The Golden Fleece

The Golden Fleece stands on Pavement in the heart of York, close to the Shambles, and is one of the city's oldest inns, mentioned in records as early as 1503. Occupying part of a historic timber-framed building, it has served as an inn and coaching stop over the centuries and is a listed building reflecting York's rich mercantile past. Despite a narrow frontage, it extends surprisingly far back, with rooms and guest accommodation above.

The pub has a considerable reputation as one of York's most haunted. Local tradition names several presences, most famously Lady Alice Peckett, wife of a former owner and York mayor, along with a Canadian airman said to have died at the inn during the Second World War and other figures. Staff and guests report footsteps, moving objects and cold spots. These accounts are widely repeated but remain anecdotal and unverified.

The Golden Fleece is a good place to enjoy ghost lore thoughtfully. York's genuine and well-documented history as a crowded, ancient city gives real weight to its atmosphere, so visitors can savour the stories while recognising how an old, much-altered building naturally accumulates legend.

The Golden Fleece is a working pub and small inn in central York, serving food and drink to the general public and offering a few guest rooms upstairs. It keeps normal pub hours with no admission charge, and its haunted reputation is very much part of its appeal to visitors.

As a busy, historic city-centre pub, it can be crowded, and some areas are reached by stairs. Please treat the building, staff and other customers with respect, and check current opening hours and any room-booking details in advance if you hope to stay overnight.