Top 10 Things to do in Helmsley, England

July 27, 2021 Mollie Coke

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. National Centre for Birds of Prey

Duncombe Park, Helmsley YO62 5EB England +44 1439 772080 [email protected] http://www.ncbp.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,440 reviews

National Centre for Birds of Prey

FROM 12 April 2021 WE ARE OPEN AS NORMAL The National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park is the largest collection of these amazing birds in the north of England. You will find over 100 owls, eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks kites and more in a spacious 10 acre setting. We are a leader in the captive breeding, welfare and conservation of these awesome birds. Please don't compare us to other bird of prey centres, we are in a different league! We have a team of trained bird who fly twice times a day at 11.30 and 14.00. Different birds are flown at each demo. We even have an indoor area if the weather isn't being kind. In recognition of the quality of the National Centre for Birds of Prey - we won our category in the White Rose Awards, the UK's largest regional tourism awards and then we won best attraction in the Visit York awards

Reviewed By SouthYorks - Barnsley, United Kingdom

Spent over 4 hours at the Bird of Prey Centre along with a short walk in Duncombe Park. 2 really interesting and informative flying displays with 4 birds flown in each display, and presented by 3 knowledgeable falconers (including Charlie and Sarah). Birds flown included Eagles, Owls and Falcons. Aviaries are provided for all birds, as well as an outdoor Hawk Walk where birds can be seen close up. Each aviary includes lots of information specific to each bird species. Overall an enjoyable day and would return.

2. Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle Castlegate, Helmsley YO62 5AB England +44 1439 770442 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/helmsley-castle/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 749 reviews

Helmsley Castle

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

3. Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Bank, Helmsley YO62 5LB England +44 1439 798228 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rievaulx-abbey/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=rievaulx%20abbey
Excellent
75%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,379 reviews

Rievaulx Abbey

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.

4. Helmsley Walled Garden

Cleveland Way, Helmsley YO62 5AH England +44 1439 772314 [email protected] http://www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 571 reviews

Helmsley Walled Garden

Built in 1759, Helmsley Walled Garden is a five acre garden sitting beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle. It provided the vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table of Duncombe Park until just after World War 1 when it was leased as market garden. Abandoned after it closed its doors for the final time in 1984, it fell into dereliction. Restoration started in 1994 and since then the Garden has gone from strength to strength through the dedication and care of staff and volunteers. Visitors can now enjoy restored glasshouses full of colour, a double herbaceous Hot Border running the length of the Garden or sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the Garden of Contemplation. A Clematis Garden showcases over 100 different clematis varieties and in the vegetable patch, a new attraction is the edible flower garden, showing some of the flowers that can bring new colour and style to salads and other dishes. Vegetables and fruit from the Garden go into the delicious dishes prepared in the Vinehouse Cafe. Visitors sit beneath Victorian vine cultivars to enjoy soups, salads and open sandwiches as well as delicious cakes and desserts. The Plant Centre sells a wide selection of herbaceous perennials, some of which visitors will find on display in the Garden. Staff can help visitors with any questions about what might go well in their gardens. The Garden shop also sells a range of useful garden sundries such as gloves, string and seeds as well as gifts such as jams, chutneys and biscuits. Other items available include a range of heritage tools and garden artefacts. The Garden also works as a social enterprise, providing social and therapeutic horticulture to people with a wide range of difficulties and disabilities. Specialist therapists provide a structured environment for supported volunteers to gain skills and self-confidence whilst undertaking horticultural tasks in a safe environment. There is full wheelchair access to the Garden as well as the Cafe. Toilets and disabled toilets available Dogs are welcome on leads

Reviewed By AnitaTraveller1 - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

What a beautiful setting for a garden with the castle as a magnificent backdrop and we were lucky that the sun was shining too. Even though it was October there was still plenty to see in the garden via the one way system which ensured you didn't miss anything. You can also buy hen feed at the ticket office to feed the hens at the bottom of the garden. The gardens also provide horticultural therapy for people suffering from mental and physical disabilities. There is also a wonderful cafe in the old greenhouses which I would thoroughly recommend. Don't miss out - go visit as all in all it is a wonderful experience.

