Westergate House

Westergate House Charming period B&B near York, offering relaxed stays with easy access to the city, coast, and countryside.

Escape from a busy life & join us for a break away, or gather with friends and family with optional afternoon tea or private dining (8–20 guests). Westergate formerly Grimston House sits in an acre of mature gardens near York 2 miles south of the park and ride at McArthur Glen. Ideally placed on the south side of York for York University, York Racecourse Elvington Air Museum and Airfield or w

ithin and house you can reach much of Yorkshire's coast and countryside. As we are a central stop over point when travelling the country we have installed a 16amp electric car charger for use by our guests. There is a regular York and Selby Arriva 415 bus stop nearby or the park and ride if you prefer to leave the car

Situated set back from the A19 at Deighton near Escrick, you can enjoy a comfortable stay with spacious rooms and safe parking and a freshly cooked breakfast. All our rooms are double bedrooms with ensuite facilities some larger than others - flat screen TV and hospitality trays with hot and cold drinks and homemade cookies and snacks. The spacious dining room where breakfast and weekday suppers are served overlooks the gardens with morning sunshine and there is a large guest lounge with log fire in winter where you can relax and read a book. Providing accommodation is only a small part of the services that we can offer. Westergate kitchen can cater for special occasions, funeral teas, occasions, business meetings and family gatherings. Westergate kitchen also provides our famous cookies and bronkies are now available in 3 sizes for special treats or a birthday indulgence plus afternoon teas and dine- in desserts or ready meals are also available on request to take-out for a celebration at home

Can’t decide? Have a trio!If you’re anything like me, choosing just one starter or dessert is never easy.Choose your own...
30/06/2026

Can’t decide? Have a trio!

If you’re anything like me, choosing just one starter or dessert is never easy.

Choose your own trio of starters:
• Crab blini
• Prawn cocktail
• Smoked salmon mousse

Then finish with a trio of desserts. You could choose from:
• Lemon posset
• Meringue with berries
• Sticky toffee pudding with warm toffee sauce. (Keeping warm)

• Panna cotta
• Lemon meringue roulade
• Chocolate torte

A lovely option when you have exclusive use of Westergate House, or if you’re celebrating with 8–20 family or friends. Everyone gets to enjoy a little of everything, and if there’s one you’re not keen on, just swap it for another favourite.

Last night we hopped on the frequent 415 bus into York with friends to show them a little of what makes this city so spe...
26/06/2026

Last night we hopped on the frequent 415 bus into York with friends to show them a little of what makes this city so special – and, of course, to find somewhere nice to eat!
Our choice was Marzano Italian Grill Fossgate, now housed in the beautiful historic Foss Bridge House. Many of you may remember it as the former Loch Fyne restaurant, while before that it was the famous F.R. Stubbs ironmongers. It’s across the River Foss from the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, which is itself just across the road from the 415 bus terminus.
The food was delicious, the service was excellent and the setting was full of character. Original features have been thoughtfully preserved, with vintage Singer sewing machines and cotton spools adding a lovely nod to the building’s heritage.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in York, we’d certainly recommend Marzano.
While you’re there, take time to wander along Fossgate. It’s one of our favourite streets, with an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs and bars including The Hop, The Blue Bell, Ambiente Tapas, Mumbai lounge and the Cosy Club, to name just a few.
Another lovely evening in York, made even better by leaving the car behind and taking the frequent 415 bus.

One thing we pride ourselves in at Westergate House is Home -grown and Home-made Just saying 😉
25/06/2026

One thing we pride ourselves in at Westergate House is Home -grown and Home-made

Just saying 😉

One of the things we love hearing most from our returning guests is, “We still haven’t run out of places to visit!”A won...
23/06/2026

One of the things we love hearing most from our returning guests is, “We still haven’t run out of places to visit!”

A wonderful 10-days of our returning guests for various lengths of time exploring an incredible variety of Yorkshire destinations. From the literary charm of Haworth and the worthvalleyrailway to the seaside atmosphere of Whitby and Scarborough, they travelled through the stunning North York Moors, some even choosing to journey by North Yorkshire Moors Railway through the moors for a truly scenic experience, enjoyed the elegance of Harrogate, and discovered the riverside beauty of Knaresborough.
After a hearty cooked breakfast and a light lunch while out exploring, some took advantage also of our sandwich platters – the perfect way to relax after a busy day sightseeing.
Yorkshire is full of places to discover, which is why so many guests choose to stay longer or come back again. There is always something new to see, do and experience.

Happy Father’s Day to all those amazing dads, stepdads, grandads, and the bonus dads and father figures who have stepped...
21/06/2026

Happy Father’s Day to all those amazing dads, stepdads, grandads, and the bonus dads and father figures who have stepped up and made a difference in someone’s life

One of the joys of running a B&B is discovering new things about York through our guests.A lovely pair of twins staying ...
14/06/2026

One of the joys of running a B&B is discovering new things about York through our guests.

