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    Helmsley - travel guide
    1. Home
    2. Cities
    3. Helmsley
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    3. Cities
    4. Helmsley

    Helmsley

    Helmsley is a historic market town on the edge of the North York Moors, known for its medieval castle, independent shops, and cultural events.

    Find tours, hotels, restaurants, and guides in Helmsley

    Things to See and Do

    • Helmsley Castle: visit the extensive ruins and castle grounds maintained by English Heritage.
    • The Walled Garden: Visit restored gardens offering horticultural displays and seasonal events.
    • Helmsley Arts Centre: Attend exhibitions, theatre performances, and live music.
    • The Market Place: Browse the monthly market featuring local produce and crafts.
    • Duncombe Park: Stroll the landscaped grounds of this stately home just south of Helmsley.
    • North York Moors National Park: Access walking and cycling trails starting near the town.
    • St Peter’s Church: View the historic church with architectural features dating back to the 12th century.

    Food and Drink

    • The Black Swan: Traditional pub serving Yorkshire ales and classic British dishes.
    • The Feathers Hotel Restaurant: provides seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients.
    • Helmsley Brewing Company Taproom: Sample craft beers brewed on-site.
    • The Olive Branch Café: Provides light meals and homemade cakes in a relaxed setting.
    • The Pizza Company: Serves a variety of stone-baked pizzas.
    • Tea on the Steps: A small café known for its afternoon tea and pastries.

    Getting There

    • By Car: Accessible via the A170 road connecting to Thirsk and Scarborough; several public car parks are available.
    • By Bus: Regular services link Helmsley to Pickering, York, and nearby villages.
    • Parking: Town centre car parks include Castle car park and Market Place car park, both within walking distance of key sites.
    • Accessibility: Most public areas and attractions accommodate wheelchair users; some historic sites have limited access due to terrain.
    • Nearest Train Station: Malton railway station, approximately 15 miles away, with bus connections to Helmsley.

    Where to Stay (7)

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    The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group accommodation image
    Hotels
    ↓19% OFF
    Booking.com
    4 Star Rating
    9/10
    Very Good
    (517 reviews)
    The Black Swan - The Inn Collection Group

    The Black Swan has been providing travelers with a warm welcome and famous hospitality for centuries.Once the main stop off for weary travelers on a stagecoach route linking Leeds to York, The Black Swan dates back to the 15th century. With an Elizabethan building on one end, a Tudor one to the other and a Georgian House in the middle, the Black Swan is wonderfully higgledy-piggledy, with bags of character.With its inviting open fires, cozy armchairs and warm welcome, The Black Swan is just the place to eat, drink, sleep and explore beautiful Helmsley from and attractions including nearby Rievaulx Abbey, Castle Howard, Helmsley Castle and Helmsley Walled Garden.Offering views of either market square or beautiful gardens, these recently refurbished bedrooms have fresh, traditional décor and tea and coffee facilities. All rooms feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, desk and free Wi-Fi.Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 for a two-person trip.

    ~€198~€161/night
    You save ~€37/night
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    Book on Booking.com
    Keld Spring Lodge Retreat accommodation image
    Hotels
    ↓14% OFF
    Booking.com
    8/10
    Very Good
    (283 reviews)
    Keld Spring Lodge Retreat

    Comfortable Accommodations: Keld Spring Lodge Retreat in Kirkbymoorside offers family rooms with private bathrooms. Each room includes a bath, shower, hairdryer, and wardrobe.Modern Amenities: Guests enjoy free WiFi, a dining table, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, electric kettle, kitchenware, oven, and toaster. A TV is available for entertainment.Local Attractions: Flamingo Land Theme Park is 12 mi away, Dalby Forest 19 mi, York Minster 23 mi, York Railway Station 24 mi, Peasholm Park and The Spa Scarborough 29 mi. Teesside International Airport is 42 mi from the property.

    ~€199~€171/night
    You save ~€28/night
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    Stilworth House accommodation image
    Bed & Breakfasts
    ↓16% OFF
    Booking.com
    4 Star Rating
    9/10
    Very Good
    (438 reviews)
    Stilworth House

    Historic Setting: Stilworth House in Helmsley offers a 4-star bed and breakfast experience within a historic building. Guests enjoy a beautiful garden and free WiFi throughout the property.Comfortable Accommodations: Rooms feature private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, garden views, hairdryers, refrigerators, and TVs. Each room is equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.Delicious Breakfast: An à la carte breakfast is served, including full English and Irish options. Guests appreciate the quality and variety of the breakfast offerings.Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include Flamingo Land Theme Park (15 mi), Dalby Forest (19 mi), and York Minster (24 mi). Teesside International Airport is 34 mi away. Highly rated for its friendly host, excellent breakfast, and convenient location.Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 10 for a two-person trip.

    ~€157~€133/night
    You save ~€24/night
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    Book on Booking.com
    3 Bed in Helmsley oc-y111 accommodation image
    Hotels
    ↓20% OFF
    Booking.com
    8/10
    Very Good
    (331 reviews)
    3 Bed in Helmsley oc-y111

    Comfortable Accommodations: 3 Bed in Helmsley oc-y111 offers a holiday home in Helmsley with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property features a private entrance and a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances.Outdoor Spaces: Guests can relax in the private garden, which provides a peaceful retreat. The garden offers scenic views and is ideal for outdoor activities.Modern Amenities: The holiday home includes free WiFi, a washing machine, and a fireplace. Additional amenities include a dishwasher, microwave, and TV, ensuring a comfortable stay.Local Attractions: Located 15 mi from Flamingo Land Theme Park and 24 mi from York Minster, the property is also close to Dalby Forest and Lightwater Valley Theme Park. Teesside International Airport is 37 mi away.

