Helmsley

With its stone-brick houses crawling with ivy and cobbled pavements brimming with flowers, the lively market town of Helmsley is among Yorkshire’s prettiest. Located on the cusp of the North York Moors National Park, the historic village makes a popular pit stop for those exploring the park’s natural wonders, with its traditional tearooms and charming pubs welcoming a steady stream of day-trippers.
Helmsley’s top attraction is the imposing ruin of the 12th- century Helmsley Castle, home to the magnificent 5-acre Helmsley Walled Gardens, but additional highlights include the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and Byland Abbey; the 300-acre Duncombe Park, famous for its Birds of Prey reserve; the Helmsley Arts Centre; and the Cleveland Way National Trail, which starts close to town.

Practical Info

Helmsley is located in the North York Moors National Park, approximately 25 miles north of York.