The Milner York

A railway hotel with a story

The building was designed by William Peachey of the North Eastern Railway and opened a year after the present station. It has changed names several times; the latest honours William Milner, a York station foreman in the Second World War who was posthumously commended for gallantry. Inside you still get the high ceilings and scale of a grand Victorian hotel. The owners have spent over £2 million on improvements in recent years.

Eating and drinking

Peachey's Bar & Grill, named after the architect, serves dishes such as beer-battered cod alongside its own cocktail. The Swollen Gambler bar is themed around the railway financier George Hudson, with a Yorkshire burger and classic drinks. The Garden Room is known for its chocolate afternoon tea, which makes a good treat even if you are not staying.

Who it suits

Arriving by train could not be easier: the hotel is next to the station, and the city walls and Barker Tower on the river are a few minutes' walk away. It suits rail travellers, short city breaks and anyone who likes a historic building. The Minster and the old centre are a pleasant walk across Lendal Bridge.

Highlights

• Grade II-listed Victorian railway hotel
• Next to York railway station
• 155 air-conditioned rooms and suites
• Peachey's Bar & Grill and The Swollen Gambler bar
• Chocolate afternoon tea in the Garden Room

Good to know

• The hotel is right beside York station, ideal if travelling by train.
• Afternoon tea in the Garden Room is open to non-residents; book ahead.
• The hotel was renamed from The Principal York in October 2024, so older listings may use the previous name.

Frequently asked questions