The Churchill Hotel

With space at a premium in York city centre, a standalone Georgian mansion set in its own grounds (and with parking, no less!) comes as a bit of a treat. Having had a variety of uses down the years, it’s been nicely refurbished, and sympathetically extended, which means a selection of individually designed rooms – ‘small’ to ‘luxury’ – that are on the sober and stylish end of the spectrum. As is often the case, those in the original building tend to have the most space and character – some rather daring superior rooms sit under curved, vaulted ceilings, which certainly make for a different overnight experience.

Public spaces are impressive, leaning on the building’s heritage. A terrific beer-garden and terrace makes staying put (or coming back in the evening for late-night drinks) an option. Think outdoor pizza oven, fire pit, and garden igloos for all-weather dining. The house menu is modern British brasserie in style, with meals served in elegant surroundings in a statement dining room. The location is pretty good, too, just a short way up Bootham, so out-of-town but barely so, which means just a ten-minute stroll to the Minster.