Lendal Tower

• Sleeps: 6
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 3
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

This riverside tower invites you to step back in time to the 14th century, without leaving modern-day luxuries at the front door.

Set beside Lendal Bridge, right on the banks of the River Ouse, Lendal Tower enjoys panoramic views and a fantastic location in York’s Old Town.  The tower began life as a key player in the city’s defences, storing a huge chain used to stop boats on the river.  In Tudor times, it took on the role of a water tower, pumping water to the city, before becoming offices and a store in later life.

Today, Lendal Tower has been lovingly restored and converted into an utterly unique city retreat for six lucky guests.  Many heritage features remain, including the thick stone walls, gorgeous wooden floors, and heavy timber beams overhead, while throughout, touches of comfort and indulgence create an irresistibly homely space.

With a 5-star Gold Award from Visit England, you know you’re in for a real treat the moment you step through the front door.  The main living areas are found on the ground floor, with the cosy lounge central to it all.  Curl up on one of the comfy leather sofas to watch the television, set cleverly into an original, arched wall recess.  The adjacent dining area features a huge dining table with seating for eight people – ideal for celebratory feasts!

From here, a set of wooden double doors opens out into your private garden, complete with a lawn, patio, stepping stones and outdoor furniture – a peaceful little haven in the heart of the city.

Back inside, you’ll also find the kitchen on the ground floor, finished with a limestone floor, cream cupboards and smart, black worktops.  Self-catering is a dream in here, thanks to the range cooker, gas hob and, most importantly, a wine fridge!  There’s also a handy shower room and toilet to complete the ground floor.

The first set of spiral stairs takes you to the gallery – a mezzanine floor where you’ll find an opulent double bed, huge wooden ceiling beams, a comfy leather sofa and a television.  Up the stairs again, you’ll come to the first floor, where a second bedroom awaits.  This too features a double bed and television, but is also finished with gorgeous wood panelling and comes complete with a dressing room and en-suite facilities.

At a glance

• Restored medieval tower on banks of River Ouse, offering luxury accommodation in the heart of York
• Sleeps 6 (1 double; 1 double with ensuite; 1 king-size four-poster room with ensuite)
• Heritage features throughout, including wood panelling, ceiling beams, spiral staircases and arched recesses
• Rooftop terrace with outdoor seating and panoramic city views
• Private lawn garden and garage with parking for 2 cars
• Just moments from York Old Town attractions, including The Shambles and York Minster

More information

The final bedroom is found on the second floor – a truly stunning, wood-panelled Master suite complete with a king-size four-poster bed, a television and two comfy Chesterfield armchairs.  Take a heavenly soak in the wood-panelled en-suite bathroom, where a stunning chromotherapy spa bath offers the ultimate chance to relax. Who said city breaks had to be hectic?!

A ship-style ladder takes you to Lendal Tower’s final secret – a huge roof terrace with views across the city and the river.  While away your evenings at the outdoor dining table, watching the sun set from the top of your tower as you enjoy dinner and wine late into the night.

From this superb central location, it’s easy to explore all York has to offer.  Continue the historical theme with a tour of The Treasurer’s House, the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, and of course, York Minster itself.  Step even further back in time at the Jorvik Centre to learn all about life in Viking York, while no trip to the city is complete without a stroll along The Shambles. Thrill-seekers can learn about the darker side of York’s history on a night-time ghost tour, while shopaholics will be spoiled for choice in the popular High Street.

Surely the only way to make a visit to beautiful York even better is to stay in an important part of its history, and that’s exactly what’s on offer at Lendal Tower! And with those gorgeous panoramic views, stunning interiors and outstanding location, you simply won’t want to leave…

Things to note

Welcome pack provided, no smoking permitted, NB there is a short ship-style ladder leading to the roof terrace, no pets permitted.