Visit Foss Islands
Popular places to visit
York Minster
The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.
Shambles
This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.
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.
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.
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 City Walls
See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
York Witches and History Walking Tour
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
Nth York Moors National Park & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
Top hotels in Foss Islands
The Milner York
As always from arrival to leaving all the staff were wonderful, friendly and helpful. If you needed anything they eould promptly helped.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
Moxy York
Clean, comfortable rooms. Good location within an easy walk to the city centre. A lot of variety at breakfast and the food on the dinner menu was good.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Malmaison York
Club room - clean, great feel, extra pillows, Nespresso machine and complimentary water in fridge. Room 503- amazing view of river and the Minster!
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Fantastic stay in a queen room, everything looked new, very clean, it had everything we needed, including a massive tv and river view
Reviewed on 21 Dec 2025
Days Inn by Wyndham Wetherby
One night only, ease of parking, clean and quiet room.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Delta Hotels by Marriott York
Comfortable, clean and welcoming.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Foss Islands
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall and Monk Bar, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
City Centre
If you're spending some time in City Centre, Merchant Adventurers' Hall and Shambles are top sights worth seeing.
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.
Fishergate
While visiting Fishergate, you might make a stop by sights like York Barbican and Kohima Museum.
The Groves
If you're spending some time in The Groves, Clarence Gardens and Yearsley Pool are top sights worth seeing.
Bishophill
If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.
