Foss Islands

York

Walmgate Bar, York Looking west from Jenny's Fish & Chips on the corner of Lawrence Street. The gate or 'bar' in York's city walls still has its original 12th century archway with portcullis and 15th century wooden gates (the archway on the right of the picture is more modern). The 14th century barbican protruding from the front would once have spanned a water-filled ditch and worked by trapping attackers in deadly crossfire between two sets of gates. Walmgate Bar was leased out as a house from 1376 right up until 1957.
Photo by Paul Glazzard (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
St Lawrence old tower The medieval church of St Lawrence has entirely gone except for its tower which has a Norman doorway, 13th century windows above and a 15th century top. The little tower is dwarfed by the huge Victorian church behind.

Popular places to visit

York Minster featuring a square or plaza, a church or cathedral and religious elements

York Minster

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster
Shambles featuring heritage architecture and street scenes

Shambles

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Shambles
a little night time photo shot at York Racecourse

York Racecourse

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Check out the shops and lively bars in this family-friendly area.

York Racecourse
A view from the atlas fountain across to Castle Howard, a beautiful stately home to visit in Yorkshire. Made famous from the television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’

Castle Howard

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a visit to Castle Howard. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this relaxing area.

Castle Howard
Walmgate Bar in York

York Barbican

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theater with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

York Barbican
The sun setting over a wintery day on the Heslington East campus at the University of York #goldenhour

University of York

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of York during your stay in Heslington. Discover the lively bars and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

University of York

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

P1,331
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide

Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide

P340
per adult
Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

P1,331
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket

P1,037
per adult
RHS Garden Harlow Carr Entry Ticket
York Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour

York: Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour- 24 Hours Ticket

P1,253
per adult
York: Golden Tours Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour- 24 Hours Ticket
The York Dungeon Tour

The York Dungeon Tour

P1,566
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The York Dungeon Tour
See all activities in York

Top hotels in Foss Islands

The Waggon & Horses

The Waggon & Horses

3 out of 5
19 Lawrence Street York England
The price is P8,695 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P8,695
P8,695 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this inn in York. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Shambles and York Minster are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (378 reviews)
Room clean,nice bathroom,staff helpful.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

The Waggon & Horses
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street York England
The price is P4,479 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P4,479
P5,375 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,019 reviews)
Check in very impersonal - check in via machine, 2 staff stood there don't even say hello or lift their heads or wish you an enjoyable stay. Room very dark, would not be able to work at desk due to this. Otherwise fine, comfy bed, good location.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Radisson Hotel York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly York England
The price is P4,759 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P4,759
P5,711 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,588 reviews)
Great place to stay

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road York England
The price is P7,114 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P7,114
P8,537 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,730 reviews)
Fabulous, absolutely loved it and can’t recommend it enough.

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

The Milner York
Moxy York

Moxy York

3.5 out of 5
Black Horse Lane York England
The price is P4,677 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P4,677
P5,612 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
Great room, lovely service and great location

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026

Moxy York
The Grand, York

The Grand, York

5 out of 5
Station Rise York England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P11,790 per night from Mar 19 to Mar 20
P11,790
P14,149 total
Mar 19 - Mar 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in York. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,160 reviews)
Friendly and helpful staff at front desk and on the door. Sadly the staff in the 1906 bar left a lot to be desired. Great location, a short walk to the train station and into the town centre.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026

The Grand, York
See all 2,246 properties in Foss Islands
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Foss Islands

Glen Gardens, York Glen Gardens is a small, traditional park in the suburb of Heworth. It boasts two bowling greens, tennis courts and rose gardens, and appears to be relatively free of vandalism.

Layerthorpe

Layerthorpe might not have many top sights, but Walmgate Bar and Treasurer's House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Layerthorpe
York Minster

City Centre

If you're spending some time in City Centre, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and Shambles are top sights worth seeing.

City Centre
Tang Hall Park Osbaldwick beck runs along the side of Tang Hall Park. The park itself runs between Tang Hall Lane and Melrosegate.

Hull Road

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hull Road and surrounding area, you can visit Walmgate Bar and York Barbican.

Hull Road
The Millennium Bridge spans the River Ouse to the south of York, linking Hospital Fields Road and Maple Grove in Fulford with Butcher Terrace on the South Bank

Fishergate

While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.

Fishergate
Beautiful York

The Groves

If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.

The Groves
Aerial view of York minster in England

Bishophill

While visiting Bishophill, you might make a stop by sights like Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre.

Bishophill

Foss Islands