How to spend 24hrs in Helmsley

Explore five acres of gardens in the shadow of the castle ruins, stunning at any time of the year. See the autumn colours of the Hot Border, visit the Kitchen Garden where many vegetable varieties are grown and see the medicinal herbs that are grown in the Physic Garden. The gardens are also home to over one hundred varieties of apples.

Find a bench for a quiet moment with a book before enjoying refreshments or a spot of lunch in the Vine House Café and buy some plants from the garden shop to take home with you.

Enjoy the fresh air and countryside in the afternoon on this 7-mile/4-hour circular walk which is part of the Cleveland Way National Trail.

Starting in Helmsley, the route climbs up to give you beautiful views of the town and castle before winding through woodland to Rievaulx Terrace where you can explore the grounds (admission charge). Make your way back to Helmsley through the fields for a more scenic route.

Book into the Black Swan Helmsley at the end of the day and settle into your cosy accommodation. After spending the day exploring Helmsley, you can unwind in your room overlooking the market place as you enjoy all the modern facilities in historic surroundings. For an added luxury, upgrade to a junior suite.

Spend the evening relaxing in your room, enjoy a drink in the bar or take an evening stroll.

Spend the morning exploring the National Trust property of Nunnington Hall near Helmsley. The 17th century manor house set alongside the River Rye is home to panelled halls and period rooms as well as the miniature rooms and instruments of the Carlisle Collection.

Take in the floral scents as you explore the walled garden with its borders, orchards and lawns and finish your visit with a hot drink and cake in the tearoom

Treat yourself to Michelin starred food at The Star Inn at Harome, a 14th century pub complete with thatched roof that makes it look like it's straight out of a book.

Choose from the lunchtime 6-course tasting menu or the a la carte menu. If the weather is good, you have the option to sit in the gardens and enjoy al fresco dining in the autumn sunshine.

The dramatic ruins of Byland Abbey is your first stop after lunch. Its Gothic architecture and the remains of the rose window create an atmospheric feeling as you walk through the monastic remains.

See the medieval floor tiles - the largest in Europe (these are covered up over the winter months) and visit the small Byland Abbey Museum and bookshop (open Friday to Monday, April – October)