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

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
York Minster which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral 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 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
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
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

Things to do

Nth York Moor Small group day trip tour to Whitby inc steam Train

Nth York Moors National Park & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.

RM432
per adult
Nth York Moors National Park & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

RM93
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

RM93
per adult
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
The beautiful city of York has the best preserved medieval streets in the country.

Romans, Vikings and Medieval York: An Audio Tour

RM48
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Romans, Vikings and Medieval York: An Audio Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour

York Witches and History Walking Tour

RM93
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
York Witches and History Walking Tour
Forbidden Chronicles- Tour of York

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

RM68
per adult
York's Forbidden Chronicles- Terrors from the dark side.
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 RM587 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM587
RM587 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (375 reviews)
Room clean,nice bathroom,staff helpful.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The Waggon & Horses
The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road York England
The price is RM368 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM368
RM442 total
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! (1,711 reviews)
Beautiful room very clean and cosy. Amazing shower. Stains on cream chairs situated around the table and on the carpets were disappointing for quality of the room. Communal areas of the building are well presented .

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

The Milner York
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street York England
The price is RM302 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM302
RM363 total
1 Mar - 2 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Jen on the front desk was so welcoming and helpful. Lovely room and stay. Only thing that let it down was breakfast. Not much choice hot food and it was cold.

Reviewed on 10 Feb 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 RM314 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM314
RM377 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,542 reviews)
Beautiful large room, very big comfy bed, decorated and styled tastefully. Staff friendly and helpful. Location amazing for city centre. Would def go there again.

Reviewed on 12 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 RM307 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
RM307
RM368 total
8 Mar - 9 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! (1,007 reviews)
Room was small but had everything you need, nice and clean, friendly staff. Shower could have done with a bit more water pressure, but did the job and was spotless

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Moxy York
Malmaison York

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET York England
The price is RM356 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM356
RM427 total
1 Mar - 2 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,306 reviews)
Nice room, good location

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Malmaison York
See all 2,069 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