Helmsley
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- Helmsley
One of North Yorkshire’s most popular market towns (officially - it won the Great British High Street Award’s best market town category), Helmsley is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although if you go once, you are likely to go back time and time again - a visit to this picturesque place, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air.
Helmsley is a perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors with a wealth of walking and cycling routes through the North York Moors National Park which is on its doorstep. The Discovery Trail showcases local history on an easy loop, while cyclists can enjoy routes like the Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey ride and the challenging North York Moors Cycleway, passing through heather landscapes and hidden valleys on quieter roads. One of the highlights is the Cleveland Way, a renowned national trail that starts in Helmsley. If you fancy taking a dip to cool off, the town’s open-air pool is a refreshing option in the summer months.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, take a trip back in time at the town’s castle, admire the stunning blooms and floral arches at the walled garden, marvel at spectacular birds of prey displays at the nearby estate, or wander stunning National Trust sites just outside of town. Take a stroll around and browse the town’s many independent shops and boutiques, savour a bite to eat in the welcoming cafés and bakeries, delicious delis and welcoming pubs and restaurants. When it’s time to rest after a day exploring, choose from a range of quality accommodation from spa hotels to cosy cottages.
Explore Helmsley
What's in Helmsley
Nunnington Hall – National Trust
A picturesque 17th century manor on the River Rye, featuring organic… A picturesque 17th century manor on the River Rye, featuring organic walled gardens, period rooms and the unique Carlisle Collection of miniature…
Holly-Garth Holiday Cottage
Holly-Garth is a superbly equipped 4 star holiday cottage near the centre… Holly-Garth is a superbly equipped 4 star holiday cottage near the centre of the pretty town of Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors. We…
Studford Luxury Lodges
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the North York Moors National Park, just… Tucked away in a quiet corner of the North York Moors National Park, just four miles from the market town of Helmsley, these luxurious designer tree…
Black Swan at Oldstead
The Black Swan at Oldstead is a restaurant with rooms created by the Banks… The Black Swan at Oldstead is a restaurant with rooms created by the Banks family who have lived and farmed around Oldstead for centuries.
The Black Swan Helmsley Restaurant
Great food is at the heart of great hospitality and our restaurant –… Great food is at the heart of great hospitality and our restaurant – overlooking the walled garden – is at the heart of the hotel.
Ampleforth Abbey
Set in acres of beautiful scenery, Ampleforth Abbey is home to the largest… Set in acres of beautiful scenery, Ampleforth Abbey is home to the largest Benedictine community of monks in the UK. We extend a warm welcome to…
Cliff Cottages - Cecil Cottage
The location and surrounding views are breathtaking during all seasons at… The location and surrounding views are breathtaking during all seasons at Cecil Cottage. It’s a very peaceful place despite being so close to the…
The Pheasant Hotel
Beautifully located Country Hotel with award-winning restaurant set in a… Beautifully located Country Hotel with award-winning restaurant set in a quiet village just a couple of miles from the market town of Helmsley.…
Events in Helmsley
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End Date
Guided walk with wildlife artist, Jonathan Pomroy, to hear the wonderful… Guided walk with wildlife artist, Jonathan Pomroy, to hear the wonderful dawn chorus. The walk will take about 1.5 hours and the terrain will vary…
A forgotten true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only… A forgotten true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only British person to be tried for treason in the Second World War takes to…
Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ian Smith (co-host of the Northern News… Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Ian Smith (co-host of the Northern News podcast) heads back out on tour with a new show about stress, love and buying…
Village fete with games such as hoopla, hook a duck, tombola and much… Village fete with games such as hoopla, hook a duck, tombola and much more. Miniature train rides too by the RSME railway. All in aid of Gilling East…
Let Helmsley Inspire You...
