Best family hotels in Yorkshire the whole family will love
Seeking a stay in this northern county? Discover the best family hotels in Yorkshire for your next family staycation in York, Harrogate, Halifax, and more.
By Charlotte Plummer | Last updated Oct 13, 2023
From quaint countryside getaways to luxury family-friendly hotels, Yorkshire has enough space to offer families everything during a stay here.
The county offers everything from budget stays, to boutique hotels, to luxury resorts - all with great access to some of the region's best, most iconic attractions that the whole family will love.
To help you plan your next trip, we’ve invested our time and done the leg work in finding the top quality, family hotels in Yorkshire for you and your loved ones to stay in as you enjoy this beautiful part of the country.
Swimming pools, to llama walking, idyllic walks, children's attractions, railway museums, beaches, and more - Yorkshire has it all. It was a tough gig choosing just ten, but we’re confident we’ve found some absolute gems of places to stay with your family.
Here are the best family hotels in Yorkshire, we feel there’s something here for everyone.
What are the best family hotels in Yorkshire?
Best overall family hotel in Yorkshire: The Grand Hotel, York
Best glamping spot for families in Yorkshire: Humble Bee Farm, Scarborough
Best luxury family hotel in Yorkshire: Rudding Park, Harrogate
Best coastal family retreat in Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Village, Flamborough
Best pet-friendly resort in Yorkshire: The Coniston, Skipton
1. Best overall family hotel in Yorkshire: The Grand Hotel, York
The Grand Hotel, York | Check availability
“The Grand is lovely. Went for a joint birthday celebration with friends and I don’t know whether our rooms were standard or not but they were huge. Spa facilities and a pool too. Oh and the cookery school looks fabulous.” Recommended by Brogues.
Starting your stay with a specially designed children’s check in, followed by goody bags plus robes and slippers for the kids, this hotel doesn’t miss any opportunity to make your family’s stay that little extra magical.
Located just 5 minutes walk from York train station, and no further than 10 minutes walk from all of York’s main attractions, your family can explore the famous cobbled streets & all York has to offer with ease.
Not that the entertainment has to take place out of the hotel - young guests can enjoy afternoon tea in The Rise Restaurant, or if something more hands on is more their thing, how about a cookery class? Not forgetting a trip to the Yorkshire Railway Museum is a must for any little ones interested in trains.
This luxury hotel has thought of everything to provide your family with a comfortable trip, offering interconnecting rooms for larger families or teenagers who may prefer their own room.
2. Best glamping spot for families: Humble Bee Farm, Scarborough
Humble Bee Farm, Scarborough | Check availability
“Humblebee Farm in North Yorks is just lovely. We stayed in one of the pods there. You can collect your own eggs for breakfast.” Recommended by Brownsauce83.
This isn’t just any old camp site. With its peaceful location in seaside town Scarborough, Humble Bee Farm is a beautiful working farm that offers playgrounds and lots of space for the little ones to run around and burn off all that energy. What’s better, this popular holiday spot also has campsites in Filey and Bridlington nearby.
Premium wigwams are available with hot tubs, en suites and fully equipped kitchens. The site is dog-friendly for any of your fur babies to join on the adventure, and you can spend your evenings enjoying the picnic areas surrounded by beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
If it couldn’t get any better, the onsite Hive Cafe Bar serves fresh coffee: don’t try telling us caffeine isn’t your best friend. Prosecco when the parenting gets real, and even their very own Farmer Percy Pale Ale.
3. Best luxury family hotel in Yorkshire: Rudding Park, Harrogate
Rudding Park, Harrogate | Check availability
“If you really want to spoil yourselves and experience an absolutely amazing spa, then consider Rudding Hall, just three miles from Harrogate station.” Recommended by Ricekrispie22.
Now, this hotel is *chefs kiss* worthy. Located in Harrogate with its championship golf course and spa, you may not think of Rudding Park when you’re considering a family friendly getaway. However, don’t be fooled - this hotel has a solution to work for everyone, with a touch of luxury
Your family can hire your very own private cinema to view your favourite film, accompanied with their delicious bento boxes as a late night treat.
