Our Neighbourhood - Hotel Indigo York

The Neighbourhood Near Our York Hotel

Our hotel in York stands in the historic neighbourhood of Walmgate Bar in the medieval district of the beautiful City of York.

Most of us know that the Vikings called York Jorvik, but to the Romans this City was Eboracum and the Saxons called it Eoforwick. Today York successfully combines being a historic architectural treasure trove with being a stylish destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Our luxury boutique hotel in York is perfectly located for visiting The Shambles, York Minster, the National Railway Museum and The York Chocolate Story. Within 10 minutes’ walk of our York hotel, there’s the Yorkshire Museum, York Castle Museum, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Jorvik Viking Centre.

Did you know York was the birthplace of both the Chocolate Orange and the Kit Kat bar?

The history of fine chocolate making in York is central to the hotel because it was in Walmgate that a young Quaker woman, Mary Tuke, opened her grocery shop in 1725. She successfully rebelled against the trading restrictions of the Merchant Adventurers’ Company, located nearby on Fossgate, and this is a classic case in its company history. In 1752 her nephew William took over the shop dealing in tea and cocoa as well as manufacturing chocolate. He sold her business to Henry Isaac Rowntree in 1862 and the rest, as they say, is history!

Chocoholics amongst you will be interested in learning that George Cadbury and Lewis Fry were both apprenticed to Joseph Rowntree Senior (Lord Mayor of York) at his grocers shop on Pavement. Here they learnt the trade along with his son Joseph Rowntree Junior who became the famous chocolate magnate.

Today you can learn all about the history of chocolate in York at York’s Chocolate Story located on Kings Square. Here you can discover the stories behind the greatest names in chocolate, unwrap the secrets of chocolate making, and even learn the art of the chocolatier for yourself. A fully guided tour and three floors of interactive exploration take you on a journey through the city where chocolate made history.

Explore the heart of this historic city. Walk the vibrant streets of York, taking in the full Gothic glory of the York Minster.

Delight in the amazing 300 years of railway history at the National Railway Museum or ramble around the hidden corners of the Shambles with its array of independent shops and restaurants. You’re bound to pick up a souvenir or two!

For the Harry Potter fans amongst us, not one, but three Harry Potter shops can be found on The Shambles.

Let our York hotel inspire you with another taste of the neighbourhood with one of our signature cocktails or local craft beers at our bar, No.88 Walmgate.

Though the history of our neighbourhood reaches far back, our amenities are 21st century. The Hotel Indigo York offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary soft drinks and a chocolate bar in the mini fridge, 24-hour room service and a fitness studio.

We look forward to welcoming you, or “Ey up” as we say in Yorkshire!

Food & Drink in York

Sip on local gin, craft ales, familiar favourites, and creative cocktails at No.88 Walmgate. Pair with one of our delicious Rustic Pizzas.

Explore more

We proudly stand in the historic neighbourhood of Walmgate, just a short walk from all the city has to offer.

At one point Walmgate had 20 pubs on the street, today it is a cool mix of independent restaurants, bars and shops and continues to Fossgate – which boasts even more independent shops, delis, bars and restaurants. Walmgate Bar proudly stands at the end of the road. It is the only existing bar in York with a Barbican and forms part of the York City Walls walk.

Explore more

York Hotel's Chocolate Story

Discover the history of chocolate, how to make it and how to taste it like an expert at the York’s Chocolate Story.

Explore more