A Night Less Ordinary : Guy Fawkes Inn

In this weekly series, we scour the world in search of the most weird and wonderful hotels. From cave hotels to converted prisons, capsule pods to underwater guestrooms, you can expect only the unexpected. This week, The Guy Fawkes Inn in York.

What’s the gimmick? Remember, remember, the 5^th of November? Before gunpowder, treason and plot, Guy Fawkes’ story begins here in York. Guy was born on the very spot of this hotel in 1570, in the shadow of the Minster, and was baptised in the church across the street. Although centuries have passed, the building has been so well preserved you could be forgiven for thinking it was only yesterday.

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Why stay? For the real ales, traditional pub meals, gas-lamps and timber floors, which along with the hotel’s rich heritage make it one of the most characterful inns in Britain.

The Wow Factor: Expect to find gas-lamps on the wall, wooden tables nestling in candlelit nooks and crannies, timber floors and huge, roaring fires. The restaurant is equally impressive, serving up simple, unpretentious pub food skillfully prepared to allow the quality of the fresh local produce to speak for itself. Favourite include steak & ale pie with mushroom & bacon and tagine of aubergine, lemon, cinnamon, chick peas & dates with cous cous and Harissa sauce (v). The thirteen gorgeous bedrooms are each unique, thanks to the age and character of the building, but all are beautifully appointed, with antique furniture, Italian fabrics and luxurious beds. Many rooms look directly out onto the Minster, offering some of the best views in the city. You may even be lucky enough to spot some special guests wandering the hotel….

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Prices start from £85 a night. Click here for details.