Location: Helmsley
Top Things to do in Helmsley
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Things to do in Helmsley, England: The Best Historic Sites
Helmsley is a market town and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, the town is located at the point where Rye Dale leaves the moorland and joins the flat Vale of Pickering.
Restaurants in Helmsley
1. Helmsley Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Reviewed By KarenC1806 - Evanston, United States
A visit to Helmsley isn’t a true visit if you don’t visit Helmsley Castle - a truly wonderful place, full of history and a great place for the kids to roam, climb, play games, dress up and have fun We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and the kids loved it ages ranging from 2 to 11 all had fun Absolutely well worth a visit
2. Rievaulx Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,379 reviews
Hidden in the deep River Rye valley, the beautiful and tranquil abbey ruins reflect nearly one thousand years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history. Rievaulx was one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be founded in England in around 1130, and after the dissolution, became the centre of commercial activity for many years. The abbey forge was used to set up an ironworks on the site. The abbey then entered its Romantic period when its picturesque ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars. It was one of the first major ruins to be conserved by the Office of Works (ancestor of English Heritage) in 1917.
Reviewed By Chekov69 - York, United Kingdom
Set in a beautiful, tranquil valley, the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey really evoke the history it has to impart. The welcoming staff in the visitor centre, next to the ample parking, help you make the most of your time there. There is a cafe and shop, selling usual location and English Heritage based goods at reasonable prices. In addition, there is a small museum on the short path to the abbey, which provides a wealth of information regarding the creation of the abbey in the 11th century, through times of feast, famine and plague, all the way to the 1500's and Henry VIII's dissolution of the abbey and it's sad demise at his and others hands. We decided to join as 'joint members'. Entry with parking g would have been around £25, but a special offer gave us (and up to 12 children!!) membership for 15 months for £105. Now, we don't have, or know 12 children, but with four in our tribe and two dogs, this seemed a great offer. Membership also give you a 50% discount to EH sites in Wales and Scotland for the first year and then they are free if you renew for a second year. Membership also offers discounts and 2 for 1 offers etc at EH partner sites, which are also showcased in their handbook and map. Given the incredible amount of EH locations, we'll probably upgrade to lifetime membership at around £1,300. We have been NT members for years, so it's nice to have 'the pair' now.
3. Helmsley All Saints Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By freddiedoncaster
Such a lovely piece of architecture in a wonderful North Yorkshire town. It was so nice to call by and have a peep in. One of the voluntary helpers was there, and gave me an insight to the interesting history of this fascinating church.
4. Duncombe Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
The terraces at Duncombe Park have been described as ‘one of the most extensive and boldest landscaping enterprises of England’. Please note that the garden is a 'landscape garden', and comprises mainly of lawn, woodland, and garden achitecture. The house is closed to the public.
Reviewed By CAK1998 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Lovely place to visit,When we come to Helmsley we always make a point of visiting Duncombe Park garden.
5. Rievaulx Terrace and Temples
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 460 reviews
Located in the village of Helmsley, visit the Rievaulx Abbey and its two 18th-century temples, one of which is the splendid Ionic Temple with its intricate ceiling paintings and 17th-century furniture.
Reviewed By LynnieCrediton - Crediton, United Kingdom
My husband and I stumbled on this NT site by accident. Our good fortune.If you enjoy peaceful stunning scenery, great views of Rivaulx Abbey and stepping back in time, you'll love it as much as we did. Two 'temples' whose stories were brought alive by the friendly and enthusiastic team. I'm sure families would enjoy visits as much as we retirees did.
