Helmsley is a fantastic place to
spend a bank holiday – whether you’re planning a whole weekend here or just the
day. After all, how many times do you get to visit somewhere that was named the
Best Market Town in the whole country? AND which is home to the best small shop
in the country (that would be us! Officially – we didn’t just claim the title
for ourselves, we went to the House of Commons to be awarded it and
everything!)
No matter what your interests are,
there’s so much to do in and around town. If you love the great outdoors
there’s the whole of the North York
Moors National Park to explore on foot or on bike. Work up an appetite and
then head back to town to visit one of the fantastic coffee shops, tea rooms,
pubs or restaurants. We’re spoilt for choice in Helmsley (believe me, we know –
it’s hard to live or work in town and not put on weight with all the delicious
things on offer!). We even have our very own brewery, where you can sit and
enjoy a pint and chew the fat with owner Kyle. (as in, have a good chat – it’s
not some bizarre Helmsley snack…)
If it’s a sunny day, you should
head to Helmsley’s Open Air Pool. We’re very lucky to have what is one of only
100 remaining public lidos in the UK, here in town, and it’s very popular with
locals and visitors alike. Even if the weather isn’t great, it’s heated so it’s
still worth a visit in the summer months when it’s open. There’s something
quite nice about an open air swim in the rain! The Feversham Arms Hotel also
has a beautiful open air pool, which is open to residents and spa users.
Helmsley
Castle is a history lover’s dream. You can follow how it evolved over nine
centuries, from Medieval fortress and luxurious Tudor mansion to a Civil War
stronghold and Victorian ruin. There’s plenty for youngsters to discover too –
and lots of space to explore! Nearby we also have the spectacular and
atmospheric Rievaulx
Abbey and Rievaulx
Terrace, one of Yorkshire’s finest 18th-century landscape
gardens.
If you’ve got green fingers – and
even if you haven’t – the Helmsley
Walled Garden is very special. Five tranquil acres, set in the shadow of
Helmsley Castle, all lovingly tended by the dedicated team of gardeners and
volunteers. It dates back more than 250 years but was brought back to life
following years of neglect. There’s also a fantastic café on site, where you
can sit and admire the view while enjoying some freshly made Yorkshire goodies.
No visit to Helmsley would be
complete without heading to the wonderful, multi-award winning National Centre for Birds of Prey in Duncombe
Park. See rare and endangered species and watch daily flying displays with
everything from owls to eagles taking to the sky.
And of course, one of the best
things about Helmsley is the wonderful independent shopping! There’s so many
shops in town that are one-offs, offering products and service you just won’t
find elsewhere. From boutiques and bakeries to gift shops and homewares,
there’s something for everyone. It’s a great place to come present shopping as
it’s full of inspiration and new ideas. Of course, we may be biased, but we can
recommend a great deli which is jam-packed (excuse the pun) with goodies –
whether for you or some other lucky soul!
For more information and ideas
about what to do in Helmsley go to www.visithelmsley.co.uk.
Hope to see you this weekend!
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