The Durham Ox

York, Yorkshire
Inn
+44 (0)1347 821506
Visit owner's website

From
£120 - £575
per night

An award-winning dog-friendly pub with rooms. Find happy staff, delicious well-sourced food and comfy rooms – great for walkers

Bedroom

8 rooms

Sleeps

Rooms sleep 2 – 4

Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome

£120 - £575 per night

The Experience

This cosy pub, at the picturesque top of the Grand Old Duke of York’s hill, is the heart of the village. Sit outside in the beer garden, sample one of their locally brewed gins in the bar with a board game or book the private dining room with its own pre-dinner sitting area and log-burner.

Food is excellent – great seafood, steaks, sandwiches and puddings with plenty for vegans too. On Fridays and Saturdays retire to the outdoor covered Dog House with a newspaper and a gutsy red while you warm yourself by the wood-burning stoves contemplating your next move.

Sleep in country-house-style rooms in the old farmworkers’ cottages, wake to a Bloody Mary and a delicious breakfast. Treat yourselves to a spell in the super new Pool Villa with your own outdoor space and a spa pool, or the Pool Cabin, glamping-style, with a mosaic-tiled hot spa pool. Both are extra spoiling with honesty fridges brimming with drinks and snacks.

The Durham Ox - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • Feeling more independent in the Pool Villa or Cabin yet being able to float over to the pub for fantastic food
  • Being able to bring your dog and stride out on lovely country walks straight from the door
  • The cosy interiors and traditional pub feel – especially in winter with roaring fires and the smell of wood smoke
The Durham Ox - Gallery

You should know

  • Not all of the bedrooms are dog-friendly (£20 per stay) so do check before you come
  • Only the room terraces and the Pool Suites get the lovely view across the Vale of York

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Spa
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Bar
  • Barbecue
  • Licensed premises
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Tennis court
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Accommodation

Pricing

Nightly price
from £120
Damage deposit
none
Surcharges
Singles £110-£475. Dinner, B&B £190-£575 per person. Extra bed/sofabed available £35 per person per night.
1 Suite for 4
From £160
1 Cabin for 2
From £245
1 Suite for 4
From £425
1 Suite for 2
From £160
4 Doubles
From £120

Information

Booking information

Check in
3pm-10pm, please get in touch for early or late check in
Check out
11am, please get in touch for late check out
Other details
Singles £200.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.
Dogs

Treats provided; All rooms open out onto a private terrace; Guests staying with dogs can either bring them into the pub to dine (in our dog friendly Tap Room) or they may be left in the room.

£20 per dog per stay.

Dogs welcome in the pub and in most of the bedrooms; There are some lovely walks around the pub and village, our favourite is the Crayke Estate Walk

Meals
Small dishes from £9 to £32. Bar meals from £9. Sunday lunch from £19.

Reviews

Set in a pretty hill-top village with glorious views towards York, the Ibbotson’s fabulous foodie pub draws the discerning for seasonal British cooking, top-notch wines and local beers, and country-chic rooms. Splash out and stay in the new Pool Villa, a cosy, contemporary cabin with honesty bar and Spa Pool, and wake up to the sun rising over the Vale of York. Special indeed...

David, Sawday's Inspector

We visited The Durham Ox several times when we stayed with friends nearby. What a treat! This is a gorgeous, welcoming pub with a keen eye to detail, excellent food, attentive waitstaff, a well curated wine list and delicious cocktails. LOVED their Ox gin so much, I bought a few bottles to enjoy at home. Their main menu is robust on its own but don't miss out on their blackboard specials - had the scrumptious hake. The servings are plentiful and commitment to quality ingredients is deliciously evident. Save room for dessert - highly recommend the sticky toffee pudding! Hope to stay next visit

Clare, Marion

The Durham Ox is just a place we always find ourselves returning to. Whether they be for a date night or a night with the girls it always feels special yet laid back and relaxed. The staff have a way of being hugely attentive whilst also leaving you to enjoy your time there. As for the food I cannot think of anywhere I would rather eat than The Ox delicious local and always presented beautifully. The rooms are so thoughtfully decorated to such a standard it’s a very easy place to recommend!

Victoria

Fabulous. Stayed stayed 1 night in Aug. A great location and a lovely setting, and from the moment you drive in, everything about the place feels like it's done properly! Our room was lovely, with stylish furnishings and an excellent, modern bathroom and some really nice touches. We ate there at an event that evening and the food was superb, especially given they were catering to a large number. Breakfast the next morning was definitely one of the best we have had for some time. Food cooked to order, proper freshly squeezed juices and a good selection of bread and croissants. Outstanding!

Jim

We had the most wonderful stay at The Durham Ox staying in The Studio. The suite of rooms furnished with true comfort in mind, with beautiful views too of the wonderful Crayke countryside.