With ample parking and just a 5/10 minute drive into Harrogate city centre, this hotel offers a slice of secluded heaven with the excitement of the city just moments away. If you prefer not to drive, Rudding Park is just 3 miles from Harrogate Railway Station… Or how about a helicopter? That’s right, it has a helipad!
4. Best coastal family retreat in Yorkshire: Thornwick Bay Holiday Village, Bridlington
Thornwick Bay Holiday Village, Bridlington | Check availability
“If your kids are older they would love primrose valley. My favourite site is Thornwick bay and better for under 10's.” Recommended by Rayn.
This place has all the ingredients for a perfect break by the sea. Located on a gorgeous part of the Yorkshire coast, it offers an activity barn, pool and dance floor to enjoy if you have enough energy after all that sea air!
It’s a perfect base with a variety of packages to fit the needs of each family whilst you go off and explore the surrounding areas. Summer can get a bad rep in England, but if you get the weather, there’s nowhere quite like the Yorkshire coast for some beautiful views and quality family time.
5. Best pet-friendly resort in Yorkshire: The Coniston, Skipton
The Coniston, Skipton | Check availability
“Skipton is lovely…There are plenty of restaurants as well.” Recommended by Idontgiveagriffindamn.
You better believe we’re not leaving out your furry family members! Nestled in a 1,400 acre estate, this hotel offers beautiful accommodation with priceless views of the Yorkshire Dales. Think of those dog walks!
With Bolton Abbey just 20 minutes drive away, and family friendly activities such as Billy Bobs Parlour and Hesketh Farm only a short drive from the hotel, you're bound to have some fantastic family days out whilst staying at this gorgeous hotel in Skipton.
6. Best family hotel in Yorkshire with a swimming pool: Cayton Bay, Scarborough
Cayton Bay, Scarborough | Check availability
“Been to Scarborough area a quite a few times. Stayed at Cayton Bay holiday park (Park Resorts site) which isn't bad, only about 4 miles from Scarborough. Used park and ride to get into centre and back although not with buggy but other park and rides are buggy friendly.” Recommended by mysterymachine.
If you’re looking for a resort to host your water babies, look no further. We researched and vetted many, but nothing quite compares to Cayton Bay. If weather isn’t quite on your side, it offers a great indoor heated pool, water slides and a splash park to mention a few. Or, if you want something a little more natural, Scarborough beach is just a stone's throw away.
The kids will love the adventure playground it has to offer, along with its own amusement arcades. Plus some brand new additions in 2021 such as an arts and crafts den, high ropes course and a sports dome offer a variety of exciting activities. This resort really does have something for everyone.
7. Best budget family hotel in Yorkshire: Premier Inn, Halifax
Premier Inn, Halifax | Check availability
We’ve researched and considered lots of options, but we’re confident we’ve found a fantastic little find here. Premier Inn historically doesn’t offer a luxury stay, but they consistently provide a clean room with those famous comfy beds, and this location is going to provide you with some lovely days out in the historical town of Halifax.
Situated just 3 minutes away from Halifax train station, and ample parking nearby, this hotel is within walking distance of some of Yorkshire’s finest children’s attractions.
Less than a mile away is Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. This is an absolute must visit. Kids and adults love it in equal measure. With its iconic entrance and a whole host of activities, you can spend hours enjoying this magical space.
A short walk away is The Piece Hall. If you can visit at Christmas, this venue hosts a large Festive Market with something for everyone to enjoy. This one is a Yorkshire must do.
8. Best self-catering family accommodation in Yorkshire: Beech Farm, Pickering
Beech Farm, Pickering | Check availability
“You can get a steam train from Pickering to Whitby which is quite nice.” Recommended by 5foot5.
This award winning complex of stunning holiday homes is located on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. It offers an indoor play area kitted out with role play activities, books, an arcade machine and an in-ground trampoline. Not to mention the indoor heated swimming pool and the fact it’s a working farm so your little ones can view the daily feeding sessions with a selection of animals.
