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.

Helmsley 700 2 8631 R Richard Burdon 2

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Businesses in Helmsley

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Helmsley - Moors

Studford Luxury Lodges

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the North York Moors National Park, just…

3 S3 A2051 390018741
Helmsley - Moors

Holly-Garth Holiday Cottage

Holly-Garth is a superbly equipped 4 star holiday cottage near the centre…

The Black Swan Hotel 3 209504906
Helmsley - Moors

The Black Swan Helmsley Restaurant

Great food is at the heart of great hospitality and our restaurant –…

Rievaulx 810 1 6702 R 2111564942
Helmsley - Moors

Rievaulx Moor Easy Access Walk

From the Forestry Commission car park on the B1257 north of Helmsley the…

2020 09 02 113717 926228004
Helmsley - Moors

Cliff Cottages - Cecil Cottage

The location and surrounding views are breathtaking during all seasons at…

DCP Sunset Cottages External 2 1 1097006596
Helmsley - Moors

Sunset Cottages

Granary conversion forming 4 cottages & two flats on a quiet, secluded…

Ampleforth March 2022 119 802752867
Helmsley - Moors

Ampleforth Abbey

Set in acres of beautiful scenery, Ampleforth Abbey is home to the largest…

The Black Swan Hotel 2 1576827652
Helmsley - Moors

The Black Swan Helmsley

The Black Swan Hotel at Helmsley is a historic inn, turned boutique hotel.…

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Events in Helmsley

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Helmsley - Moors

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My…

23 Jan 26

The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave…

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I'm not Dorothy, I'm Dot. Like a decimal point. A full stop. Dot.Stroppy…

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Helmsley - Moors

Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Performance of My…

18 Jul 25

The story covers subjects ranging from pantomimes to dreams, how to behave…

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View across Nidderdale - trees, fields, drystone walls and blue sky