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.
Castle Howard
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
Nth York Moors Steam Train (incl) & Whitby Small Group Day Trip.
Nidderdale Driving Self-Guided Tour with an APP
From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour
Top hotels in Foss Islands
The Waggon & Horses
"Very nice and friendly, stayed years ago and still as good ,breakfast is absolutely massive, other options available as I did 2nd morning, Nothing to much trouble, rooms good ,hotest may ever but fan running in room bar has ample choice and friendly"
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Malmaison York
"Room was poorly maintained with bits hanging off the wall/missing and ac didn’t work. Breakfast and the sky bar were a joke and poor quality"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Radisson Hotel York
"Nice room, with a refrigerator, but the room facing the river gets the noise from the bars across the river until 3am. I'll stay here again, but request a room facing the road."
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
The Milner York
"Beautiful hotel, Good location as next door to the train station. Reception staff were very helpful and had good customer service skills. Restaurant food was good although there were very few staff on and this lessened the looked after feeling. Breakfast was good. Pool was lovely but we went about ..."
Reviewed on 28 May 2026
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
"Good location really friendly and helpful staff"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Delta Hotels by Marriott York
"Well located and the restaurant was really nice and breakfast lovely. Our king suite was located in the loft and was uncomfortably warm. We mentioed to the staff and they brought up an extra air conditioner. This didn’t help much and was far too noisy to sleep with it, so we didn’t sleep well. It ..."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Foss Islands
Layerthorpe
When in Layerthorpe, you can plan a visit to Merchant Taylors' Hall 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.
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.
