Apartment

Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking!

Photo gallery for Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking!

The view from the front door...
Sitting room
Kitchen area
View into the dining/sitting area
Main bedroom

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 584 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
YORK
  • York Minster
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Shambles
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • York City Walls
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Harrogate (HRT-RAF Linton-on-Ouse)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Sofa Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking!

This fantastic apartment is in arguably the best location in the whole of central York - but, being set back from the main shopping street, is wonderfully quiet and peaceful. What's more, the the piazza outside offers one of the best 'secret' views of the full length of the Minster that you're ever likely to find!

The apartment is stylish and luxurious - but, most importantly, it is designed to be a home from home. You will therefore find everything you could possibly need in the kitchen (everything from a Nespresso machine to a coffee/spice grinder to oven gloves and a veritable host of cleaning products), along with books, games, toiletries, towels and three TVs - so you can get your Netflix fix even while you're away. Needless to say, wifi broadband means you send virtual postcards to your family and friends, while sitting out on the verandah with a G&T!

While the optimum number of guests is 2-4, the sitting room includes a sofa bed (suitable for two children or one adult) for larger family groups. The second bedroom can be configured as either two singles OR one super-king; please specify your requirements when booking.

The apartment has it all: to the left of the main entrance door is the world-famous Betty's Café and the exclusive Stonegate shopping area; to the right is Mannion's Café (a local gem: the 'posh' bacon sandwiches are unsurpassable) - and, of course, the magnificent Minster. Everything is within a short walk: Clifford's Tower, St William's College, the Museum Gardens, the Yorkshire Museum, the Art Gallery, the Castle Museum, the Red Boats down the Ouse, the Ghost Walk, the Viking Centre, Dig, York's Chocolate Story, the City Walls, the Shambles with its recent Harry Potter additions ... and then you can just pop back 'home' for a quick break and a cup of tea before setting out again to sample the endless restaurants, real ale pubs and wine bars on offer.

If on other days you fancy a break from street life, you can take a pretty bus or train ride direct to the seaside (decent fish and chips more or less guaranteed!), or you can visit such spectacular places as Castle Howard, Harewood House or Fountains Abbey.


ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES: Check-in is any time from 4PM and check-out is 10AM. There can sometimes be some flexibility regarding early check-in; the cost of this is £20 per hour, and is by prior arrangement only.

Guests are welcome to use our permit which entitles them to park in any car park belonging to York Council. If you would like to avail yourself of this facility, you will need to provide your car registration number ahead of your stay so that the permit can be authorised for your use. There is no need to do anything else!

It is sometimes possible to park ahead of check-in time by prior arrangement, the cost of this is an additional £5 per hour.

A particular glory of York is that most of the city within the ancient walls is pedestrianised, so while a car can be useful for getting here if you have a large amount of luggage or small children, you will not need it during your stay unless you make sorties to the surrounding countryside.

FURTHER INFORMATION: The apartment is part of a small residential development, with owner-occupier neighbours on all sides, some of whom are elderly and all of whom have chosen to live there precisely because the location is so central yet so quiet. Anyone residing there, including short-term guests, agrees to abide by the rules of the head lease. We therefore ask guests to keep any noise to an absolute minimum, particularly in the evenings and early mornings. This includes in the communal corridor and stairwell, where sound travels particularly readily. Children are very warmly welcome in the apartment but should be supervised at all times when outside, and should in particular not be allowed to play games or run up and down the piazza or downstairs corridor. The Museum Gardens are a minute's walk away for those with excess energy to burn off!

Given the quiet and residential nature of the development, we are unfortunately unable to accept bookings from single-sex groups consisting of more than four unrelated adults. We will normally accept bookings which include Race Weekends only from young families or more mature travellers.

Property manager

Helena Kirkby

Languages

English, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Well behaved children are warmly welcome.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The property is part of a small residential development, with strict rules regarding noise/conduct. It is therefore unsuitable for stag/hen parties.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the development, including on the balcony or communal area outside.
Guests with children are very welcome - but we request that they not be allowed to run up and down the communal areas.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

York

Located in York, this apartment is in the city centre. Notable landmarks in the area include York Minster and Shambles, and travellers wishing to experience a bit of culture can try Jorvik Viking Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Yorkshire Museum Gardens, or check out an event or a game at York Racecourse. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like cycling.
Map
YORK

What's nearby

  • York Minster - 4 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Shambles - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Jorvik Viking Centre - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • York City Walls - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • York St. John University - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • York Station - 10 min walk
  • Leeds (LBA-Leeds Bradford) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪House Of The Trembling Madness - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪House of the Trembling Madness - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬3 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Best location: quiet luxury apartment by York Minster. Free parking! located?

