A Guide to the 12 Best Things to do in Helmsley in 2023
There are many exciting things to do in Helmsley, a charming, traditional market town in North Yorkshire, England that sits on the River Rye. You can almost taste the town’s history and surroundings as you walk through its streets towards its castle.
Today, many regard it as the gateway to the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park. But there is a lot to see and do in and around Helmsley. This includes exploring Helmsley’s attractions, whether you are browsing in the independent shops, having a tea in one of the numerous tea shops, enjoying some pub grub, walking in Duncombe Park or slightly out of town admiring the magnificent and eye catching Rievaulx Abbey.
For such a small market town, there are many exciting things to do in Helmsley. It helps that the locals are friendly and want to welcome you to have an unforgettable visit!
It is compact, and most of the main attractions you can visit on foot, which means that you can park up and walk around to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the town. Also, you can stay in one of the many award-winning inns or hotels in Helmsley, most have fantastic reviews.
How to Get to Helmsley
Helmsley is in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, only a 40-minute (24 miles) drive from York. It is on the A170 road, 13 miles west of Pickering and 14 miles east of Thirsk.
You can also catch the 128 bus service between Helmsley and Pickering or the number 31X Kirkbymoorside to York.
When is the best time to visit Helmsley?
The best time to visit Helmsley is June or September because the weather is the most comfortable and perfect to enjoy the outdoor activities before the summer holiday rush!
Fridays are the best days to visit if you would like to see the famous and historical market!
Top Tips for visiting Helmsley
- There are accessible public toilets on Boro Gate.
- You can park in the main square (Pay and display) or find several free spots around the town if you are willing to walk in.
- Visit on Fridays if you wish to see the market in full swing.
- Avoid school holidays and sunny weekends if possible. Helmsley is a small town and can be bustling with people. Alternatively, visit as early as possible if you would like to see it without crowds.
- The town is very dog friendly!
- Helmsley hosts an annual Ryedale Show on the last Tuesday of July. It is an agricultural show with craft stalls, food and livestock.
12 Best Things to do in Helmsley in 2023
Start your journey in Helmsley Market Place
By the end of the 12th century, Helmsley was already a significant market town. Today, you can visit the market square, and on Fridays, there is a bustling market, which attracts tourists and locals alike.
Don’t forget to take a picture of the Feversham Monument that takes centre stage in the square! It was erected in 1867 and is an impressive monument of the town. You will also be able to see the original Market Cross!
Step back in time at Helmsley Castle
Visiting Helmsley Castle is a must when visiting North Yorkshire, as it is one of the best things to do in Helmsley. It dates back to the 12th century and is slightly out of town, perched overlooking the River Rye. Even though only one tower remains today, it is well worth a visit to learn about its 900 year old past.
Today it is owned by English Heritage. A visit involves learning about the castle’s journey through time from a medieval fortress, Tudor mansion, its role in the Civil War and as a Victorian ruin.
Good to know: Outside the castle, there is a picnic area with views of the castle and shade under the trees if it’s a hot sunny day!
Experience the beauty of the Helmsley Walled Garden
A popular attraction in Helmsley is the Helmsley Walled Garden because of the stunning floral colours of the five-acre gardens with the Castle in the background. It is a short walk from Market Place, or you can park outside.
The Walled Garden was created to supply fresh fruit, flowers, and vegetables to Duncombe Park in 1756 and, unfortunately, in the 1970s, fell into disuse. However, due to some locals, it has been restored and looked after and is now run by English Heritage and is now a firm favourite of things to do in Helmsley.
We particularly liked the Vine House Café. A café in a greenhouse serving brunch, coffees and afternoon teas.
Good to know: dogs are welcome here!
Appreciate the arts at Helmsley Arts Centre
A lot is going on for a small town, which is evident from the Helmsley Art Centre where you can see music, talks, cinema, dance and productions. There is something for everyone, with an array of entertainment and has a community feel to it. You should check the website for what is on when you’re visiting!
