Posted: 24.05.26
Family-friendly stays in York are an all year round good idea and at No. 1 is the ideal family-friendly hotel in which to base your elves.
We’ve thought of all the little details for our youngest guests - from Yoto Players with story-filled cards in every room to a dedicated kids’ menu that keeps mealtimes easy and fuss-free. And when it’s time for a treat, our always-stocked and always-popular help-yourself pantry is guaranteed to delight mums, dads and the younger members of the family.
Our team relishes the opportunity to make our smallest guests right at home - cosy teepees with books and toys are added to our family rooms and a Polaroid camera is theirs to borrow, so even if they’re not quite old enough for a phone they can take their very own snaps to record their holiday.
We’ve got interconnecting rooms, or our Bigger or Large Guest Rooms can take an extra bed or cot.
Or if you’re a larger family opt for The Clifton Suite, which has a double sofabed and interconnects with a twin bedded room so can accommodate a family of six.
Here’s a round up of our team's favourite family things to-do and to-see in York -
JORVIK Viking Centre - A brilliant, immersive journey into Viking-age York where little ones can ride through the sights, sounds and (yes) smells of the city’s past.
Walk the City Walls - A gentle, fuss-free adventure with unbeatable views. Wandering York’s ancient walls feels a little like stepping into a storybook - secret corners, towers, leafy views and plenty of places to hop off for a hot chocolate.
The Railway Museum - Home to iconic locomotives and beautiful collections, wander through the huge halls to explore the stories, places and engineering marvels behind the railways. Spot world-changing inventions like the Japanese Bullet Train and stand face-to-face with the world’s fastest steam locomotive, Mallard. Entrance is free but we still recommend booking your tickets online in advance.
The Shambles - One of Europe's best-preserved medieval shopping streets. A twisty, cobbled, beautifully crooked street that feels straight out of a fairytale, this iconic, narrow cobblestone street features overhanging timber-framed buildings that date back as far as the 14th century Little explorers love peering into sweet shops, wizard-themed stores and treasure-filled boutiques in this real-life version of Diagon Alley.
York’s Chocolate Story - A delicious dive into York’s confectionery past, complete with tasting, stories and a hands-on chocolate-making sessions.
York Minster - Majestic, awe-inspiring and steeped in stories. Families can follow child-friendly trails, spot hidden carvings, or climb the tower together for panoramic views over York’s rooftops.
The Castle Museum - An unforgettable journey through time that captivates visitors of all ages. Wnder down the atmospheric Victorian Kirkgate street, complete with authentic shop fronts and cobbled lanes, bringing history vividly to life. Children will be fascinated by the extensive toy collection spanning generations, while the recreated prison cells tell gripping stories of the past. Interactive exhibits encourage hands-on learning, making history engaging rather than passive. From period room settings to wartime displays, the museum brilliantly combines education with entertainment, ensuring an enriching day out.
The Yorkshire Museum - A brilliant mix of dinosaurs, Roman treasures and hands-on exhibits that spark imaginations - ideal for some fun on a drizzly day.
You`ve found your next pet-friendly hotel 🐾
And for our furry friends who love to run around, dogs are now allowed on the beaches at Brighton and Margate too
Staying with us?
They`ll be spoilt with their very own @ivyandduke bed, welcome pack including a toy and plenty of attention 😉
📸: @atlas.thesammy, @livingwith.fi, @piggypuggypudding, @moosethecockapoo_
We’ve been feeling the change in seasons and so have you...
GUESTS WHO...
couldn’t wait for autumn
caught beautiful sunsets
escaped for a cosy break
noticed the little details
Which guest are you?
And just one month until Bath turns festive! ✨🎄
Autumn postcards in Bath - crisp air, honey-ed stones and a softer light 🍂💼
A mid-way stop if you`re travelling Edinburgh <-> London or a destination in its own right, a stay in York is perfect for the city-wanderer, history-lover, book-reader, solo-getaway-goer... 🚊🍂
Book 7 days ahead with our Ber Month Break offer to enjoy the best rates. 15% off one night, 20% off two nights and 35% off three nights 💤
Check-in series #13
No. 42 Margate - Guest Room
Our smallest rooms in Margate have a certain warmth and cosiness to them. Sleep soundly in our double beds and re-energise or wind down with our coffee and tea. Spend your staycation enjoying your time at the hotel or have a wander around town!
