109 Nunnery Lane – a House of York holiday home

This cosy and luxurious three bedroom cottage with a small courtyard is a perfect getaway for families in York. Located just by York’s medieval city walls, it’s a ten minute walk from the station, seven minutes from the city centre and three minutes from Rowntree Park with its fab playgrounds. It’s also just around the corner from Bishy Road with lots of cool shops and kid friendly cafes. 109 Nunnery Lane has been set up to be family-friendly as possible: there’s everything you’ll need, from highchair and travel cot through to games, books, Netflix, high-speed broadband and even a washing machine and dryer. You’ll get towels, bed linen, toiletries and basic kitchen supplies provided. The kitchen fully is equipped to make any family meal (although there are plenty of takeaway options locally too). If you are driving, there is access to a paid secure car park two minutes away. The owners live in York as well and are always on hand to answer any questions or help in whatever way they can.
***Especially for those who like to plan ahead, ejoy 10% off four night stays October half-term break (promotion code LVOctober)***

109 Nunnery Lane, York, YO23 1AH – www.houseofyork.org – hello@houseofyork.org – 07552 814990

17 Stonegate Court – a House of York holiday home

17 Stonegate Court is ideal for families looking for a luxury holiday experience in the centre of York. This one bedroom townhouse sits in a quiet oasis just a few steps from the Minster and York’s leading restaurants, shops and attractions. The house is kitted out to a very high standard with everything you’ll need from highchair and travel cot through to games, books, Netflix, high-speed broadband and even a washing machine. We provide towels, bed linen, toiletries and basic kitchen supplies. The kitchen is fully equipped to make any family meal (although there are plenty of takeaway options if you didn’t feel like cooking!). The one bedroom offers the flexibility of different bed configurations including superking plus two additional singles and/or cot. Paid parking is available 8 minutes away and there is on site secure bike storage. The owners live in York and are always on hand to answer any questions or help in whatever way they can.
**And especially for those who like to plan ahead they also have 10% off four night stays October half-term break (promotion code LVOctober)***

17 Stonegate Court, York, YO1 8QF – www.houseofyork.org – Hello@houseofyork.org – 07552 814990

Beningbrough Hall – The Victorian Laundry

Beningbrough Hall is a great place for families to visit during the day, but did you know that you can stay over too? The bright, two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the estate is situated above the Victorian Laundry, close to the Hall and the play area. Recently refurbished, it’s modern and comfortable. Visit the house for free when it’s open, and play in the wilderness area too!

Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, Beningbrough, York YO30 1DD
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Goosewood Holiday Park

Set in 20 acres of land just 6 miles from York, popular Goosewood Holiday Park is firmly family-friendly. Choose from lodge-style holiday homes or luxury lodges (many with hot tub!), or pitch up with your caravan or motorhome. There’s something for every size of group and budget, making it a great option.
Facilities include indoor swimming pool and bar, fishing lake, adventure play area, mini market.

Carr Lane, Sutton-On-The-Forest, York, YO61 1ET 
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Yew Tree Cottage, Westow

This luxuriously restored 1750 holiday cottage in a picturesque village outside York is packed with charm. It sleeps four (plus a sofa bed) and has been stylishly decorated to appeal to parents, but has thoughtful baby gear that makes it a good choice for little ones. It’s 20 minutes from York or you’re well located for day trips to the Yorkshire coast or the Howardian Hills. Facilities include a welcome hamper, selection of kids’ books, toys and DVDs, Wifi, stairgate, cots and highchairs, pre-arrival shopping service, babysitting service on request.

Yew Tree Cottage, Main Street, Westow, York YO60 7NE
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When we told our friends that we were heading off into the Yorkshire countryside for a winter weekend break in a luxury woodland lodge, we were met with a lot of envious looks. Until, that is, we mentioned that we were taking our three children – seven, five and three – with us, and that there’s no wifi. Undeterred, we packed our warmest clothes and programmed the Satnav. Destination: family fun.

Overview – Nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds, North Star Club is a family-run woodland escape with a difference. Forget visions of dome-covered swimming pools and endless identikit lodges: with just 8 individually designed woodland suites, this is a unique place with a stylish, relaxed and secluded feel. Aside from the reception and the Woodshed communal chill-out area, there’s no play area, pool or spa. In fact there’s nothing except your lovely lodge, some communal fire pits and pizza ovens and the woodland itself for entertainment.

Location – Just 35 minutes from York, North Star Club is on the doorstep of  William’s Den, Yorkshire’s newest family attraction. Hull is a short drive, where The Deep is just one of many family destinations.

The lodge – We stayed in Amy Johnson, a glamorous suite inspired by the heroic pilot. Everything about it oozes woodland luxury: faux fur throws, leather furniture, mirrored dressing table and candles dotted everywhere. The bathroom is epic: the enormous bathtub takes pride of place and there’s a massive walk-in shower too. There’s a little living room, but we spent most of the weekend hanging out in our big bedroom, enjoying the warmth of the woodburner (younger children might need a lesson in fire safety before they’re let loose). Our kids were delighted to cosy up in the smaller bedroom: the bunkbed and a travel cot – provided – gave them a good night’s sleep. There’s a large veranda with barbecue that’s a brilliant space for al fresco feasting. This is a low-tech adventure, and we embraced the fact that there’s no TV or wifi as the perfect chance for some family bonding time. We danced (pack a speaker), played games, read books and went nature-spotting.

