The Watergate Inn York Exterior photoThe Watergate Inn York Exterior photoThe Watergate Inn York Exterior photo
Book through our site
—up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From55US$ /night
Check-in
29Apr2026Select date
Check-out
30Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

24 Walmgate, York, United Kingdom, YO1 9TJ
-
Steps from the historic old town
Very good
7.3
7.1
/10
3.0
/5

Dining

The Watergate Inn offers an authentic charcoal grill, specializing in homemade burgers, hot dogs, and chicken dishes. The popular menu also features Italian antipasto and calamari, ensuring a diverse selection for guests. A riverside beer garden provides a scenic space to enjoy food and drinks alongside the River Foss.

Rooms

The accommodation includes 13 rooms with various layouts to meet different needs. Rooms offer comfortable en-suite bathrooms along with large screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities. The largest family room can accommodate up to five guests, providing flexibility for groups and families.

Location

Located centrally in York, the hotel offers convenient access to major attractions and cultural sites within walking distance. This location allows guests to easily explore the rich history of York, including its ancient walls and world-class museums. The hotel's position also facilitates easy access to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

Amenities

The hotel is a proud independent venue, renowned for its quirky style and historical significance as one of York's oldest coaching inns. A new app enhances food and drink ordering for a quicker service, ensuring a modern touch to the traditional experience. On-site bar offerings include a selection of fine ales, wines, and spirits.

Family-Friendly

Family accommodations at The Watergate Inn support various group sizes, with options available for small and larger families. Each room is equipped with en-suite facilities, increasing convenience for parents. Exploring York's attractions alongside family members creates lasting memories.

Highlights

Dining: Authentic charcoal grill and riverside beer garden

Rooms: 13 rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Location: Convenient access to major attractions

Family-Friendly: Flexible accommodations for groups and families

“This historic inn, one of York's oldest, certainly charms with its central location and riverside beer garden. It seems a solid pick if you value character and local pub life over flawless modern luxury. I see this as an affordable base for exploring the city, dogs in tow.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
View all

Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Quadruple Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Single Room
2 persons
80 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Barber shop

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling

Services

  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
Show more

The Watergate Inn Location

24 Walmgate, York, United Kingdom, YO1 9TJ
Map view
24 Walmgate, York, United Kingdom, YO1 9TJ
Nearby
York YO1 7HBEngland
York City Walls
1600 ft
Museum
Jorvik Viking Centre
1200 ft
Museum
York Castle Museum
1800 ft
Museum
York's Chocolate Story
1400 ft
Tower Street
Clifford's Tower
1800 ft
12 Clifford St
The York Dungeon
1400 ft
York YO1 8BL
St. Crux Parish Hall
1300 ft
Church
St Denys's Church
1500 ft
Museum
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
500 ft
Goodramgate
2000 ft
Church
Church of St Mary Bishophill Junior
800 ft
Fairfax House Castlegate
Fairfax House
1100 ft
Restaurants
Mooboo
200 ft
21-23 Walmgate
The Fossgate Social
500 ft
25 Fossgate
The Hop
700 ft
11-12 Fossgate
Shambles Kitchen
1000 ft
5 Silver Street Shambles Food Market
The Postern Gate
1300 ft
90 Piccadilly
Cresci Pizzeria
800 ft
20 piccadilly
Spread Eagle
900 ft
98 Walmgate City Centre
Los Moros
1200 ft
Unit A4 Hazel Court Shambles Market
York's Yummy Chicken
900 ft
28 Pavement
Explore York
Explore York
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Jorvik Viking Centre
Jorvik Viking Centre
5 minutes' walk
Themed around Viking history, this center features interactive exhibits and archaeological finds. Great for families!
York Minster
York Minster
8 minutes' walk
A stunning Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass, and stunning architecture. Offers guided tours for deeper insight.
York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum
7 minutes' walk
Combining local history and interactive displays, this museum takes you back in time. Excellent for all ages.
York City Walls
York City Walls
6 minutes' walk
A significant historical landmark, these walls offer a scenic walk with views over the city. Great for a leisurely stroll.
Rowntree Park
Rowntree Park
15 minutes' walk
A beautiful park ideal for picnics or leisurely walks, featuring playgrounds and serene gardens. Perfect for relaxation.
Bike Rentals at Cycle Heaven
15 minutes' walk
Rent a bike and explore York's scenic routes, including the riverside path. Great for adventure seekers.
Penny's Bespoke Foodhouse
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a cozy atmosphere. Enjoy locally sourced dishes, including vegetarian options. Reservations are recommended.
The Hop
The Hop
3 minutes' walk
A lively pub known for its craft beers and hearty British cuisine. Try their famous fish and chips for a local classic.
The Grand Opera House
15 minutes' walk
Enjoy live performances ranging from musicals to comedy shows in a historic setting. Family-friendly events available.
Fibbers
15 minutes' walk
A popular venue for live music and local acts, with a vibrant atmosphere. Offers a mix of genres and themed nights.
Getting around town
City Centre
York5 min  ·  1400 ft
Airports
Leeds Bradford (LBA)79 min  ·  32.7 mi
Doncaster Sheffield (DSA)93 min  ·  38.5 mi
Train
York Railway station14 min  ·  3700 ft
Bus
Bus stop12 min  ·  3300 ft
Looking for early-bird discounts?
Get special discounted rates today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
13