Located in the heart of York, this family-friendly apartment building is steps away from Stonegate and York Minster. Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre are also within 10 minutes. York Station is 10 minutes by foot and York (QQY-York Train Station) is 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 84 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bernie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic
What a location within the walls and the Minster. Hostess could not have been more helpful, the place was spotless and definitely a place to come back to

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

Wonderful apartment in very central spot in York - all the extras plus more!
Right from the start, John was very helpful in contacting us quickly with all the information we needed for our stay in York and was quickly contactable when we arrived late after a long drive to collect the key. The apartment was better than we imagined - plenty of room for our family of four and lots of extra little touches supplied by our lovely hosts. We appreciated the body & hand soaps & creams (sounds trivial but some places we stayed before coming here had none at all) & the tea & cake were most welcome! Having a space to park our hire car was also a bonus as we could leave it there for the 3 days we stayed in York. Highly recommended! We hope to go back and spend more time in York! Thank you John!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul A., Warwick

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely roomy apartment. Great location.
Very well appointed and comfortable apartment. The location is excellent right it in the heart of the central York.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Arnaldo T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb Location - Outstanding Apartment
This was the last property we rented on a three weeks tour of Great Britain, and the six property during that visit. This was by far the most clean, well appointed and comfortable place of the trip. The location was outstanding. Right next to the Minster, great shopping and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barb M., Las Vegas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
One of the top places I have ever stayed
This apartment was ideally located right in the middle of everything we wanted to see. The layout was wonderful, everything and anything we needed was available and Helena was the perfect hostess. We loved the water pressure in the showers and being able to both stretch out and relax in the pleasant living room in the evening. I cannot recommend this place highly enough and if we get back to York, would hope to stay there again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
None better in York!
There can’t be a better place to stay in York! The apartment was spotless. The location is in the center of the old city, yet was so quiet one would have thought we were in the country. Because of the location we were able to stop several times during the day for a break or to drop off shopping purchases. The hostess was very responsive and it was easy to tell this was her home. We can’t say enough good things about this place. Thanks!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Martha G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location
Really enjoyed our stay at Minster Bells. Hostess very helpful. Location was great and allowed us to walk to all historical sites.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This unit was spotlessly clean and comfortable. The view of York Minster from the patio area was spectacular as was being able to listen to the bells, especially on Sunday morning. The beds were comfortable, the bathrooms nicely updated and the living room and kitchen had everything we needed. It was especially nice to be able to do a load of laundry. The property is quiet and literally 5 minutes walk to the Minster - right in the middle of old town. So walkable. It was unseasonably hot while we were there, but the owner had left three fans in the rooms which made it ever so much nicer for sleeping. I would definitely stay here again as it was so convenient and enjoyable. Can't say enough to recommend to everyone. There was even a bookcase full of readable books, games to play and tea to make. I could see spending an entire holiday here easily. Bravo.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed August 2023
Fabulous stay. Situation spot on so handy for everything. Like home from home.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Eryn H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Nice location, but some problems.
First, the location is very central and the host Helena is very kind. The details for checkin were a bit convoluted, but overall very detailed and accurate. We also enjoyed the washer/dryer, and the two bathrooms. The problems came for us with (1) light in bedrooms, (2) air/ventilation, and (3) the neighborhood and homeless people. First, one of the bedrooms has a shade that makes the room pretty dark, but the other only has vertical blinds that don’t at all keep the light out. We were awake with the sunrise each morning as the room becomes totally light. Second, the apartment is stuff with the windows closed. Yes there are fans (thank goodness) and we opened windows, but we weren’t comfortable leaving the windows open when we went out, and we’d come home and the whole place was so stuffy and hot. The weather during our stay was definitely not hot, so I worry how it would feel if the outside air was actually hot too. Finally, though the area is very central, we went out a couple times to homeless people laying right outside the main door and one guy drinking gin or vodka from a bottle. I felt a little uncomfortable as we were with our daughter. I get that it’s a city, but a doorman or some other way to keep homeless from sleeping there would be useful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traveling through England
The flat is in a fantastic location and is surprisingly quiet given that it is right in the middle of a busy area. The courtyard with a view of York Minster is lovely. It was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ann D., West Chester, Pennsylvania, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Couldn't have been better!
Located within spitting distance of everything within York's historic walls, this flat more than lived up to our expectations. Four of us, ranging in age from 12 to 82, stayed comfortably for a couple of days of fine dining, reminiscing over dinner with Father Richard, our brother/brother-in-law/great uncle and provost of St. Wilfrid's, York Oratory, enjoying the Railway Museum and York Craft Center, and just rambling around the neighborhood. We could see the Minster from the courtyard outside of the flat. The Property Manager/Owner was helpful in every way. We would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

