Helmsley: A Picture-Perfect Market Town in North Yorkshire
Helmsley is a charming market town located in North Yorkshire, England. Nestled within the rolling hills of the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley is a picturesque destination with plenty to explore.
From its medieval castle and vibrant market square to independent shops, pubs, restaurants and galleries – the town of Helmsley offers something for everyone! Take a stroll along the River Rye or visit nearby attractions like Castle Howard; no matter what you choose to do in Helmsley, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for weekend plans, come and discover one of England’s most beautiful market towns!
Welcome to Helmsley, North Yorkshire!
Visit Helmsley and discover a beautiful medieval castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can explore its impressive walls and towers, as well as its serene courtyard. Helmsley Castle also contains a museum, which showcases artefacts from its history and includes interactive displays. If you’re a history buff, this is a place you don’t want to miss out on.
The lovely market town is also home to the picturesque Duncombe Park estate, another historic place that features an impressive 18th-century mansion and the most beautiful grounds, acres upon acres of lovely greenery and landscaping. Take a relaxing stroll through the grounds and soak up the lovely Yorkshire air.
In addition to the castle, Helmsley features a vibrant market square, filled with unique shops, pubs and restaurants. Here you can explore local handmade crafts including jewellery and pottery, or pick up souvenirs of your visit like North Yorkshire’s famous Helmsley honey! The market square is also home to Helmsley Arts Centre, which offers a range of exhibitions and performances throughout the year.
Located just a short drive away from Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park, is Castle Howard; a majestic 18th-century stately home that was built in 1718 and is still considered to be one of England’s grandest country houses. Visitors can explore its sprawling grounds and gardens, which include a lake and woodland walks, as well as an impressive art collection filled with works from some of Europe’s greatest painters.
The castle itself features breathtaking architecture, including cupolas, turrets and domes that are sure to take your breath away! So make sure to add the nearby Castle Howard to your Yorkshire itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
No matter what you are looking for, Helmsley has something to offer everyone! From its charming medieval castle and vibrant market square to its picturesque walking trails, national park and unique shops and restaurants, Helmsley is one of Yorkshire’s, and England’s, most picturesque towns. Spend a day exploring the region’s attractions and experience the perfect English getaway.
An adventurer’s paradise
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, Helmsley offers plenty of walking trails to explore the wider Yorkshire region. There are many scenic routes along the River Rye, taking in views of Helmsley Castle and the surrounding North York Moors. But perhaps Helmsley’s most popular walking path is the Cleveland Way National Trail, a popular route that starts in the market town itself and heads south along the coast of the North York Moors.
It is an incredibly scenic trail that offers a 109-mile walking route of Yorkshire to Filey Brigg – on your journey, you’ll pass by some of North Yorkshire’s most famous and popular landscapes, towns and tourist attractions, including the Hambleton Hills escarpment at Sutton Bank, Rievaulx Abbey, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and it’s Abbey (one of Bram Stoker’s inspirations for Dracula) and Saltburn.
The perfect place for dining and shopping
If you’re looking for the perfect shopping experience, Helmsley’s delightful shops have something for everyone. From local artisan crafts to unique gifts and souvenirs, Helmsley has it all. Be sure to visit the Helmsley Craft Centre for some truly original items made in the traditional North Yorkshire style, or The Helmsley Emporium for a fascinating collection of antiques and vintage items.
Helmsley’s local eateries also offer delicious dishes and treats to satisfy every craving. There’s something for everyone – from cosy pubs serving up classic British fare to gourmet eateries offering exquisite modern cuisine. And don’t forget Helmsley’s famous fish and chips!
Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the River Rye
One of the most enjoyable experiences Helmsley has to offer is taking a stroll alongside its beautiful river, the River Rye. The leisurely walk takes you past Helmsley Castle, with its majestic keep and atmospheric ruins. As well as a great opportunity to take in the town’s history, the river is also home to many wildlife species such as ducks, swans and Kingfishers. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot, arguably one of the best in the country – perfect for taking your time to enjoy Yorkshire’s natural beauty. The walk can be enjoyed any time of year, but it is especially beautiful in the spring and summer when the wildflowers are blooming and the trees are full of life. So take a trip to Helmsley and meander along the River Rye – you won’t regret it!
The River Rye runs along Helmsley’s western edge, so it’s easy to access from the centre of town. There are several car parks in Helmsley from which you can start your walk, or if you’d like a more leisurely experience why not catch the local bus? There’s no charge for walking along the river and it’s free of any distractions, so you can truly relax and take in the scenery. Whether you’re a serious hiker or just looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Helmsley’s River Rye is the perfect place to explore!
A perfect day out in Helmsley
Helmsley is truly one of England’s most charming towns, so why not take some time to explore it? With its beautiful scenery, fascinating history and plethora of things to do, Helmsley is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
So don’t miss your chance to experience Helmsley in all its glory – pack your bags and head off on an adventure today! Enjoy every moment of this picturesque market town with plenty to see and do – you’ll have an amazing time when visiting Helmsley, situated in the heart of North Yorkshire!
A quick summary of things to do in Helmsley!
- Explore Helmsley Castle, a stunning medieval castle and the surrounding North York Moors National Park.
- Take a stroll along Helmsley’s River Rye, an incredibly peaceful spot perfect for admiring Helmsley’s natural beauty. Look out for wildlife like ducks, swans and Kingfishers!
- Shop till you drop at Helmsley’s delightful shops, including the Helmsley Craft Centre and Helmsley Emporium.
- Sample Helmsley’s delicious eateries, from cosy pubs to gourmet restaurants. Don’t forget to try Helmsley’s famous fish and chips!
- Visit nearby attractions such as Castle Howard Estate, Rievaulx Abbey and Sutton Bank.
- Take part in Helmsley’s vibrant market days, held twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