Food & drink – North Star Club doesn’t claim to be self-catering, but there is a small fridge, kettle (vital for tired parents!), sink, crockery and cutlery. In the absence of an oven, it’s over to the communal pizza oven or barbecue if you’re after something hot. We loved cooking our own pizzas in the oven and eating them in the fabulously cosy Woodshed communal area. There’s also an honesty box if you’d like a coffee, tea or brownie. Fancy eating out? The local pub, The Star at Sancton, has a good reputation.

Service – Everything about North Star Club is understated, including the service. We barely saw another human, staff or otherwise. The welcome was warm and informative, then we were left to our own devices. It’s a refreshingly hands-off approach for families that don’t need their hands holding.

The verdict – Our stay at North Star Club was magical, and we left feeling revived and re-energised. We can see why it’s popular for adult get-togethers and grown-up celebrations, but it’s a lovely place for a family break away from everyday distractions too. It’s pared-back, off-grid, understated indulgence which, for us, meant love at first sight.

North Star Club, Sancton, York YO43 4RE – Visit the North Star Club website for more details

Thank you very much to North Star Club for inviting us to stay with them. As always, our review is entirely independent and we will only recommend something that we have genuinely enjoyed.

It’s not as easy as you might think to find family-friendly places to stay in York, so we’re always on the lookout for hotels in York with family rooms, self-catering places in York and even camping and glamping options for weekends away and staycations. While we’re big fans of quality budget options, especially when it comes to travelling with kids who are just delighted to be away from home for the night and don’t really care where they stay, we jumped at the invitation to stay at York’s only five-star hotel, The Grand. We’re firm believers in trying to share as many experiences as we can with our children, and that includes the luxury ones. So with some trepidation and mutterings about ‘best behaviour’, we packed our bags and took our three children to The Grand, York, for an overnight stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Yorkshire.

OVERVIEW – The Grand, York is Yorkshire luxury at its best. Housed in the former railway headquarters, the hotel oozes style, tradition and heritage. It’s a popular choice for lucky business travellers and couples in need of a romantic getaway, but it’s a brilliant option for families too. There are currently 107 rooms to choose from, and the hotel is set to double in size, giving you even more chance of booking the perfect stay.

LOCATION – The location couldn’t be better. It’s a stone’s throw from the station and just across the bridge from everything that York city centre has to offer. It’s a five-minute walk to York Minster, 10 minutes to the JORVIK Viking Centre and a couple of minutes to Pizza Express (an important landmark for travelling families, if ours is anything to go by). The friendly concierges will give you a map and a whistle-stop talk through the attractions and points of interest. Our room had views of the iconic City walls.

THE ROOM – We were lucky enough to stay in a master suite, which was incredible. With a huge hallway and lounge, huge bedroom and two bathrooms, it was larger than the flat we used to have in London. Upon arrival, the living area was already set up with two comfortable beds for the older children and a travel cot for the youngest (who was over the moon to also be provided with her own dressing gown and spa slippers). A huge flat-screen TV in both rooms, enormous bath and walk-in shower with Molton Brown goodies, Nespresso coffee maker and handmade chocolates all made it very difficult to contemplate ever leaving the room. And that’s before they spotted the two vintage style children’s pedal cars – a lovely touch that really made them feel at home. Our bed was vast and supremely comfortable, so much so that the little one decided to join us halfway through the night.

SERVICE – From the moment we stepped into the hotel, nothing was too much trouble. Without exception, the staff were warm, friendly and went out of their way to make the children feel comfortable. Service is five star but unstuffy.

FOOD & DRINK – The Grand’s new restaurant, The Rise, is a stunning place to eat. It’s stylish but relaxed, serving delicious, beautifully presented small plates of local food. There’s a great kids’ menu too, with a good selection of dishes including the macaroni cheese of dreams. We opted for afternoon tea – including the special children’s afternoon tea – which was fabulous. We’d recommend it whether you’re staying in the hotel or not. For breakfast, we decided to eat in our room (much easier than attempting to get everyone dressed). Despite our efforts to get them to try something more interesting, the kids ate their Rice Krispies in five-star luxury while we enjoyed a fantastic cooked breakfast with views of the city walls.

FACILITIES – The atmospheric spa down in the vaults was a real highlight. The pool might not have Olympic proportions, but it’s perfect for a splash about with children. There’s also a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as treatment rooms that we’ll try another time.

THE VERDICT – Our stay at The Grand was probably the best experience we’ve had of travelling with our children. From the friendly staff to the excellent facilities, amazing afternoon tea and little touches, it’s clear that The Grand understands what families need. Don’t tell the children, but we even found ourselves doing something we rarely do: relaxing. And for that, huge thanks to The Grand, York.

The Grand, York, Station Rise, York YO1 6GD

Thank you to The Grand, York, for having us to stay. We visited for a feature we are writing for Visit York about family-friendly York, and you will find more recommendations for family-friendly places to stay in York on our website. As always, we will only ever recommend experiences that we have genuinely enjoyed.