It's a picturesque place that 'feels like a breath of fresh air'
Simon Coyle Content editor | Head of search and Emilia Randall GAU Writer
08:24, 17 Oct 2025
Nestled within the Yorkshire Dales sits a breathtaking market town 'everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime'.
Helmsley, located in North Yorkshire, makes for an ideal weekend destination and can be reached in under two hours by car from Greater Manchester.
Situated near Pickering and Thirsk, the area boasts numerous picturesque walking routes, with the spectacular Rievaulx Abbey just a brief walk away.
The Cistercian abbey, constructed around 1130, ranked among England's greatest abbeys before being confiscated in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Now, the remarkably preserved ruins serve as a beloved tourist destination that welcomes visitors throughout the year.
The town itself houses Helmsley Castle, which English Heritage characterises as a "formidable medieval fortress, an Elizabethan mansion, a besieged Civil War stronghold and a Georgian romantic ruin."
The heritage body said: "The castle's impressive stonework defences include the tall, keep-like east tower, which still dominates Helmsley".
If the castle fails to captivate, it's surrounded by rolling parkland teeming with wildflowers and wildlife to entertain guests.
English Heritage explained: "The castle's west range was converted into an Elizabethan mansion, and some of its fine timber panelling and plasterwork has been conserved. Displays explore life in the castle through five centuries of war and peace."
Nearby, there's a beautifully maintained walled garden, boasting vibrant flower beds and immaculate green lawns, complete with floral arches and birds of prey displays.
The high street offers a variety of independent shops and boutiques, such as Holme Lea Country Interiors, along with cafés, bakeries, delis, pubs and restaurants.
There are also numerous cycling routes through the North York Moors National Park, which is essentially Helmsley's extended backyard.
Visit Yorkshire said: "The Discovery Trail showcases local history on an easy loop, while cyclists can enjoy routes like the Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey ride and the challenging North York Moors Cycleway, passing through heather landscapes and hidden valleys on quieter roads.
"One of the highlights is the Cleveland Way, a renowned national trail that starts in Helmsley."
Visit North Yorkshire added: "One of North Yorkshire's most popular market towns (officially - it won the Great British High Street Award's best market town category), Helmsley is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
"Although if you go once, you are likely to go back time and time again -a visit to this picturesque place, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air."