Gateway to HELMSLEY and the NORTH YORK MOORS NATIONAL PARK
Helmsley is a pretty market town in the North York Moors National Park and the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire. It is situated on the River Rye about 13 miles west of Pickering, fourteen miles east of Thirsk.
The Cleveland Way leads out of the town past Helmsley Walled Garden and across the North York Moors National Park.
The town is the home of the Earls of Feversham whose stately home 'Duncombe Park' was built overlooking the castle. A statue of William Duncombe, 2nd Baron Feversham stands in the town's square.
Other nearby places of interest include Rievaulx Abbey, Rievaulx Terraces and Helmsley Arts Centre, the home of the 1812 Theatre Company.
The town is a popular with hikers and visitors to the North York Moors, the local pubs offer an opportunity to mix with the locals who are usually lively - but friendly.
The road from Helmsley to Stokesley is known as the Northern TT and is very popular with motorcyclists who enjoy the challenge of its rolling hills and twisting bends. On summer days, the market square is often filled with bikers and hikers.
It is though the ideal location for exploring the western boundaries of Ryedale and the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Hambleton and the Howardian Hills.
There are regular buses to Scarborough and Malton, although most people visit by car or motorcycle. The town has a large 'Pay & Display' car park to the side of Helmsley Castle.