City break in York | Viking remnants and chocolate cafes in an ever-changing city

As you might have guessed from the name, this hotel has strong ties to the infamous gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes who was actually born on the same site in 1570. While the current building doesn’t date back quite that far, it’s still awash with beamed ceilings, dark wood flooring and original fireplaces.

Every room at the Guy Fawkes Inn is utterly unique, with many boasting wonderful views of the city. You’ll find the onsite restaurant appropriately atmospheric, too, with its candlelit tables and hearty menu of classic British fare.

Tucked away in one of York’s gorgeous Georgian townhouses is Judges Court, a formers judges’ lodgings during the 18th and 19th centuries. Boasting just 15 rooms, they’re all classically yet lavishly decorated, with the largest having king-size four-poster beds and roll-top baths.

Judges Court is proud of its history and you’ll find hints of its former use throughout, from the satirical cartoons of criminals on the walls to rooms named after the judges who once occupied them. There’s no restaurant but you can have fresh breakfast pastries delivered to your room from a nearby café upon request.

One of the newer options on York’s hotel scene is Hotel Indigo, located in Walmgate, one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods. It’s part of a small chain that tries hard to reflect their hotels’ locations in their décor. The friendly York venue is no exception, and you’ll find many of its spacious rooms are delightfully chocolate-themed. The Smarties print cushions are particularly fun!

Hotel Indigo York is slick and contemporary yet still manages to feel cosy thanks to its warm colour palette, invitingly plump beds and gorgeously tiled bathrooms. 88 Walmgate on the ground floor is a good shout for a quick dinner or drink, but you’ll also find some of York’s best independents restaurants, like Polish Barbakan (brilliant pierogi), down the street.

When you first learn that Jorvik House’s theme is Viking inspired, it may not seem particularly contemporary. Once inside its elegant Georgian building, though, you’ll discover a chic boutique hotel with oodles of modern luxuries, from deluxe roll-top baths and Cowshed toiletries to bespoke mini bars.

The décor at Jorvik House is stylishly minimalist and mostly an ode to Nordic living with a few subtle historic throwbacks thrown in. An old map of the city adorns the reception and cushions sporting stag motifs lie on the beds. Contrastingly, faux fur blankets and potted plants infuse the hotel with the trendy Scandi concept of hygge.