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4-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

Kings Head Hotel

Stay at Kings Head Hotel in Kirkbymoorside, a 4.5★ LGBTQ+ friendly hotel with a cosy bar, near North York Moors National Park and top local attractions.

5 High Market Pl, Kirkbymoorside, York YO62 6AT, United Kingdom View on map
9/10
Exceptional Based on 322 recent guest reviews
What recent guests emphasize

Cozy historic charm with great food and welcoming staff

Guests appreciate the hotel's character as a former 17th-century coaching inn, complimenting the tasty homemade meals and friendly, accommodating service. Its location near scenic attractions adds to its appeal, though some note the rooms are a bit dated.

Guests often praise

  • Delicious homemade food including standout Sunday roasts and traditional dishes like Hunters Chicken
  • Friendly, helpful, and welcoming staff who accommodate dietary needs and families with children
  • Cosy and spacious public areas including a pleasant beer garden and outdoor seating
  • Clean and tidy rooms despite being somewhat dated
  • Great atmosphere reflecting the historic building’s charm

Worth knowing

  • The hotel is in a very old building with uneven floors and low beams, requiring some attention to avoid bumps
  • Some guests mention that rooms show signs of age and are a bit dated but well maintained and clean
  • Takeaway fish and chips were once available but this service has now stopped
  • The location is convenient for exploring the North York Moors National Park and other local sights
  • The hotel is LGBTQ+ friendly, welcoming diverse visitors

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a historic, relaxed setting with character
  • Travelers who value hearty, traditional meals and good pub fare
  • Families with children looking for generous kids’ portions and outdoor space
  • Guests wanting a friendly, accommodating atmosphere including dietary requirements
  • Explorers planning to visit nearby moorlands and heritage sites
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About this property

Welcome to Kings Head Hotel

Situated in the market town of Kirkbymoorside, Kings Head Hotel occupies a former 17th-century coaching inn, offering a casual atmosphere steeped in history. The building features traditional elements such as exposed beams, which some guests have noted, adding character but also requiring attention when moving about. The hotel combines its historic charm with a cosy restaurant and bar, including a beer garden that provides a pleasant outdoor space for dining and relaxing.

The property is popular for its location adjacent to the North York Moors National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Nunnington Hall and the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. Outdoor enthusiasts and visitors interested in heritage railways or family-friendly resorts will also find plenty to do in the surrounding area. Kings Head Hotel is welcoming to all guests, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting a friendly and inclusive environment.

Guest reviews frequently highlight the quality of the food served at the hotel, particularly praising traditional Sunday roasts and classic dishes like Hunters Chicken and fish and chips. The service generally receives positive remarks for being helpful and accommodating, with some noting the warmth of the staff. While some rooms have been described as a bit dated, cleanliness and comfort are consistently maintained, making it suitable for travellers looking for straightforward, tidy accommodations.

Check-in is available from 14:00, with check-out by 11:00, allowing guests a relaxed schedule. For those arriving by air, several airports including Newcastle International and Leeds Bradford are within driving distance. Nearby accommodation options offer alternatives within a few miles, providing a range of stays for visitors to the area.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

GN
Graham Nowland Apr 17, 2026
8.0

It's a very old building so don't expect smooth walls or level f loors there are beams so mind your head didn't bump mine once foods good and great bar with outdoors tables very helpful staff nice location

M&M
Mark & Mandy Allerton Apr 07, 2026
8.0

Really warm welcome from all the staff. Room was a little dated but incredibly clean & tidy. I have coeliac disease, but this wasn’t an issue. Cooked breakfast and omelettes very tasty. Would definitely recommend.

NC
Nigel C Mar 30, 2026
10

Ordered, by phone, take away fish and chips. Well presented in cardboard boxes and food sitting on grease proof paper. The F&C’s came with a pot of mushy peas and a slice of lemon. Fish was a good size and well cooked with a crispy batter. Chips were well cooked and NOT oven chips (thank goodness!) but cut from a real potato. On arrival had to wait a few minutes whilst the meals were finished being cooked and brought out to me but quite acceptable when clearly all was cooked to order. Will have F&C’s again from the Kings Head. :-( unfortunately the kings head has stopped doing takeaway fish and chips now.

LP
Louise Phillipson Mar 26, 2026
10

Delicious Sunday roasts and excellent value for money. Kids meals are £8 including ice cream and they get a very generous amount. Great service and very accommodating and helpful staff. Two TV screens showing sky sports on quiet. Would definitely recommend.

PS
Pauline Straw Mar 15, 2026
8.0

We didn't stay, so I can't comment on the rooms. The service and locals are friendly at this local pub. They have a good range of refreshments and the food looks good. I haven't eaten here recently, so I can only comment on what I have seen. I love the town and surrounding area.

RW
Rob Willett Mar 08, 2026
10

I came here for Sunday lunch with friends last week. The hotel itself is a lovely building, very spacious and comfortable! The Sunday lunch was great, proper homemade Yorkshire puddings that are huge! Proper gravy, with a choice of meats. I was cheeky and asked for a bit of everything and they did so happily. All presented lovely, and absolutely full up as the portions are great. Staff are all very down to Earth and helpful. The prices are what you would expect. Will be going back.

JB
Jill Baxter Mar 08, 2026
10

In the market square, went in for a meal. We were made to feel welcome and water and treats were provided for our dog. Which was lovely. The food was promptly served and was delicious and hot.

BC
Brian Colyer Mar 06, 2026
10

Staying in Kirkbymoorside for two weeks, visited The Kings Head for a meal, absolutely delicious food. I love Hunters Chicken and can say undoubtedly this was the BEST Hunter’s Chicken ever, presented beautifully along with chips to die for, just like chips your grandma made, along with coleslaw and salad. So nice we visited twice and I had Hunters Chicken both times!

TAI
Tommy and Isobel Personal Mar 06, 2026
10

My husband and I went in for a lunch alongside our toddler. We picked a nice quiet spot in their courtyard garden which was very pleasant. We ordered a roast each and it was delicious- one of the best roast dinners we’ve had in Yorkshire. The meat was tender on both the pork and beef and lots of fresh well cooked vegetables. They also kindly gave our son a Yorkshire pudding to try. The service was extremely friendly and we will definitely return. Highly recommended.

TL
tracy long Feb 16, 2026
10

Held our works festive meal here back in December, food and service was amazing as always. Everyone had a great time and all commented on how lovely the food was, we could eat that brie everyday! Thanks so much, we'll be back soon!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Kings Head Hotel

Kirkbymoorside, York, UK

Next to the North York Moors National Park, this relaxed hotel in a former 17th-century coaching inn is 6 miles from Nunnington Hall manor house and 9 miles from the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

  • Kirkbymoorside Methodist Church 3 min Walk
  • Market Place 2 min Walk
  • Tinley Garth 5 min Walk
  • Newcastle International Airport 1 hr 49 Car · 3 hr 40 Transit
  • Leeds Bradford Airport 1 hr 21 Car · 3 hr 45 Transit
  • Teesside International Airport 1 hr 5 Car · 3 hr 14 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in York. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway 5,210 reviews

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

7aj, Pickering Station, 28 Park St, Pickering YO18 7AJ, United Kingdom

4.7 · Heritage Railroad
Flamingo Land Resort 10,986 reviews

Flamingo Land Resort

Kirby Misperton, Malton, United Kingdom

4.1 · Amusement Park
North York Moors National Park 1 reviews

North York Moors National Park

United Kingdom

4.8 · National Park
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