A lovely pair of twins staying with us recently introduced me to the Mystery Guides to York, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to exploring the city, so I introduced them in turn to the York cat trail
to combine a hunt for both hidden history and the many feline figures watching from above. So always look up when exploring the streets

York’s architectural cats are more than just decorative features. In centuries past, cats were often associated with protection and good fortune. Some were carved into buildings as a way of warding off evil spirits, while others were thought to help protect homes and businesses from misfortune. A few are linked to local legends, and some may simply have reflected the fondness people had for cats as skilled hunters of rats and mice.

Whatever their original purpose, these feline figures have become part of York’s character. They’re easy to miss if you’re focused on the shops and crowds, so it pays to look up. The city is full of carvings, statues and architectural details that have been quietly watching over York’s streets for generations, each with a story to tell.

Have you spotted any of York’s cats on your travels around the city?

Following on from my last post about York’s hidden halls, I thought I’d share a few more images from the wonderful book ...
14/06/2026

Following on from my last post about York’s hidden halls, I thought I’d share a few more images from the wonderful book by Nikki Bowling Photography.

As well as capturing York during the unique days of lockdown, the book combines beautiful photographs with fascinating snippets of history about the streets, buildings and corners of the city we often walk past without a second thought.

Some places may be familiar, others perhaps less so, but all help tell the story of this remarkable city. A lovely keepsake for anyone who loves York and its history.

We have a sample copy here at Westergate House for you to peruse

A Book Launch That Led Me Down a York History Rabbit HoleLast week, I attended the launch of York in Lockdown by Nikki B...
12/06/2026

A Book Launch That Led Me Down a York History Rabbit Hole

Last week, I attended the launch of York in Lockdown by Nikki Bowling Photography at Bedern Hall.

The book is a fascinating record of York during a unique moment in its history. Nikki's photographs capture the city's streets when they were unusually quiet, and each image is paired with the history of the location on the facing page. It's a wonderful combination of photography and local history.

But the venue itself got me thinking.

Many visitors know York Minster, the Shambles and the city walls, yet some of York's most fascinating buildings are its historic halls.

🏛️ Bedern Hall

The venue for the book launch, Bedern Hall dates back to the 14th century and was once the dining hall of the Vicars Choral of York Minster. Hidden away from the main tourist routes, it's one of York's lesser-known treasures and well worth seeking out.

🏛️ Merchant Adventurers' Hall

Built in the 1350s, this remarkable hall was home to York's merchant traders. Their success helped make York one of the most important cities in medieval England. Today, it remains one of the finest medieval guild halls in the country.

🏛️Merchant Taylors' Hall

For more than 600 years, Merchant Taylors' Hall has been at the heart of one of York's ancient guilds. It's a beautiful building with a rich history and is still used for events today.

🏛️ Barley Hall

Tucked away near Stonegate, Barley Hall is a beautifully restored medieval townhouse. Once home to the Mayor of York and later a wealthy merchant, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life in medieval York.

Of course, York is also home to many other historic buildings, from Jacobs Well near Micklegate to its bars, churches and merchant houses. Around almost every corner, there's another story waiting to be discovered.

The evening reminded me that while York's famous landmarks deserve their reputation, some of the city's most interesting places are the ones many people walk past without noticing.

Which of York's historic halls have you visited? And have you discovered Bedern Hall yet?

📸 Credit: Nikki Bowling Photography – York in Lockdown

The Hidden Hall Behind York MinsterMost visitors to York know about York Minster.Far fewer know about Bedern Hall.Tucked...
11/06/2026

The Hidden Hall Behind York Minster

Most visitors to York know about York Minster.

Far fewer know about Bedern Hall.

Tucked away behind the busy streets, this medieval hall was once the dining hall of the Vicars Choral. These priests sang the daily services at York Minster and lived together nearby.

Built in the 14th century, Bedern Hall gives a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in medieval York. While the Minster was the centre of worship, Bedern Hall was where the community gathered to eat, meet and spend time together.

After centuries of different uses, the hall was restored and is now one of York’s hidden gems.

If you’re planning a visit to York, it’s well worth seeking out. Many people walk past without realising the history hidden behind its walls.

Have you visited Bedern Hall, or is it still on your York wish list?

Over breakfast recently, a guest asked us a great question:“Was York Minster once a monastery?”It’s easy to see why peop...
08/06/2026

Over breakfast recently, a guest asked us a great question:

“Was York Minster once a monastery?”

It’s easy to see why people ask. The word Minster sounds ancient, and the building itself has such a long history.

The answer is no. York Minster is a cathedral and has been the seat of the Archbishop of York for centuries.

The word minster comes from an old English term for a church served by a community of clergy. Over time, some churches kept the title, even though they weren’t monasteries.

A monastery was home to monks or nuns who lived a religious life together. A cathedral is different. It’s the principal church of a diocese and contains the bishop’s seat, known as a cathedra.

The story becomes even more interesting when you discover places such as Bedern Hall, where the Vicars Choral of York Minster once ate their meals and lived as a community.

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a minster, a cathedral and a monastery?

Address

Deighton
York
YO196HB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441904728328

Website

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