Nestled away in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors UK the market town of Helmsley offers a wealth of attractions for every taste and is a perfect for a day visit or a base in which to enjoy the sites which surround it.
Shopping in Helmsley is charmingly ecclectic with shops selling dolls house furniture to upmarket clothes shops all located around the bustling hub of the central town square. The arts scene in the town is vibrant and Helmsley Arts Centre offers a range of performances and activities all year round.
Helmsley is lucky enough to be in close proximity to the ruins of the formally Cistercian Rievaulx Abbey which are amongst the most visually striking in England. Located a few miles from Helmsley the abbey is a perfect stop for a picnic and can be reached easily on foot via the Cleveland Way National trail. The abbey features soaring arches but the site is also worth checking out simply for the staggering pastoral views of Yorkshire and the curving landscape gardening around the abbey.
If venturing out of the town proves too strenuous there’s a range of other historical sites closer to hand. Surrounded by a moat Helmsley Castle stands just out of the central square with striking stone work and defences built in the 12th and 13th century. Duncombe Park is also located a stones throw away from Helmsley, this magnificant historic home has beautiful gardens and tea rooms and welcomes visitors during the summer months.
Situated in close proximity to the ruins of Helmsley castle the beautifully maintained walled garden, which dates from 1758 is well worth a visit. The garden is currently being restored and now offers visitors the chance to view a range of special collections of horiculture from apples to vines, a staggering amount of rare varieties which can even be purchased.
Helmsley’s unpspoilt beauty and the town’s clear dedication to maintaining and respecting it’s historical attractions encapsulates the spirit of North Yorkshire, so make sure to enjoy your cone of rum and raison in a setting seeped in heritage and unspoilt natural beauty.
More information
- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/
- http://www.helmsley.info/