The Golden Fleece, York

The Golden Fleece is a historic inn located in the heart of York, known for its distinctive blend of heritage and haunting tales. With its foundations dating back to the early 16th century, this establishment is not only one of the oldest but also famously holds the title of the most haunted public house in York. Historical records from the York City Archives mention The Golden Fleece as early as 1503, attesting to its longstanding presence in the city.

This inn features a free house pub on the ground floor and four guest bedrooms on the upper floors, offering both locals and tourists a taste of York's rich past. The ground level hosts a front bar that leads through a corridor with staircases and essential facilities into a second bar area, followed by a dining space adorned with an old-fashioned ambiance, including an armor display. Additional dining facilities are located upstairs, enhancing its old-world charm.

The pub's exterior is marked by a large golden fleece sign hanging above the entrance, symbolizing its name and heritage. Despite its narrow frontage, the property extends deeply, presenting multiple areas for patron enjoyment.

The inn's reputation for being haunted has not only drawn attention but has also been featured on the television series "Most Haunted," which explores paranormal phenomena. Adding to its mystique, the backyard of the inn is named "Lady Peckett's Yard" after Alice Peckett, wife of the former Lord Mayor of York, John Peckett, who owned the premises around 1702.

In 1983, The Golden Fleece was designated a Grade II listed building by English Heritage, securing its status as a protected structure and a vital part of York’s historical landscape. Whether visitors are drawn by the allure of ghost stories or the appeal of stepping back in time, The Golden Fleece offers a unique window into the past and the paranormal in one of England's most storied cities.