5. Helmsley All Saints Church

Helmsley England +44 1439 770236 http://www.helmsleyparish.org.uk/index.htm
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4.5 based on 67 reviews

Helmsley All Saints Church

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.

6. Helmsley Brewing Co

18 Bridge Street, Helmsley YO62 5DX England +44 1439 771014 [email protected] http://www.helmsleybrewingco.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 110 reviews

Helmsley Brewing Co

Micro brewery with shop and bar, we brew our own craft beers onsite and welcome you in to see us in action and enjoy our beer.

Reviewed By Jilllian - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Great friendly place with plenty of sitting areas. Beer is fantastic apparently but us girls left the men drinking the beer whilst we had a little shop. Lots of soft drink choices, prosecco etc if you don’t fancy beer.

7. Duncombe Park

The Estate Office, Helmsley YO62 5EB England +44 1439 770213 [email protected] http://www.duncombepark.com/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 118 reviews

Duncombe Park

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.

8. Rievaulx Terrace and Temples

Rievaulx Terrace & Temples Mossy Bank Wood, Helmsley YO62 5LJ England +44 1439 748283 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rievaulx-terrace
Excellent
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4.0 based on 460 reviews

Rievaulx Terrace and Temples

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.

9. Helmsley Open Air Pool

Baxton's Sprunt, Helmsley YO62 5HT England +44 7544 534012 [email protected] http://www.helmsleyopenairpool.org/
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 53 reviews

Helmsley Open Air Pool

THE POOL OPENS ON 25 MAY 2020 SEE WEBSITE FOR SESSION TIMES Helmsley Open Air Pool has struggled for a number of years to remain open. In 2018-9 it received a £120k grant to start a refurbishment programme. Why did it take so long? The main reason is its seasonally. As an example: If you had £120k to invest in sporting activity would you rather award it to a facility that opens 12-16 week a year or one that open 52 weeks a year? It has taken a considerable time to assemble a support group to help guide Pool to this stage. In May/June this year 2019 when the Pool re-opens it will be the result of a significant amount of work both on site and off by paid professionals and volunteers. So please when you criticise please keep it constructive as nothing hurts more than putting in a huge amount of work and having it seemingly rubbished by people who are unaware of the effort that has gone into getting the Pool refurbishment as far as it is today.

Reviewed By Rainyday203 - Congleton, United Kingdom

A brilliant open air pool, heated well and constantly watched by lifeguards - a rare find in the UK. Helmsley pool is definitely worth a visit. Thanks to the work of volunteers Helmsley open swimming pool has fortunately managed to stay open - which is absolutely brilliant for the local community and anyone who is lucky enough to visit as the pool is a somewhat hidden Gem. The lifeguards are extremely friendly and very helpful and while the changing rooms may seem small but they are attempting to raise money to refurbish them and they are more than adequate in all other aspects - and therefore should not be judged as harshly as some other reviewers have judged them. The toilets are very clean and adequately sized. I visited during the wintery month of November and the pool was heated well - braving the chilling weather and outside showers was definitely worth it. The water is clean, and definitely warm enough to ensure you won’t freeze. However it doesn’t hurt to swim a length or two every so often to make sure you stay warm enough for the whole of your stay, While the pool can become slightly crowded on busier days there is still plenty of room to swim in even at the busiest hours. Definitely worth a visit for both locals and visitors alike. and is run by a dedicated group of people who have had a massive positive impact on their local community.

23 Market Place, Helmsley YO62 5BJ England +44 1439 771385 [email protected] http://www.sissonsgallery.co.uk/index.html
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Reviewed By KMDHULLEastYorkshire - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom

What a lovely shop. If you are looking for something special, a new picture or just that little something for yourself at home this shop will have it. Full of beautiful Moorcroft piece, but lots more for every taste. The window display was stunning. There is also a great selection of cards. The owner was very pleasant and we had a lovely chat with him. Thank you.

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