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Watergate Inn enjoys a fabulous location, just a short walk from the Shambles and other central York attractions. Guests appreciate the convenience of on-site parking and rooms equipped with coffee-making facilities. The breakfast is considered good value, although some guests have noted that the plates could be heated to keep the food warm. Certain rooms can be small with a skylight instead of a window.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1132 verified reviews
7.0/10
Very good
66%
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.9/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Pros
Good location
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Cons
Dirty room
Guest reviews
based on 1132 reviews
7.0/10
based on 2260 reviews
7.3/10
Ivor from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 31, 2026
6/10
convenient locationsmall roomtoo small quilt
The location was acceptable. It was close to the center.
the room felt quite small, and the quilt was too small for the bed. i also found the bed pushed right up against a wall, it was rather awkward. there did not seem to be any staff around, a bit unsettling.
0 Helpful
Liam from Ireland
Single
Single Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 21, 2025
9/10
central locationbreakfast options
The location was central I walked everywhere I needed to go. The breakfast I purchased in the pub was excellent it had plenty of options.
The kettle in my room wasn't very clean it made me hesitant to use it.
0 Helpful
Andy from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 28, 2025
8.7/10

Central Stay, Highly Recommended!

friendly staffcentral locationuseful kettleseparate bathroom
The location was perfect! It was close to the main attractions. The staff was friendly, always smiling, though the parking was expensive. I had a kettle with tea and coffee in the room, very useful for a quick drink. The separate bathroom featured a shower, very practical.
The room felt a bit small, and the blinds did not close completely. Though the room was quiet.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was available. It was not included, though residents received a discount. I appreciated this convenient option. The dining area seemed clean. the staff was attentive to all guest needs.
Facilities
8/10
Parking was available near the premises, a valuable amenity in such a central location. The city open-top bus route stopped near the hotel. It offered easy access to various sights. This setup provided convenience for exploring the area.
Rooms
9/10
The room included storage space, allowing me to organize my belongings easily. Plugs were plentiful and very accessible. Toiletries were provided. This made packing more convenient. The room ensured a practical stay.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
cameron from united kingdom
Single
twin room private bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 26, 2025
8.7/10

convenient stay

easy accesshelpful staffconvenient parking
the location provided easy access to nearby attractions. i found the staff consistently helpful and friendly. the included parking was convenient, saving additional expenses. the room was well-equipped with necessary amenities.
i noticed some wear on the older towels.
Service
9/10
the staff addressed inquiries promptly and politely. i observed attentive service during my interactions with the reception. staff members provided helpful directions and information about local attractions. they offered assistance with luggage.
Dining
8/10
the breakfast buffet included a selection of cereals, pastries, and hot items. i saw fresh fruit and yogurt available each morning. coffee and tea were readily accessible in the dining area. there were several nearby restaurants.
Rooms
9/10
the room featured two comfortable beds and a private bathroom. i noted the presence of a tv with multiple channels available. the room had a small desk and a chair. there was ample storage space.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Matthew from United Kingdom
Single
Single Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 25, 2025
7/10

A decent experience

excellent locationclean roomclothes hangersdated roomthin mattresslumpy pillows
The location was EXCELLENT! It is right in the city. The room was clean. It had everything I needed for my stay, including heaters, a kettle, and tea and coffee. There were lots of clothes hangers, toiletries, and plenty of toilet rolls available.
The rooms felt dated. They NEEDED a lot of tlc. The bed was terrible, and I hardly slept. It was a small double with a very thin mattress. The pillows needed replacing, as they were very old and lumpy.
0 Helpful
Barry from Australia
Family with children
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 25, 2025
9.0/10

Excellent Location and Friendly Staff

safe parkingearly check-incomfortable bedfantastic location
I found that I was able to park early before check-in, which I was grateful for. The car was kept very safe behind a locked gate! A lovely lady showed me to my room and explained everything. The room was basic, but the bed was super comfortable and the location is fantastic. It was only a short walk to nearby attractions and a pub!
The room was a little too bright. Thicker curtains could improve the sleeping environment.
Dining
8/10
The breakfast service provides a ten percent discount for hotel residents, a nice perk. The food available was good and prepared well, though it is not included in the room price. I am grateful for the discount.
Rooms
9/10
My room had nice, warm temperature control and a good, powerful shower! The provided toiletries were a nice touch, and tea and coffee facilities were included. I was happy with the amenities.
Service
10/10
The staff members were very friendly and helpful, an aspect I deeply appreciated. They made sure I had everything I needed. Early check-in was accommodated, a massive help!
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About The Watergate Inn
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Watergate Inn?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is The Watergate Inn from York Minster?
The Watergate Inn is located 600 m from York Minster.
Is there parking available at The Watergate Inn?
The Watergate Inn offers free parking on-site for guests.
What amenities can guests expect in the rooms at The Watergate Inn?
All rooms come equipped with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities.
What dining options are available near The Watergate Inn?
Nearby dining options include Corner Grill House, Khao San Rd, El Gaucho, The Red Lion, Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House, Barbakan, and Le Cochon Aveugle, all located within 0.5 km.
What activities can guests participate in at The Watergate Inn?
Guests can enjoy activities such as cycling and fishing nearby.
Which major attractions are close to The Watergate Inn?
Nearby attractions include York Minster (600 m), York City Walls (300 m), and the Grand Opera House (300 m).
How far is The Watergate Inn from Leeds Bradford International Airport?
The Watergate Inn is approximately 39 km from Leeds Bradford International Airport.
What type of environment does The Watergate Inn provide?
The Watergate Inn features a historic, family-friendly, and pub-style environment with a riverside beer garden.
Does The Watergate Inn offer Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout The Watergate Inn.
Is smoking allowed at The Watergate Inn?
The Watergate Inn is a smoke-free property.
What is the range of room configurations at The Watergate Inn?
The Watergate Inn offers a variety of room configurations, including single, double, and family/group rooms, with the largest accommodating up to five guests.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
29Apr2026Select date
Check-out
30Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room