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Last updated: 28 October, 2022
Expert travel writer: Will Hide

If a TV crew wanted to film a drama set in 18th-century York, they could do a lot worse than choose this 300-year-old hotel with its winding, dimly-lit corridors and cosy snugs. (They’d have to hide the flatscreen TVs first, though). 

It’s situated just a few minutes’ walk from York Minster, the city’s art gallery, and Theatre Royal, and right next to Bootham Bar, one of the medieval gateways to the city. History buffs should choose bedroom number 11 if they want to look straight out onto it.  

The Fat Badger has atmosphere aplenty and the building, from 1758, blends in seamlessly with the city’s historic core. A quiet garden at the back, bounded by the city walls, is a welcome bonus in the summer months. 

Surrounding area

The hotel is situated on High Petergate – one of the city’s main Roman roads, lined with elegant Regency buildings; despite being in the centre of York, this section of High Petergate is still pretty tranquil.

Famous Stonegate is just round the corner, and all the city’s main attractions, along with a wide range of restaurants, are walkable from the hotel.

Inevitably such a central location means it’s very busy with tourists in the day, but York quietens down considerably in the evening.  

One note of caution – it’s definitely a bonus to be so close to York Minster, but the bells start ringing at 8am so light sleepers hoping to snooze past then might want to bring earplugs.

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Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: None
Creche
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Parking: Not available
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

York Minster

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

York Minster is northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral, taking 250 years to build, and famous for its vividly beautiful stained glass.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

Walk York’s Roman city walls

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

Walking York’s ancient city walls – the best-preserved in Britain – offers glimpses of the city’s rich history, with fortified towers, Roman gateways and a wonderful view of the medieval rooftops.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2 houra

National Railway Museum

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Exterior of two-storey art gallery with a fountain and statue in front
Experience

York Art Gallery

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

A regional art gallery that punches well above its weight, you’ll find Victorian and contemporary artists displayed, including David Hockney and Grayson Perry. General admission is free.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Exterior of medium-sized museum with lawn in front and a bed of flowers
Experience

Yorkshire Museum

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

Yes, Yorkshire is the theme, but here you’ll find everything from dinosaurs to Richard III. A surprisingly diverse museum and its spacious gardens are a lovely spot for a picnic afterwards.

Best for ages: 13+ | £8

Website >
Overview >
The exterior and window display of the popular Betty's Cafe and Tea Rooms at night
Experience

Betty’s

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

This iconic tearoom opened in 1937 and there’s a good reason people queue for two hours for afternoon tea here. Book online in advance to avoid the wait.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Overview >
Boats sailing down the River Ouse with people walking along the embankment
Experience

Boat tours of York

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Get a different perspective on York while gently gliding down the River Ouse with jovial commentary. Lunch, afternoon tea and evening cruises are also offered.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12 | 1-3 hours

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Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

York

Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)

York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.

Website >
Overview >