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 top-notch restaurants in this romantic 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 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.
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.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe
The Deathly Dark Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024
York Audio Tour: Ghosts, History, and Chocolate
Top hotels in Foss Islands
The Milner York
We stayed here for 2 nights, it was our first visit to The Milner and we have had a wonderful stay. The hotel is beautiful as was our room. The staff are very friendly and helpful too. We will definitely be returning.
Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025
Radisson Hotel York
Check in was amazing. Lady ( I think called Jen ?) was very helpful extremely warm friendly and welcoming. Check in was swift and timely. The lady was also very informative regarding hotel amenities and local area.
Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Friendly, polite and helpful staff. Room was clean and modern. Shower was not very powerful and loose on the wall. Water overflowed onto bathroom floor. Breakfast was of a very low standard in quality and taste. The sausage is the worst i have ever had.
Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025
Malmaison York
Fabulous. Will return.
Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025
Moxy York
Clean room, warm welcome, nice breakfast
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Days Inn by Wyndham Wetherby
The room was spacious and clean. The location is quite
Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Foss Islands
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Monk Bar and Treasurer's House, 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.
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.
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.
Bishophill
If you're spending some time in Bishophill, Micklegate Bar and Yorvik Brass Rubbing Centre are top sights worth seeing.
