MonkBridge House, a family-run guest house in York, has been awarded the title of England's Best B&B and Guest House of the Year at the 2026 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The eight-bedroom Victorian property, owned by Paul and Fiona Hemsley, surpassed guest houses from across the country to claim the national Gold award. Silver was awarded to One Drake Road and Apartments in Tavistock, Devon, and Holly Lodge Boutique Bed and Breakfast in Norfolk received bronze.

This latest accolade follows previous wins for MonkBridge House, including North Yorkshire Guest House of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. The property, which dates back to 1864, is located an eight-minute walk from York's historic City Walls and a 10-minute stroll from York Minster. The Shambles, a medieval street, is a 15-minute walk away.

Just an eight-minute walk from York's historic City Walls, the five-star property dates back to 1864 and is still packed with Victorian characte

MonkBridge House features eight individually designed en suite bedrooms, each named after a former resident of the building. Guests can expect amenities such as underfloor heating in the en suites, televisions, USB sockets, and a minibar fridge stocked with complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks.

Rooms feature underfloor heating in en suites, a television, and a minibar fridge stocked with tea, coffee and snacks

Each individually designed en suite bedroom is named after a former resident of the building

Breakfast is a significant highlight, having been previously voted the best in York. The menu includes a traditional Yorkshire breakfast, homemade bagels with smoked salmon, Craster kippers, and avocado on sourdough toast, alongside daily specials. Guests have consistently praised the breakfast, with one reviewer noting it was "top notch" and another recommending the homemade marmalade.

The guest house holds a 4.9-star rating on TripAdvisor from hundreds of reviews. Guests have described the property as "beautiful and spotlessly clean" with "great attention to detail" and an "amazing breakfast."

The guest house has earned an impressive rating of 4.9 stars on TripAdvisor, with many reviews left by returning guests

Guests can also utilize a communal lounge and garden, or enjoy refreshments from a fully licensed honesty bar. Prices for a two-night stay for two adults start at approximately £307 for standard twin rooms, with upgraded king rooms costing around £366. The Rymer Room, a four-poster suite, is available from approximately £376 for a two-night stay.

A two-night stay for two adults in one of the standard twin rooms starts from around £307 during quieter periods, while upgraded king rooms cost approximately £366

With its new national title, MonkBridge House is expected to see increased demand, as rooms are frequently booked months in advance.