Gabrielle, Reading

Our delightful stay at Durham Ox in Crayke was truly memorable. This charming pub and hotel delivered a first-class experience from the moment we arrived. The restaurant's impeccable service and locally-sourced dishes were excellent. Our room was a testament to comfort and style, with incredibly comfortable beds and a well-appointed kitchenette. The personal touch of proprietors, Mike and Sasha Ibbotson and their team made us feel like valued friends. The Durham Ox stands out for its exceptional dining, comfortable rooms, and warm hospitality. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Henrietta, Newbury

Fantastic dinner last Friday night. We were a big group of 9 people but everything was really well done to look after us all. My mother is a vegetarian and loved her vegetarian tarte tatin, I had the fish and there was a great choice of specials. Excellent service and really friendly staff. We had a few too many cocktails to finish which were delicious! A great meal and great atmosphere.

Torquil, Oxford

We have been frequenting at The Durham Ox for years now. As a teen I would visit with my parents and now I am returning with my own family and children. It has everything to offer, cosy corners for those winter nights, gorgeously furnished bedrooms, fab beer garden when the sun is shining and amazing private dining facilities for small and large groups, to celebrate any occasion. The standard of food is incredibly high, with the Queenie Scallops and Ox sharing platters being our absolute favourites. However, most importantly you are always welcomed with a smile and made to feel at home.

Chloe

There were 11 of of us for what turned out to be the BEST Sunday lunch at the Durham Ox. Food was fabulous, portions beyond generous and service impeccable. We all had different things - from amazing roast beef and grilled seabass to pots of steaming mussels and chips - all declared the food fantastic. We will definitely be back!

Emma, Farnham

A lovely, cosy pub with a great selection of food and drinks choices for everyone. Friendly staff and loads of great events going on- a real hub of the community. Celebrate any occasion in the private dining area or simply pop in for a pint by the fire. Head out for walks straight from the door with lots more to explore in the area.

Zoe, Sawday's inspector

We dropped in for a quick one-course lunch to meet a friend. The pub staff were friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere in the bar, where we ate, was cozy. My wife had the Spring Salad, I had a pasta dish. Both very well prepared and delicious. An enjoyable culinary experience in an unfussy Dining Pub.

Stephen, Martock, Somerset

What a special find. . . Stunning views from a very cosy Rose Cottage with warms fires, delicious food and wine! Best nights sleep in a long time and a lovely breakfast to depart on.... one night definitely not enough. We will be back with more time to enjoy your hospitality and surroundings! Thank you Sasha and Mike

Olivia, Hampshire

We spent three lovely days in the Green Room. Durham Ox is an emblem of hospitality at it's best. The staff is welcoming and warm, attentive to all your requests. The junior suite was perfect, with a coffee and tea corner, to relax and watch TV. Breakfast menu is sumptuous, with excellent variety. We had dinner twice (out of 3 days!) and it was a delight.

Yehuda, jerusalem

Read more reviews

Location

The neighbourhood

There are lots of walks from the pub and pretty villages a short drive. Serious hikers head to the Moors (30 mins). Nunnington Hall has a tea room and an organic, walled garden (20 minutes); head to Beningbrough Hall (25 minutes) for walks and art exhibitions. Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle are both under 30 mins – or head to York. The coast is 45 mins.

Local points of interest from Sasha Ibbotson

  • Byland Abbey - an English Heritage ruin only ten minutes away. Drive through beautiful Coxwold, past Newburgh Priory with ornate topiary hedges & beautiful houses on either side of the road. The ruins are absolutely stunning, with the old inn opposite.
  • Castle Howard - think 'Brideshead Revisited'...for those who are familiar with the television drama - otherwise notably an iconic country house complete with follies, fountains, lakes and an adventure playground. Also, farmshop and garden nursery.
  • Historic York - so much to see and do for all ages. Yorvic, the Minster, the old City Walls, ghost walks, Medieval Banqueting Halls; The National Railway Museum (free of charge) Betty's team rooms; River boat tours. Lots of independent shops & galleries
  • Some great market towns: Georgian Easingwold with a weekly Friday market and Farmer's market...shops, tea rooms and some great independent shops. Or head to Helmsley for more independent shops, the Castle, the Walled Garden, Rievaulx Abbey and Terraces etc
  • National Trust properties are plentiful so if you're a member there are plenty of places to visit for free. Nunnington Hall, Beninborough Hall, Rievaulx Terrace, Treasurer's House York, Goddard's House York, Fountains Abbey & Studely Royal among others
  • White Horse - Sutton Bank - great walks, great views and gliders for those who feel a little bit more daredevil! You'll spot it from all different vantage points while you're driving around the area...but it's best seen up close...and there's a great walk.

Introducing

Sasha Ibbotson

Mike has owned The Durham Ox for over 25 years. He and Sasha make a great team – she from Somerset, he from Yorkshire – a good example of North and South coming together. They've both always worked in hospitality and are passionate about what they do and bringing the local community together.