Live prices for your dates · free cancellation on many rooms

EN

Hotel · York · North Yorkshire

The Ship Inn - York

A small riverside pub with six rooms, a mile or two south of York, where the draw is honest comfort, local ales and a kitchen that wins genuine praise.

  • Riverside setting close to the River Ouse
  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms and a cosy pub downstairs
  • Full English breakfast and homemade dishes regularly praised
8 Great 186 reviews Booking.com 8 · 186 reviews

About

The Ship Inn - York

The Ship Inn sits in the village of Acaster Malbis, a few miles south of York, with the River Ouse nearby. It is a small pub with just six rooms, so the feel is more like staying at a friend's place than a hotel. The bar and restaurant anchor the ground floor, and guests keep coming back for the food — roast pork with all the trimmings, homemade chips, and a salted caramel cheesecake get particular mentions.

Rooms are straightforward, with flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities, and either a shower or a bathtub. The inn runs on a personal scale: check-in is a set window between 2pm and 10pm, and there is a restaurant on site. For a quiet, rural base close to York, this is a characterful choice that trades frills for warmth and a proper pub atmosphere.

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Riverside location with genuine charm — The Ship Inn sits right by the River Ouse, in a quiet village a short drive from York. Several guests mention the water views and peaceful setting, and the old stone building adds to the character.
  • Food that earns repeat praise — Roast pork with all the trimmings, homemade chips, and full English breakfasts come up again and again. The pub kitchen seems to be a highlight of a stay here.
  • Friendly, welcoming staff — From the owners to the bar staff, guests consistently note how genuine and helpful everyone is. Even small problems – like a computer issue – get sorted quickly.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Small scale, tight check-in window — With only six rooms, the inn has a limited capacity and may book out fast. Check-in is restricted to between 2pm and 10pm, so you'll need to plan your arrival.
  • Rooms can run cool — A few guests mention that the rooms can get chilly, though extra heaters are provided. If you're sensitive to temperature, it's worth asking for one when you check in.
  • Location is rural, not central — The Ship Inn is in Acaster Malbis, about 7 km from York city centre. Fine if you want peace and quiet, but you'll need a car or a bike to get into town – or use the park and ride.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Deluxe Double Room Shower

  • Heating
  • Bathtub

Small Double Room

  • Shower
  • Heating

Deluxe Twin Room

  • Shower
  • Heating
  • Bathtub

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

In-room

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Bathtub

Comfort

  • Heating

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8
Great 186 reviews

Guest-rated 8/10 from 186 reviews

Booking.com · 8 · 186 reviews
8Verified guest

“We cycled along the river and really enjoyed our stay. The pub was a cosy escape from the rain, and the staff were incredibly friendly. Don't skip the breakfast – it was delicious. One thing to note: rooms can get cool, but extra heaters are provided.”

8Verified guest

“We loved how spotless and comfortable the rooms were, and the staff made us feel very welcome. The location right near the River Ouse, with easy access to the centre of York and the main road, was stunning. The full English breakfast offered a great variety.”

8Verified guest

“The setting was peaceful, close to the city centre or the park and ride, with a quiet rural feel and the river and boats right there.”

8Verified guest

“I had a roast pork dinner with all the trimmings that was absolutely outstanding. The staff greeted us with such genuine smiles – you could feel the warmth even before the food arrived!”

8Verified guest

“Everyone, including the owner, was welcoming.”

8Verified guest

“The pub was a cosy shelter from the rain, and the staff were wonderfully friendly. We cycled by the river and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. Just a heads up – rooms can be chilly, but extra heaters are supplied.”

04 — Location

Getting around York

The property sits in York.

By the river: The Ship Inn is right next to the River Ouse, with views across the water. Guests mention cycling and walking along the river, and the peaceful setting is a recurring theme.

Into York: York city centre is about 7 km away. Guests mention the centre being close for those with a car, and there are park and ride options available for getting in and out.

The Flat, Hauling Lane, Acaster Malbis, York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-22:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Allowed
Property
6 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

When can I check in and out?

Check-in is between 14:00 and 22:00. Check-out is at 11:00. The limited window means you should plan your arrival in advance.

Is there free Wi-Fi?

Yes, the inn offers free Wi-Fi in the rooms.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, the property allows pets.

How far is the inn from York city centre?

The Ship Inn is about 7 km from York city centre, in the village of Acaster Malbis. Guests mention the park and ride as an option for getting into town.

What food is available?

The inn has a restaurant on site, serving meals like roast pork with trimmings and homemade chips. A full English breakfast is also offered, and the food is frequently praised in reviews.

Can I bring my own bike?

The property doesn't explicitly list bike storage, but guests mention cycling by the river as part of their stay.

The bottom line

A six-room pub by the River Ouse that gets the essentials right: a genuinely friendly welcome, a proper kitchen, and a peaceful setting. You trade city-centre convenience and big-hotel facilities for character and warmth. Best for travellers who want a quiet base with a real local feel.

8For a rural pub stay with strong food and a friendly atmosphere.

Ready to book The Ship Inn - York?

Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.

No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.