Helmsley
Stay
Independent hotels, B&B’s, camping and glamping sites, country cottages and farm accommodation are all available in Helmsley where the locals are always warm and welcoming…
Attractions
The scenery will astound you, the walks will inspire you and the North York Moors National Park puts you and nature together…
Food & Drink
Markets, cafés, tearooms, pubs and restaurants all run by friendly local people just so keen to please you…
Helmsley
Helmsley is one of James Herriot’s North York Moors market town favourites. When he walked his favourite dogs over the Moors, he would visit Helmsley and many of his call outs would have taken him to farms around the town.
Dramatic Helmsley Castle ruins and the National Bird of Prey centre are a brief walk from the bustling market square. Here, local traders, independent shops, boutiques with designer clothing, sparkling jewellery, arts and crafts and food and drink confirm the town’s 2015 Best Small Shop accolade.
Award-winning eateries and the town’s very own Brewery entice you to enjoy some of the best flavours of Herriot Country. Cosy cafes, warm-hearted inns with roaring fires in winter, tempting ice cream parlours in summer, fine dining restaurants and award-winning fish and chips shops make it a challenging choice!
For art lovers, Helmsley has captured the inspiration of a fine collection of creative and craftwork individuals. Several galleries and craft centres put the town’s creative types on show. Regular art and craft fairs bring more in from around Yorkshire. There are also creative activities on offer, including painting and stick making, with the town’s very own The Stickman.
If activities appeal, Helmsley is well-placed to put you through a challenge. For outdoor lovers, it is right in the heart of the North York Moors and ideal for cycling, walking, horse-riding and it is also a dog-friendly place. Helmsley even has its own lido, perfect for outdoor swimming aficionados. Plus, a hotel with spa and pool for the more cosseted activity bunnies.
The Walled Garden, National Birds of Prey Centre and a 900-year-old castle ruin are key Helmsley attractions and Helmsley Arts Centre is a unique venue that includes a cinema, theatre, music events, talks and exhibitions. Plus, wildlife, horticulture and fabulous views are all part of the unique charm of Helmsley which is just 14 miles (25 minutes) to the World of James Herriot.
Helmsley Castle Credit Fridge Productions
Diners enjoying lunch at the Star at Harome
Food in the dining room at the Cross House Lodge hotel, Harome
Helmsley Castle – Image- courtesy of Fridge Productions © 2019
Helmsley Castle Credit Fridge Productions
Helmsley in Winter
Hot Air Balloons flying over Ryedale
National Centre for Birds of Prey Image courtesy of Fridge Productions copyright 2019.jp
North York Moors – Mountain Biking – Image- courtesy of Fridge Productions -copyright- 2019
North York Moors – Walking – Image- courtesy of Fridge Productions -copyright- 2019
Sheep infront of Helmsley castle
Spring dafodils at Helmsley
The barmaid pulling pints in the bar at the Star at Harome
View from Sutton Bank
Photo Credits: VisitRyedale; Fridge Productions; Liz Bassendale; RJB Photographic; Jim Varney
Thirsk
Directions
Helmsley is in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, 14 miles East from Thirsk on the A170, 25 miles North of the City of York and 30 miles to Scarborough and Whitby on the North Yorkshire Coast.