MonkBridge House, a family-run bed and breakfast in York, has been named the best in England, winning Gold at the 2026 Visit England National Finals. The eight-bedroom property, run by married couple Paul and Fiona Hemsley, is located an eight-minute walk from the historic City Walls. Dating back to 1864, the house is full of Victorian charm, with a unique interior and welcoming atmosphere. It has earned five-star reviews year after year and won North Yorkshire Guest House of the Year titles in 2024 and 2025. Now it has taken first place in Visit England’s annual Awards for Excellence.
Location and Local Attractions
MonkBridge’s location is a major selling point. Just a short walk from the city centre, it offers easy access to York’s Roman history and attractions. Visitors can explore York Minster, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral with colourful medieval stained-glass windows, and Clifford’s Tower, the largest surviving remnant of York Castle. The JORVIK Viking Centre is described online as ‘rich in information’. Bettys York Café Tea Rooms is a fan-favourite on TikTok.
Guest Reviews and Room Features
Guests frequently use the word ‘beautiful’ in reviews, with one describing the property as ‘full of charm’ and many praising the care in decorating every room. The eight refurbished bedrooms include double, twin, and three triple options. The most extravagant is the Rymer room, a luxurious double with an antique French oak Four Poster Bed, overlooking the River Foss. It features underfloor heating and a large walk-in shower. All rooms come with an ensuite, minibar/fridge, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, and USB sockets. Guests praise cleanliness, describing rooms as ‘spotless, spacious and beautifully decorated’. One visitor mentioned ‘little handmade touches’ made her feel ‘instantly at home’.
Breakfast and Pricing
Breakfasts are highly rated. Former guest Mike Curtis called it ‘top notch’, and Michael Gregson said: ‘The breakfast was outstanding — genuinely one of the highlights of our stay.’ Dorothy Bainbridge recommends the ‘wonderful homemade marmalade’ in a Google review. Staying at this five-star spot isn’t cheap. For two adults in November, a two-night stay in a standard twin costs £307 (about £150 each). A double room with Cast Iron Kingsize bed costs £366 (around £183 each). The Luxurious Four Poster Kingsize room costs £376 (£188 per person). Availability is limited, with rooms booked months in advance.