Have a drink at one of Helmsley’s Pubs
There are many pubs in Helmsley, and it is a take your pick type of town. One of the popular places to go when visiting is the Helmsley Brewing Company – try the Striding the Riding Beer or a tasting board. They have been operating since 2014! Better yet, why don’t you go on a pub crawl? There are so many fabulous options to choose from!
Admire Helmsley All Saints Church
If you appreciate beauty, then you should visit the Church of All Saints. It is a beautiful spot from the outside, but inside you will find breath-taking paintings and an excellent spot to reflect and feel at peace.
Feel welcomed at Helmsley Tea Rooms
Do you love tea or coffee? Then you will love Helmsley. Now, there are so many tea rooms in Helmsley that you would be able to spend a month here and not visit all of them.
Our best tip would be to browse and choose the ones that you like. Some are beside streams, some are in the middle of the action, and some are found through hidden alleys. If you’re not sure, our favourite is the Porters, which serves coffee, wine, beer and more.
We also heard that the Black Swan Tea Rooms are great. Choose the vibe you want, and you will quickly fall in love. English market towns really do tea shops correctly!
Browse Helmsley Independent Shops
What is great about the town is the endless independent shops, with people wanting to support local businesses more and more. It is great to see them bustling with people and is easily one of the best things to do in Helmsley.
There are numerous shops, from gifts to sweets, charity shops, galleries, and excellent restaurants in Helmsley. Therefore, one of the best things to do in Helmsley is to explore them. Head to Boro Gate to begin, which is one of the most famous streets and then under the arch towards the art centre is another fabulous row of shops to enjoy.
Some of our favourites include:
- Helmsley Traditional Sweet Shop
- Helmsley Book Shop
- Think Fresh
- Hunters of Helmsley
Stroll through Duncombe Park
Once the Helmsley estate, Duncombe Park (owned by the Duncombe family) has a Baroque mansion on the hill (although you can only admire it from the outside). It has been restored over the years and was a boarding school for many years in the 20th century.
The parkland is over 450 acres, and the National Nature Reserve manages 182 of these. Here you can see tall broadleaved trees, as it is open to the public for most of the year (except around Christmas time).
There is a car park at the top, but many people walk up to the mansion house from Helmsley town centre, which takes about 20-minutes.
Nearby, there is the National Centre for Birds of Prey, where you can see daily demonstrations.
Splash at Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
Open-air swimming pools are not very common in the North of England, so it is a pleasure to see one. It opened in the 1960s and is looked after by a local charity. Today you can swim in this outdoor heated 20 x 8m pool, and you can find it just north of the town. If you are not brave enough, there is the Feversham Spa’s indoor pool back in the town!
It is good to know: it is only open in spring and summer, and they sometimes host events throughout the year.
Walk amongst Rievaulx Abbey
One of the most popular walks around Helmsley is to the magnificent Rievaulx Abbey. The 7-mile circular route is known as one of the best walks in England. However, it is only a 6-minute drive from Helmsley if you don’t fancy walking and is one of the best things to do near Helmsley.
Rievaulx Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey built in Northern England in 1132 and was once a hub of monasticism in the country. During the Reformation, Henry VIII took control of the monastery, and the stones were used to build local houses.
Today, you can visit the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, which English Heritage manages. There is a Visitor Centre, a café and artefacts. We found the café magnificent because of its large windows overlooking the abbey’s ruins, and there are also plenty of picnic benches with spectacular views.
Nearby, you can visit the Rievaulx Terrace, which the English Heritage also manages. There are also many gorgeous walks around the area, and a popular walk is the Bow Bridge Walk that is signposted.
Good to know: there is a free (donations welcomed) car park in a field next to the abbey that has outstanding views of the Abbey. We feel that making history accessible for everyone in this way is a beautiful thing for the town to do.
Walk the Cleveland Way National Trail
Helmsley starts the beautiful Cleveland Way National Trail, a 110-mile National Trail going through the North Yorks Moors and the coastline up to Whitby and Scarborough. Now, we know that this is long. However, you can do part of the trail, which means that it is one of the best but free things to do in Helmsley.
What can you do nearby in North Yorkshire?
Discover the Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton–le-Hole.
York – read our guide on York’s Free Attractions
Please read our guide to things to do in Knaresborough
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
