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)
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 heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza

York Minster

4.5/5(775 reviews)

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

York Minster
Shambles which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

Shambles

4.5/5(967 reviews)

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

4.5/5(139 reviews)

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

4.5/5(128 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a stop at Castle Howard. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars 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

4.5/5(76 reviews)

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

4.5/5(105 reviews)

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

Top hotels in Foss Islands

The Waggon & Horses

The Waggon & Horses

3 out of 5
19 Lawrence Street York England
The price is ₹13,455 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
₹13,455
₹13,455 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
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 10 Feb 2026

The Waggon & Horses
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street York England
The price is ₹6,931 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹6,931
₹8,318 total
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,016 reviews)
Very close to old town, great location

Reviewed on 14 Mar 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 ₹7,364 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹7,364
₹8,837 total
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,579 reviews)
Great location within walking distance to all shops and tourist attractions. Tesco local next door and Sainsbury seconds away. Walkable to York train station in approx 15 mins. Very nice breakfast - friendly staff - top marks

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road York England
The price is ₹8,719 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹8,719
₹10,463 total
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,727 reviews)
Amazing hotel - we had a suite and it was spacious and clean . The hotel was really nice, would recommend

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

The Milner York
Moxy York

Moxy York

3.5 out of 5
Black Horse Lane York England
The price is ₹7,237 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
₹7,237
₹8,684 total
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! (1,005 reviews)
Just had a great 2 night stay here. Hotel lovely. Staff great. Breakfast was so good. Lots to choose from. Very near to shambles. 20 min walk from train station. Would definitely stay asain.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 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 ₹16,603 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
₹16,603
₹19,924 total
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,155 reviews)
Love this hotel. The rooms were very spacious and the bed was very comfortable. This is definitely a 5 star hotel. The staff was amazing.

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2026

The Grand, York
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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 Walmgate 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 Walmgate Bar and York Barbican 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