Once a Neolithic agricultural community, Helmsley has undergone many a metamorphosis, emerging as the characterful village it is today during the Middle Ages. A Medieval treasure where market days mark the highlight of the week, independent shops glitter the high street, and 18th-century cottages elegantly stand, as though they know just how photogenic they are. Is it any wonder it’s become such a beloved destination?
The view of the church from the beck that runs through the town – famously embellished with daffodils in the spring – has become an annual tourist pull in itself, with that particular part of the town coming alive in the warming months with buzzy cafe culture under the shadow of the town’s former castle. Now a ruinous fortress, the castle itself is a tourist attraction – still standly proudly over the small, but mighty settlement.
Pairing heritage with a strong sense of community, Helmsley has a lot to offer its guests – from the surrounding North York Moors, to great places to eat, shop and potter. In fact, it’s a potterer’s paradise. Think independent gift shops, a quaint book shop, cafes aplenty and old-worldy pubs with proper ales on cask. One of our favourite pubs, in fact, being The Feathers Hotel – a charming 16th-century coaching inn boasting one of the largest collections of Mouseman furniture (including the furniture maker’s largest single piece of work, the Pickwick oak bar).
The town is one of the country’s rare, fairly untouched gems, left unsullied from rows of chain shops and obnoxious plastic signage. A place left to flourish in its undeniable beauty. The ancient marketplace is dotted with a handful of local shops adorned in fresh flowers and hand-painted signage, adding to its unspoiled appeal, with genuine community assets from delis, butchers and bookshops, to gift shops, outdoor shops and fashion boutiques. It’s something those over-familiar with Helmsley may take for granted, but a true rarity in today’s world of endless fast food restaurants, barbers and charity shops.
In addition to its well-conserved town centre, Helmsley also acts as a gateway to the North York Moors National Park, with endless walks and landmarks right on its doorstep – from ancient monuments such as Rievaulx Abbey, to ‘the finest view in England’, Sutton Bank.
Watch our trip to Helmsley here:
Helmsley must-visits:
- Hunters of Helmsley sandwiches
- Helmsley Walled Gardens
- The Vinehouse Cafe
- Yorkshire Spa Retreat
- Beadlam Grange Farm Shop
- U Tagghiu Anticu cocktail bar
Read more: The Idyllic Yorkshire Dales Town Known as England’s ‘Book Town’
Featured image: Photo © David C Williams (cc-by-sa/2.0)
