This much-loved town is perfect for a day trip or a staycation.
Nestled just inside the North York Moors National Park lies the village of Helmsley, amongst North Yorkshire’s most beloved market towns and the only one situated within the national park boundaries. Helmsley boasts a rich history, with archaeological evidence indicating continuous habitation of this compact region since 3,000 BC.
The settlement itself pre-dates the Norman Conquest, originally bearing the Anglo-Saxon name of Elmeslac. According to Yorkshire locals, this represents a destination that everyone ought to experience during their lifetime.
Visit North Yorkshire writes: “Helmsley is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Although if you go once, you are likely to go back time and time again – a visit to this picturesque place, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air.”
Situated alongside the River Rye, Helmsley differs from your conventional market town. It previously housed its own castle, whose remains can still be explored today.
Helmsley Castle was constructed by Walter l’Espec in 1120, with the initial building crafted from timber. Following Walter’s death the castle was inherited by his sister, Adelina, and her husband, Robert de Ros, who rebuilt it in stone.
Despite originating as a medieval stronghold, Helmsley Castle fulfilled various roles throughout its 900-year existence. It subsequently functioned as an Elizabethan residence and a Civil War fortress.
After this conflict, the castle deteriorated into ruins. Visitors to Helmsley are in for a treat with the chance to explore the historic ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, the first Cistercian monastery in northern England, established by twelve monks back in 1132.
The abbey’s decline began after Henry VIII’s seizure of the land in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, both Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle are under the stewardship of English Heritage.
Tourists visiting Helmsley and its medieval remnants have been leaving glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, with one visitor commenting: “As members of The English Heritage it’s great to go to see some interesting and perhaps not as well known attractions.
“The Abbey is simply fantastic and one of the best and most preserved abbeys in the North of England. The gift shop was well maintained and we enjoyed our little snack at the gift shop. I thought the museum was great also.”
Another shared their experience: “Visited the English Heritage site at Helmsley Castle. Given the castle looks like a ruin, was very pleasantly surprised with what we found.
“Lots of rooms as well as ruins to visit, with very informative and well placed information boards dotted around giving the full history and many uses of this grand old castle. Situated in wonderful Helmsley right next to the stunning walled garden, I would highly recommend a visit.”
A third reviewer noted: “Lovely ruin to look around it’s very deceiving from the bottom off the hill; just looks like one tower but there is much more when you get up there.
“Definitely recommend a visit, think entry was around £11 but we are Heritage members so was free, definitely take a walk into the town after – [it’s] beautiful.”