Our sold-out first Seascape Sessions returns next month, 9th November
Capture one of Margate’s most iconic sea views in watercolour under the guidance of a trained artist
Your ticket includes all materials, a drink, and a slice of cake. No experience necessary!
Half-term escapes with all of the family!
There`s a record player and teas and coffees for the adults, tipis with toys, books and a @yotoplay player for the little ones and a very comfortable @ivyandduke bed and welcome pack for our four legged friends
A getaway is only fun when there`s something for everyone!
📸 - 1-4 @katie_sapegina, 5-7 @wearethelesueurs
In one month’s time York will look like this... ✨
Wake up to the tide. Unwind with the horizon 🌊
Just steps away from the beach…
Help yourself pantry…take your pick!
Slow sunset evenings
Golden hour magic in your room ✨
A cocktail at the bar. And another…
Views from your bed 🌊
A good seat, a perfectly shaken drink, and nowhere else you need to be.
Settle into the evening with us in Bath, York, Brighton, or Margate 🍸✨
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll book a spa day ‘once things calm down’ — you’re the exact person The Spa at No. 1 York was designed for...
The Virginia Creeper has been signalling Autumn in York...🍁
If you want to make the most of your weekday getaway to this city there`s The `Ber month break offer
Stay 1 night = 15% off, 2 nights = 20% off, 3 nights = 35% off - book 3 weeks ahead
For stays Sunday-Thursday, room only until 11th November
Check-in series #12
No. 124 Brighton - Guest Room
Looking over the spa and city, these rooms make for the perfect cosy getaway for two or a very lovely solo staycation. All the usual GuestHouse goodies, walk-in shower and king-size bed. Found on the first, second, third and fourth floors
The best beach getaways don’t follow a season 🌊
Every Lookout Suite comes with its own @spikeball set— because a little friendly competition is always in style
Autumn in Brighton looks like this...
What’s on in October?
The Story Trail - until 8th November. More than 30 beautiful hand-painted BookBench sculptures by a local artist are dotted across Brighton’s streets, parks and seafront inspired by the stories that shape our city
@brighton_dome Comedy Festival - 16th - 25th October. Stand-up, podcasts, family shows and more
Photoworks / Brighton Photo Biennial - 2nd October - 1st November. Photography exhibitions, installations and talks
Brighton Food Story - 2nd - 4th October. Explore how to build a food culture that is good for the city, for its people and the planet in a day of talks and a network of supper clubs over the weekend
Mutations Festival - multi-venue alternative music festival on 23 & 24 October
Concerts including Westlife and Soul II Soul at the Brighton Centre, plus shows at Brighton Dome, Concorde 2, CHALK and smaller venues.
Professor Brian Cox will also be performing his new tour Emergence at The Brighton Centre on 21 & 22 October, just five minutes from us
Photo credits - Emma Bailey and Brighton Dome
Charlotte and Matt turning heads at York 💍
📸 @ellieniamhphotos
Whisky & Vinyl Nights at Margate 🥃 🎶
Each month, we will explore one bourbon, one Scotch and one world whisky, all while spinning a mix of new and classic vinyl
13th October | 7 - 9pm
17th November | 7 - 9pm
15th December | 7 - 9pm
Tickets are £20 per person, secure your place now at @pearlycowmargate
10 days, 3 drinks, 1 bar not to be missed
@brightoncocktailfestival is back with ten days of the city’s best bars shaking, stirring and showing off their skills, 18th-27th September
Tickets are £20 which gives you access to £6 cocktails and £4 mocktails at No. 124 and over 50 other bars across the city.
Find us at the bar for a sip of Don’t Beet Around The Bush, Notorious F.I.G and Citrus Got Real (non-alc)🍸🍹 🥃
Get your ticket
