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…
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…
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…
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.
Helmsley Walled Garden
This historic five-acre garden is just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a… This historic five-acre garden is just waiting to be explored. Enjoy a restorative stroll through the orchard, experience the vivid colours of the…
The Pheasant Hotel Restaurant
16 bedroomed award-winning country hotel 16 bedroomed award-winning country hotel
Cliff Cottages - Frankel Cottage
The location and surrounding views are breathtaking during all seasons.… The location and surrounding views are breathtaking during all seasons. It’s a very peaceful place despite being so close to the centre of town.
Rievaulx Terrace
One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two… One of Yorkshire's finest 18th-century landscape gardens, containing two temples.
Events in Helmsley
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There is perhaps no better place to enjoy the dawn chorus than Ampleforth… There is perhaps no better place to enjoy the dawn chorus than Ampleforth Abbey, a place of peace, tranquillity and a haven for wildlife. Join author…
Celebrate the orchard in full bloom at Ampleforth Abbey.Wander through the… Celebrate the orchard in full bloom at Ampleforth Abbey.Wander through the blossom with a family-friendly trail, capture beautiful seasonal…
Did you know Ampleforth Abbey houses one of the largest known collections… Did you know Ampleforth Abbey houses one of the largest known collections of ‘Mouseman’ furniture?Join us as we mark the 150th anniversary of the…
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…
Let Helmsley Inspire You...