    ~€431~€347/night
    You save ~€85/night
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    Porters Coffee Shop and B&B accommodation image
    Guesthouses
    ↓16% OFF
    Booking.com
    8/10
    Very Good
    (365 reviews)
    Porters Coffee Shop and B&B

    Historic Setting: Porters Coffee Shop and B&B in Helmsley offers a unique stay within a historic building. Guests enjoy free WiFi, ensuring connectivity during their visit.Comfortable Accommodations: Each room features a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, bath, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include a TV, wardrobe, and a view of a landmark.Delicious Breakfast: A hearty breakfast is served daily, including fresh pastries, fruits, and juice. The welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are highly praised by guests.Local Attractions: Nearby attractions include Flamingo Land Theme Park (15 mi), York Minster (24 mi), and York Railway Station (24 mi). Teesside International Airport is 38 mi away.Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 10.0 for a two-person trip.

    ~€169~€142/night
    You save ~€27/night
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    Book on Booking.com
    Valley View Farm Holiday Cottages accommodation image
    Holiday Cottages
    ↓18% OFF
    Booking.com
    8/10
    Very Good
    (367 reviews)
    Valley View Farm Holiday Cottages

    Comfortable Accommodations: Valley View Farm Holiday Cottages in Helmsley offers a serene garden and free WiFi. Each property features a private bathroom, terrace, and kitchenette.Convenient Facilities: Guests enjoy private check-in and check-out, laundry service, outdoor seating, picnic area, and barbecue facilities. Free on-site private parking is available.Local Attractions: Located 32 mi from Teesside International Airport, the cottages are near Flamingo Land Theme Park (20 mi), Lightwater Valley Theme Park (25 mi), and York Minster (29 mi).Guest Satisfaction: Highly rated for its quietness, convenient location, and room cleanliness.Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.

    ~€115~€95/night
    You save ~€20/night
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    Restaurants (13)

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    Coopers of Helmsley restaurant in HelmsleyInternational

    Coopers of Helmsley

    · ⭐ 4.9

    Coopers of Helmsley is a international restaurant in Helmsley, Yorkshire, rated 4.9/5 with 46 reviews.

    Hunters of Helmsley restaurant in HelmsleyBakery

    Hunters of Helmsley

    · ⭐ 4.8

    Hunters of Helmsley is a affordable bakery restaurant in Helmsley, Yorkshire, rated 4.8/5 with 568 reviews.

    The Hare Restaurant restaurant in HelmsleyInternational

    The Hare Restaurant

    · ⭐ 4.8

    The Hare Restaurant is a international restaurant in Helmsley, Yorkshire, rated 4.8/5 with 59 reviews.

    Bar

    The Star Inn

    · ⭐ 4.7

    The Star Inn is a moderately priced bar restaurant in yorkshire, rated 4.7/5 with 916 reviews.

    Deep Blue Fish & Chips restaurant in HelmsleySeafood

    Deep Blue Fish & Chips

    · ⭐ 4.7

    Deep Blue Fish & Chips is a affordable seafood restaurant in Helmsley, Yorkshire, rated 4.7/5 with 1054 reviews.

    International

    Mannion & Co

    · ⭐ 4.7

    Mannion & Co is a international restaurant in Helmsley, Yorkshire, rated 4.7/5 with 345 reviews.

    Practical Info

    Food & Drink
    🍜 Food & Drink
    • The Black Swan: Traditional pub serving Yorkshire ales and classic British dishes.
    • The Feathers Hotel Restaurant: provides seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients.
    • Helmsley Brewing Company Taproom: Sample craft beers brewed on-site....
    Attractions
    🏛️ Attractions
    • Helmsley Castle: visit the extensive ruins and castle grounds maintained by English Heritage.
    • The Walled Garden: Visit restored gardens offering horticultural displays and seasonal events.
    • Helmsley Arts Centre: Attend exhibitions, theatre performances, and live music....
    Getting Around
    🚕 Getting Around
    • By Car: Accessible via the A170 road connecting to Thirsk and Scarborough; several public car parks are available.
    • By Bus: Regular services link Helmsley to Pickering, York, and nearby villages....

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Helmsley Castle open year-round?
    Helmsley Castle is open to visitors throughout the year, but opening times may vary seasonally. Check English Heritage's website before visiting.
    Are there guided tours available in Helmsley?
    Guided tours are occasionally offered at Helmsley Castle and during local festivals. The Helmsley Arts Centre and tourist information can provide schedules.
    What parking options are available in Helmsley?
    Several public car parks are located near the town centre, including Castle car park and Market Place car park, both offering pay-and-display facilities.
    Can I access walking trails to the North York Moors from Helmsley?
    Yes, multiple marked walking and cycling routes start near Helmsley, providing direct access to the North York Moors National Park.
    Are there accommodations suitable for families in Helmsley?
    Helmsley has a range of accommodation options including family-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts catering to different needs.

    Helmsley at a Glance

    Population
    1,500
    Founded
    12th century (market town origins)
    County
    North Yorkshire
    Elevation
    80m
    Best time to visit
    May to September
    Summer temp
    17°C
    Nearest airport
    Leeds Bradford (40 miles)
    Postcode
    YO62
    Known for