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)
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 which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

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 street scenes and heritage architecture

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. Visit 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 stop at Castle Howard. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

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

University of York

Explore the campus of University of York during your visit to Heslington. Discover the lively bars and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

University of York
Walmgate Bar in York

York Barbican

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

York Barbican

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

€20
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

€20
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
Meet the Shadows of York guides. Josh, Mackenzie and Dan. One us will take you on a journey into the past.

Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

€15
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.
The York Dungeon Tour

The York Dungeon Tour

€23
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The York Dungeon Tour
York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate

York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate

€18
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
York Witches and History Walking Tour

York Witches and History Walking Tour

€20
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
York Witches and History Walking 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 €126 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
€126
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this inn in York. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a bar/lounge. Popular attractions Shambles and York Christmas Market are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (378 reviews)
Room clean,nice bathroom,staff helpful.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The Waggon & Horses
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street York England
The price is €78 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€78
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Just come back from a short break in York, have to say what a Fabulous hotel, great staff, breakfast spot on and the location is first class.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Radisson Hotel York
The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road York England
The price is €119 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€119
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,714 reviews)
We stayed in a king Deluxe room. It was very comfortable with a fantastic roll top bath. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

The Milner York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly York England
The price is €82 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
€82
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,567 reviews)
Room clean . Staff helpful.Excellent location and hot breakfast.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Moxy York

Moxy York

3.5 out of 5
Black Horse Lane York England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €75 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
€75
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
The rooms are very noisy a

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Moxy York
Malmaison York

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET York England
The price is €92 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€92
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,301 reviews)
Most of the staff were very good, room was fantastic, unfortunately the food was a dissapointment on this visit, hoqever it was good on our previous stay.

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026

Malmaison York
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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

When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Treasurer's House and Merchant Adventurers' Hall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

Hull Road might not have many top sights, but York Barbican and Walmgate Bar are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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

If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Bishophill

Foss Islands

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