There are some interesting and curious old pubs in York. We have made a list of some of the oldest York pubs. Some you can get a great pint, some a fantastic lunch and some you might bump into a friendly ghost!
Have a look at our suggestions of old pubs in York to visit.
Guy Fawkes Inn – Medieval Inn
25 High Petergate, York, YO1 7HP
The Guy Fawkes Inn has an amazing location right next to York Minster with some serious incredible views. Make your stay really romantic and book this beautiful four-poster room. The Guy Fawkes Inn is a “medieval inn in York that stands in the shadow of York Minster, the very birthplace of the notorious plotter, Guy Fawkes. Offering thirteen en-suite bedrooms with flat screen TV’s, regional real ales and classic British food in our AA rosette restaurant.”
“Guido Fawkes was born on this very spot in 1570 in the shadow of York Minster and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey, just across the street. Centuries have passed, but this historical building is so well preserved you could be forgiven for thinking it happened just yesterday.
Did you know that as a former property owned by Guy Fawkes and his family we are prohibited from celebrating Bonfire night? Yes, all buildings formerly owned by the man himself can not celebrate this annual date in the diary, including his former school St Peters.”
Find up-to-date prices and availability for Guy Fawkes Inn here.
How do you know which are the best pubs to visit in York? What is special about their histories? Our guides will take you on a tour of the most fascinating and haunted pubs in York, sharing stories full of jaunty highwaymen, Roman legionaries, feline phantoms and grumpy old men. There’s not another tour like it!
The Fat Badger resides within an ancient building oozing with character and charm. You can experience a stay in a Victorian setting as you become acquainted with all the captivating history that York has to offer.
There are in total 12 B&B rooms, of four varieties, to choose from – the single room , the executive double, the superior double and the deluxe double. All the rooms are en-suite and offer complimentary H2K toiletries. Downstairs you can enjoy local ales and wine in the bar and modern British pub food in the restaurant.
The Golden Fleece is very central and located opposite the bottom of the Shambles. It’s one of York’s earliest recorded coaching inns dating back to 1503.
The Golden Fleece proudly claims to be the ‘Most Haunted’ pub in York. “A ghost named One Eyed Jack, wearing a 16th Century red coat and carrying a pistol, has been seen in the bottom bar.” The Golden Fleece is a quirky, narrow building that looks squeezed in – but goes back a long way.
The Golden Fleece
The Snickleway Inn
47 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
The Snickleway Inn is a very old, historic pub, this has been called many names since it was known as the House of Tudor. During the siege of York in 1644 it was used as the Royalist magazine. Reputed to be the most haunted pub in York, especially in the cellar where a malevolent spirit causes havoc at times.
The Snickleways Inn
The Black Swan
23 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR
The Black Swan pub was originally an early 15th century merchant’s mansion and is the place where various ghostly sightings have occurred. “There is a ghost of the gentleman in a bowler hat who appears to be impatiently waiting for someone at the bar – eventually his apparition slowly fades away.
Dating from the 15th century, this half-timbered pub with rooms is a block from the River Foss, a 10 minute walk from York Castle and a 5-10 minute walk from Jorvik Viking Centre.
Our traditional rooms all include en suite bathrooms and antique, 4-poster beds with rich draperies. Parking and breakfast are complimentary.
We boast a wood panelled restaurant with coffered ceilings and an open fireplace where we serve food daily, and two beer gardens where you can relax with a drink when the sun comes out.”
The Black Swan
Ye Olde Starre Inn – York’s Oldest Licenced Inn
40 Stonegate, York YO1 8AS
Ye Olde Starre Inn claims to be the oldest pub in York. “The main block of the pub is a timber-framed structure, constructed in the mid-16th century, and a wing to its left was added in about 1600. By 1644, it was an inn named “The Starre”, the buildings lying at the back of a coaching yard, off the north side of Stonegate.
This makes it the pub in York which can demonstrate the earliest date for its licence.”
Ye Olde Starre Inne
The Royal Oak
18 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LG
“We take pride in our food here at the Royal Oak. Using quality ingredients, our chefs create wonderful dishes that range from good old comfort food to exquisite specials one might not expect to find in a typical pub. From fresh fish to oven-baked pies, we have you covered.
We offer food during lunchtimes every day from 12 till 3 in the afternoon, as well as stunning dinner options from 5pm to 9pm – covering all your wants and needs.”
The Royal Oak
The Watergate Inn
The Watergate Inn is one of York’s oldest hospitality venues. Originally a coaching Inn the stabling has been converted into quality en-suite letting rooms. We serve drinks and also cater to both guests and the wider public, particularly discerning visitors. Our well known bar dispenses fine ale wines and spirts along with soft drinks. Food is provided from our authentic charcoal grill and includes an excellent selection including gourmet hot-dogs and burgers and also a variety of chicken dishes.
The White Horse Pub, which has been trading since 1770, is located in the heart of York. It is a true and genuine testament to the history and culture of York. This pub has recently been fully renovated and has never looked better. Boasting an excellent location, just a short walk from the York Minster and the world famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, The White Horse offers accommodation with a bar and free WiFi. The inn also offers larger family rooms. Each room enjoys a private bathroom.
“A guided pub crawl through York’s medieval snickelways, following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers and Papist plotters, Royalists and Roundheads, Whigs, Wool Traders, and Dick Turpin to boot.
Walking just three-quarters of a mile and stopping at up to 7 of York’s most historic pubs you will hear tales of execution and murder, local saints and Irish giants. And if you like spirits, there are plenty, and not just the bottled variety. Join us and drink in York’s fascinating history!”
