Foss Islands Travel Guide

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

Shambles which includes 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
York Minster featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza

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
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 top-notch restaurants in this romantic area.

York Racecourse
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
Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre

Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

Jorvik Viking Centre
York St. John University.

York St. John University

Explore the campus of York St. John University as part of your travels around York. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University

Things to do

York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

£17
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

£17
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour

York Witches and History Walking Tour

£17
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
York Witches and History Walking Tour
The York Dungeon Tour

The York Dungeon Tour

£20
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The York Dungeon Tour
Forbidden Chronicles- Tour of York

York's Forbidden Chronicles- Terrors from the dark side.

£13
per adult
York's Forbidden Chronicles- Terrors from the dark side.
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works

Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works

£20
per adult
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop - York Cocoa Works
See all activities in York

Top hotels in Foss Islands

The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road York England
The price is £69 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£69
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,703 reviews)
Reception staff very friendly

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

The Milner York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly York England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £75 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
£75
5 Mar - 6 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! (1,524 reviews)
..

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Moxy York

Moxy York

3.5 out of 5
Black Horse Lane York England
The price is £69 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
£69
1 Mar - 2 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Great location and best breakfast since being vegan, everything clearly labelled and lots of options!

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Moxy York
Malmaison York

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET York England
The price is £101 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£101
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,301 reviews)
The room was very clean and spacious. Automatic lighting was a nice touch, and even though we stayed in Malmaison Manchester last year, the rooms were very unique. The bathroom and shower room were spotless and all of the staff were lovely and helpful

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Malmaison York
Delta Hotels by Marriott York

Delta Hotels by Marriott York

4 out of 5
Tadcaster Road York England
The price is £62 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
£62
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (657 reviews)
Large room. V clean. Nice staff

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026

Delta Hotels by Marriott York
Novotel York Centre

Novotel York Centre

4 out of 5
Fishergate York England
The price is £74 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
£74
12 Feb - 13 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
Great hotel and facilities, visited twice and will visit again, would recommend.

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Novotel York Centre
See all 2,087 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

When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Monk Bar and Treasurer's House, 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 Travel Guide

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