The 12 best Airbnbs in York for an enchanting getaway

Going to York to see the massive minster? Then bag this beautiful little flat opposite the main entrance to the cathedral, which you can even see from the window. Locations don't come much better than this. You're surrounded by shops, restaurants and pubs absolutely overflowing with character, while inside is just as charming. There's a sizeable shower room, a kitchenette tucked away behind some lovely cupboard doors and a bedroom upstairs with a king-sized bed, TV and seating area.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Quirky, modern.  
Location perks? Just a 10-minute walk from York Station. 
Budget range? A moderately priced weekend up north. 

If you're a fan of the tiny home movement, you're going to love this cute Shepherd's Hut that backs onto woodland. Located a 15-minute walk along the river path to the city centre, it offers cheap convenience, lush greenery and kitsch character. You can imagine you're living Thomas Shelby's gypsy life, but then nip to the nearby Aldi to stock up on supplies. Given its intimate nature, the Shepherd's Hut is best suited to couples. It also has all the essentials (mini kitchen shower and toilet) and is dog-friendly.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps one guest. 
The mood? Outdoorsy and cosy. 
Location perks? Situated in a large private country garden offering you a quaint little country escape. 
Budget range? Super cheap. Seriously. 

Call everyone you know and invite them to this epic Airbnb – it's huge. It sleeps up to 20 people across 12 beds in five different rooms and it looks super quirky and beautiful. There's a bar in the living room, along with plush sofas and an 18-seater dining table. There's another bar in the games room (with a pool table), a snug, seven bathrooms and three free parking spaces. Plus it's only a 10-minute walk from the centre and it's pretty economical for a mid-week stay (not including cleaning and service charges). Bargain.

Rooms? Five bedrooms. Sleeps 20 guests. 
The mood? Modern, plush. 
Location perks? A great location for a special occasion like a hen do or birthday.  
Budget range? A stunning low-cost rental for larger groups. 

If you're a sucker for good design, then you may already know the name Jack D March. The award-winning Yorkshire designer has been working on Neville House throughout 2022 and the results are absolutely stunning. Split over three floors, it provides space for up to seven to sleep, with one double, two singles, and another double bed that also has a single sofa bed in the room. It's about 15 minutes walk north of York Minster and surrounded by local amenities. It's also dog-friendly and if you want to have more of a nosey, you can do so on their Instagram (@nevillehouseyork).

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps seven guests. 
The mood? Vintage charm. 
Location perks? This place is brimming with home comforts and character, while also being a walkable distance from the centre.
Budget range? Decent when you split the cost. 

Take a trip back in time to this supposedly haunted 600-year-old Tudor apartment that overlooks historic rooftops and York Minster. Imagine wavy old beams, dark wood panelling and vintage furniture and you'll be picturing The Chamber. Given its age, you won't be surprised to discover that it's fairly modest, but it sleeps four. Although be warned, the bath is in the bedroom (the other bed is a sofa bed in the lounge). There's also a small sun-dappled courtyard to be enjoyed.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests. 
The mood? Vintage lux. 
Location perks? A central location, yet an incredibly peaceful location, featuring an outside yard for the perfect little pause. 
Budget? A budget-friendly family stay.

For a quiet stay that's not too far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, opt for this comfortable one-bed. It's on the ground floor, but it's next to a cycle path that's backed by blackberries and Hawthorne trees, so it's pretty tranquil. It sleeps up to four, with a double bed that pulls down from the wall in the living room and the choice of a super-king or two twins in the bedroom. You can even request a travel cot.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps four guests.
The mood? Ultra cosy. 
Location perks? A walkable distance to the city centre, supermarket and the local Starbucks. 
Budget range? A moderately-priced family stay. 

Space is very much at a premium in central York, so if you're travelling with a big party, book the Big Barn. Located northeast of the centre, this converted eighteenth-century farm building sleeps six and comes with two parking spaces. It also has access to great shared facilities, including a hot tub, games room (with a pool table and air hockey) and a barbecue area. Plus, it's only a 25-minute bus into York city centre or a 10-minute drive to Monk Bar car park, just outside the city walls.

Rooms? Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests. 
The mood? Quaint and homely. 
Location perks? Situated on a landscaped courtyard, the property is an idyllic retreat 10 minutes away from the city centre, but also perfect for those who want to take a slow leisurely day trip along the river.
Budget range? Dirt cheap. 

If you've got a bit of cash to splash – or eight people to split the fee with – then this entire townhouse is an absolute gem in central York. Situated just off Micklegate and right by the river Ouse, this three-storey Victorian is a proper four-bed, with four actual double bedrooms, plus two-and-a-half baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen and courtyard. You'll be hard pushed to leave, it's so lovely, but if you do it's only eight minutes walk to The Shambles, ten to Clifford's Tower and 12 to York Minster.

Rooms? Four bedrooms. Sleeps eight guests. 
The mood? Modern, elegant. 
Location perks? A cosy residential area with lots of restaurants and supermarkets nearby and a walkable distance to the centre. 
Budget range? A low-mid-range friend's getaway or family get-together. 

Coffee nuts take note – this charming Airbnb is situated above the well-loved Partisan coffee shop, which offers fresh brews and lovely food 9 am-3 pm daily. In fact, 112 Micklegate is surrounded by convenience as it's located right in the centre of the city. Upstairs in Number 1, you'll find a bright one-bed brimming with character. There's a kitchen, lounge and very tiny bathroom that you might have to do some door-shimmying to get into.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Archaic, quaint. 
Location perks? Chock full of character, this location is perfect for those who want to lap up the historic village charm, with many of its original features intact.  
Budget range? A charming and affordable couple's stay. 

What started life in the mid-nineteenth century as a flour mill, went on to become Rowntree’s cocoa bean store in the 1930s and gave the building its name. Now you too can have a taste of that history with a stay in this beautifully finished ground-floor studio. The Cocoa Pod is only a five-minute walk to The Shambles and the rest of the city centre. There's a well-equipped kitchen, a walk-in shower and a TV with an Amazon Fire Stick. There's also a large picture window that looks out directly onto the river and parking for an additional fee.

Rooms? One bedroom. Sleeps two guests. 
The mood? Modern and clean. 
Location perks? Gorgeous riverside views and only a short stroll to The Shambles and the city centre. We love. 
Budget range? Another pocket-friendly option for two.