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 shops Richard Burdon

Explore Helmsley

What's in Helmsley

Helmsley - Moors

Nunnington Hall – National Trust

A picturesque 17th century manor on the River Rye, featuring organic…

Helmsley - Moors

Holly-Garth Holiday Cottage

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

Helmsley - Moors

Studford Luxury Lodges

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

Helmsley - Moors

Summerfield Farm Holiday Cottage

Summerfield Holiday Cottage is a stone built cottage, which sleeps 4-5. It…

Helmsley - Moors

The Pheasant Hotel Restaurant

16 bedroomed award-winning country hotel

Helmsley - Moors

Helmsley Walled Garden

This historic five-acre garden is just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a…

Helmsley - Moors

Black Swan at Oldstead

The Black Swan at Oldstead is a restaurant with rooms created by the Banks…

Helmsley - Moors

The Black Swan Helmsley Restaurant

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

Events in Helmsley

Start Date

End Date

Helmsley - Moors

Dawn Chorus Walk - Gilling East Village Hall

3 May 26

Guided walk with wildlife artist, Jonathan Pomroy, to hear the wonderful…

Helmsley - Moors

Mouseman Tours - Ampleforth Abbey

3 May - 4 May 26

Special tours to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Robert…

Helmsley - Moors

Careless Talk - Helmsley Arts Centre

8 May 26

A forgotten true story of high treason, espionage, spam fritters. The only…

Helmsley - Moors

Ampleforth Explorers – Half-term Activities -…

23 May - 31 May 26

Be among the first to try our brand new Explorer Backpacks this…

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A woman looks out over the Yorkshire Dales