It’s within easy reach of numerous charming towns, has a village pub just around the corner, and the beautiful open countryside is right on your doorstep for plenty of fresh air in the lungs.
They offer high chairs, black out blinds, wooden cots, stair gates and more. Despite each cottage having a fully equipped kitchen, the venue offers an “honesty shop” which stocks ready meals and other local produce if you want a night off from cooking. This venue has considered all bases in ensuring the comfort & safety of your family, letting you truly switch off and enjoy a relaxing break.
9. Best spa hotel in Yorkshire: Raithwaite Sansend Hotel, Whitby
Raithwaite Sansend Hotel, Whitby | Check availability
“Whitby is the most picturesque and photogenic resort on the Yorkshire coast”. Recommended by Fivemoreminutes1.
With its luxurious robes, spacious rooms and individually designed bedrooms, Raithwaite is sure to provide your family with a real indulgent break. The extensive spa and fitness facilities on offer here are 10/10, and with the beautiful coastal town of Whitby just 5 minutes drive away, what’s not to love?
They offer a wonderful kids menu, plus board games and puzzles to keep the little ones entertained. Free WiFi and on-site parking are also available. They have a range of elegant suites, perfect for families, many of which overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens.
10. Best country house hotel in Yorkshire: The Talbot, Malton
The Talbot, Malton | Check availability
If you’re looking for something a little different, we’ve found the one for you. This beautiful hotel boasts some gorgeous views, based in the heart of Malton. Whilst here, you can enjoy the self proclaimed “foodie capital” market town of Yorkshire. With its weekly market offering local produce, you’ll be sure not to leave empty handed - or with an empty stomach! Flamingo Land is also just a short drive away if you have any thrill seekers in the family.
The hotel is newly refurbished giving it a real fresh face lift, but don’t worry - the restaurant won’t bat an eyelid if you go for lunch in your wellies after exploring the local walking routes. This beautiful country house is a real gem, we hope you’ll agree.
Is Yorkshire child friendly?
Absolutely, 100%. Yorkshire offers such a wide variety of days out and activities for families and children. Ranging from Yorkshire Wildlife Park and historical abbeys, to aquariums, country walks and beautiful seaside towns. It offers museums, working farms, vibrant city centres and more. There’s always something to do with the kids across Yorkshire.
What’s the transport like in Yorkshire?
Yorkshire is incredibly accessible via a variety of transport options. The drive through the Yorkshire Moors is one not to be missed, with nearby links to all major motorways depending on where in the UK you’re visiting from.
Yorkshire has a large number of train stations, located in both big cities and smaller towns. With regular buses throughout the county, you’ll never struggle to reach your chosen destination.
Which part of Yorkshire has the best beaches?
Ranging from quieter yet truly idyllic beaches such as Filey, Whitby and Sandsend, to more vibrant seaside towns such as Scarborough and Bridlington, if the weather is on your side, you’re sure to have a magnificent day on the Yorkshire coast.
It offers some of the best fish and chips we’ve tried, followed by an array of ice cream options, both of which are surely a must on a day to the seaside, right?
How we chose our recommendations
When choosing the best family hotels in Yorkshire to recommend, we first checked what Mumsnetters were recommending themselves on our forums. Evaluating all priorities, we searched which ones they loved for a family break, taking into consideration their feedback on facilities and customer service.
We then reached out to local Yorkshire experts - like Charlotte, our Yorkshire born-and-bred mum-of-two and writer - after all, no one knows Yorkshire better than its very own folk? She’s researched all of the family hotel options available in the county, and provided a well-rounded line-up of venues for you to choose from.
A huge range of options were investigated, and this list is a result of handpicking, along with Mumsnetter recommendations, the best of the bunch for your and your loved ones. Location was key in this task - we were determined to find the best range of options so you and your family can enjoy a break in this wonderful county. We feel like there’s something here for everyone, and to suit every budget.
Why should you trust us?
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.