Helmsley
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Discover Helmsley by Category
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…
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…
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…
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.
The Star Inn at Harome
The Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome has been a foodie and celebration… The Michelin-starred Star Inn at Harome has been a foodie and celebration destination for over 30 years. Set in a picture-perfect C14th thatched Inn,…
Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room
Situated in the beautiful grounds of Ampleforth Abbey, and a short walk… Situated in the beautiful grounds of Ampleforth Abbey, and a short walk from the Abbey Church, our oak-panelled Tea Room is a welcoming spot to relax…
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.…
Experiences in Helmsley
Yorkshire Pilgrim Trails: Guided Monastic Walks
Guided day walks and multi-day pilgrim trails across Yorkshire, following… Guided day walks and multi-day pilgrim trails across Yorkshire, following monks and pilgrims to Rievaulx, Fountains and Whitby abbeys. Open to…
Cleveland Way Guided Walking Holiday
Walk the Cleveland Way National Trail from Helmsley to Filey with an… Walk the Cleveland Way National Trail from Helmsley to Filey with an expert guide. Moorland ridges, Captain Cook country and the North Sea cliffs,…
Events in Helmsley
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Experience delicious dining with the best local produce at a great price… Experience delicious dining with the best local produce at a great price during Helmsley and the Howardian Hills Restaurant Week.
Start the festive season at the Helmsley Christmas Lights Switch On Start the festive season at the Helmsley Christmas Lights Switch On
Special lantern-making workshops in preparation for our Lantern… Special lantern-making workshops in preparation for our Lantern Procession. You will be provided with all the materials and instructions you need to…
The inaugural Ampleforth Abbey Christmas Craft Market, a joyful… The inaugural Ampleforth Abbey Christmas Craft Market, a joyful celebration of local artists, craftspeople and independent artisan traders.Held…
Let Helmsley Inspire You...
Itineraries in Helmsley
How to spend 24hrs in Helmsley
1-2 days
Make the most of the autumn season and book a stay in Helmsley where you… Make the most of the autumn season and book a stay in Helmsley where you can explore this picture-perfect market town and the surrounding area. Our…
