court Hotel & The Bow Room Restaurant

Boutique hotel in York's Minster Quarter

Grays Court Hotel is a boutique hotel situated in the heart of York's tranquil Minster Quarter, between the city walls and York Minster. It occupies a historic house with more than 900 years of continuous occupation, built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress, which served as the official residence of the Treasurers of York Minster between 1091 and 1547. Among its post-Reformation owners are the Duke of Somerset and Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the house takes its name from the Gray family, who lived here between 1788 and 1945. The business presents itself as a historic host to kings and noblemen, and its offering combines accommodation, dining and event spaces in a garden setting.

Twelve individually designed rooms

The hotel has twelve en-suite bedrooms, each individually designed and furnished in keeping with the history of the house. Views vary depending on the room: the cobbled courtyard, the extensive gardens bounded by the city walls or York Minster itself. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included as standard in all rooms.

The Bow Room Restaurant

The hotel's fine dining restaurant, The Bow Room Restaurant, welcomes both staying guests and visitors who come just for dinner. The kitchen sources from local suppliers and uses fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel's own kitchen gardens, located right in the heart of the city. The Head Chef is Ian Doyle, who previously worked at The Cliff House (Ireland), as Head Chef at the Michelin-starred restaurant Oaxen Krog in Stockholm and, before that, at Copenhagen's legendary Noma.

Culinary recognition

Grays Court and The Bow Room have retained 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, remain featured in the Michelin Guide 2026 and are rated Excellent in The Hardens Guide 2026. The establishment also holds the AA Breakfast Award.

Historic spaces and gardens

The building retains a Jacobean-style Long Gallery and gardens that the hotel's team describe as an essential part of the stay. The house has been home to illustrious figures over its more than nine centuries of history, a feature the hotel highlights as a hallmark of its identity.

Events, celebrations and special stays

The hotel offers spaces and services for meetings, private dinners and weddings. Its programme includes seasonal packages, such as the New Year's package, which comprises a two-night stay in one of the boutique bedrooms, a tasting menu on New Year's Eve and a three-course set menu on the evening of New Year's Day. Direct booking is presented as the way to obtain the best rates.

Location and contact

GRAYS COURT HOTEL, CHAPTER HOUSE STREET, YORK YO1 7JH · Phone: +44 1904 612613 · Email: enquiries@grayscourtyork.com