LaVerne S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location for exploring York!
We are two couples who recently stayed in Helena’s flat in York. The location of this flat is what makes it such a gem! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. Helena was helpful and communicative; responding to questions promptly. Due to the pesky rail action we had to rent a car to make the trek from south of London to York, so it was nice to have parking available to us. The flat is clean and spacious, and it was convenient to have a washing machine/drying rack. York is a wonderful place to visit. Be sure to make the climb up the Minster stairs, the city walls are a pleasure to walk; be sure to stop in at ‘Gate House Coffee’ located in Walmgate Bar. A wonderful coffee shop that won’t disappoint.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patricia M., Massachusetts

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay in York
Lovely, comfortable, quiet apartment in the heart of the historic district. It had all the conveniences we needed and was fully-equipped for the few nights we decided to cook. Helena is a wonderful host, too!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim P., Cincinnati, OH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay in York
Really enjoyed our stay at this location. Although the location is in the city centre, it is remarkably quiet. We had travelled from Paris to York and we really appreciated how spacious and clean the flat is. Helena did a fantastic job communicating with us during our stay and was a wonderful hostess.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful family apartment
Spent 2 wonderful weeks. Plenty of room and had everything we needed, although the TV in the lounge desperately needed to be upgraded. I understand that Helena does not watch TV, but her guests do and the TV was old and not a smart TV, so only got a handful of channels. We were in early each night and sorely missed having access to full channels and streaming. I must commend Helena on her WONDERFUL information packet. It was extremely thorough and informative. Much appreciated. The location of the apartment could not have been better. York is so easily walkable and the apartment was central to everything. It was pretty peaceful and quiet (except for when the local churches decided to ring their bells for an hour straight). All in all, our trip was magical and we would stay in this location again.
Stayed 14 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisabeth S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfectly perfect
If we could have stayed longer, we would have. It was so comfortable for four seniors and easily accessible to all our wants and needs.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Malcolm R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous
If I could, I’d give 10 stars. Helena provided us with terrific service and information. The place was immaculate and located near the York Minster. This was a wonderful place to stay and should I be in York again, this is where I’d like to stay. Thanks Helena for everything!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous acclimation and location!
This apartment/townhome is perfectly located to enjoy all that York has to offer. Yet it is in a courtyard that is perfectly quiet so no street noise. The owner has fitted the apartment extremely well. We did not lack for anything. I cannot recommend this property more highly. Nothing about it disappoints!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

jim and susan w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent location and facility!
Location, furnishings, kitchen and living area fully set up for comfortable living as was the whole apartment!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Allan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary break in York
Excellent property, great central location.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect friends weekend
Property location exceptional. Furniture and fittings in apartment very high standard. Host very welcoming^ Will visit again
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend break
A very comfy and clean apartment well positioned in York centre well equipped kitchen and excellent layout 👌
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alison B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location! Awesome host!
The location is perfect for walking and experiencing York. Free parking was also a great perk. Just left the car in the lot for our whole visit. Everything was clean and easy to use. Great for our family. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
York trip
Wonderful flat in a terrific location with close access to everything. Plenty of room and comfort for the whole family. Small grocery store and cafes very close by. Communications with the host were excellent. We would definitely stay again and recommend this property. There is some street noise that filters up but not nearly as loud as it would be if the flat was actually facing the street.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Helena Kirkby

Host profile image
I am from Yorkshire and moved to York when my first-born gained a place in the Minster Choir. My children are now grown up, but York is so fantastic that I never left!

Why they chose this property

I chose this area because I love being right in the centre of all the action (shops, restaurants, museums, galleries, the Minster) but with perfect peace and quiet when you want a break.

What makes this property unique

The things that make this apartment unique are its location (arguably the best location of all the self-catering holiday properties in central York) and its tranquillity. Once you're inside, it's almost impossible to believe that you are right in the centre of the city. The other thing that makes it so special is the view of the Minster from the piazza outside: it's the only place in York which offers this spectacular view. It's also a bonus to be able to park just a short walk away for no additional charge (the centre of York is pedestrianised during the day). And for those who are wondering: the Minster bells don't ring at night!

Languages:

English, German