Whether you fancy a coffee and a walk down the picturesque high street or you're after a scenic walking route, Helmsley has got it all. Keep reading to find out why Helmsley makes for the perfect place to visit. 
 

Better latte than never

We all know the peak of a day trip is going to the local coffee shop and getting a latte. With the lifting of indoor restrictions, it's now possible to enjoy a day out in a cute, picturesque town and grab a coffee, or even sit outside and enjoy one with friends. That's why we've noted the best coffee shops in Helmsley, to make your day out the best it can be!

After being closed for so long, it's independent businesses time to thrive! One of our favourite independent coffee shops in Helmsley is The Vinehouse Cafe, situated in Helmsley Walled Garden. Scroll down to find out more about Helmsley Walled Garden. The Vinehouse Cafe take particular pride in their freshly ground coffee, so if you're not hungry for lunch, it's the perfect, most picturesque spot to visit for coffee.

If you've brought your pup with you then you'll be looking for a puppuchino, obviously. Check out Barkers Cafe Bar, offering your dog a great choice of treats, as well as lunch for you too. Plus, outdoor seating is available, so why not sit in the sun with your pup and both enjoy a coffee?
 

Tearoom galore!

An authentic British sarnie served up fresh with locally sourced ingredients you say? Sounds like the perfect lunch. Helmsley has an array of independent cafes and restaurants to try. Top spots include Cocoa Tree, serving up traditional British lunch dishes as well as baked cakes and scones. Plus, it's dog friendly, so it's perfect for the whole family. 

Other great independent lunch spots include Castlegate Tearoom, Crema Coffee House and The Beck Tearooms, all situated in the town centre.

If you prefer to stick to what you know, you can grab lunch at everyones favourite bakery, Thomas the Baker and eat a sizzling sausage roll or freshly made sandwich. 
 

Ice cream anyone?

The next ingredient to making your day out in Helmsley the best it can be, is of course, ice cream. Ryeburn of Helmsley is a family owned ice cream shop, offering up award winning ice cream. It's not just your standard vanilla and chocolate flavours they offer, you can choose anything from amaretto to pistachio, or mango to banana. The choices are endless, and make for the perfect afternoon ice cream stop.
 

Helmsley Castle

Dating 900 years back, meet Helmsley Castle. With exhibitions and audio tours available, you can learn all there is to learn about the fascinating castle. Situated in the town centre, you can book your place for under £10 (per adult, children/concession admissions may differ).

Towering over the market town, Helmsley Castle makes for the ideal place to explore for history lovers. Just 5 minutes away is Duncombe Park, one of Yorkshire's finest historic houses and estates. Here you'll find over 450 acres of gardens and parklands, plus, no booking pre-booking is required, so you can visit whenever suits you. 

Helmsley Walled Garden

Established in 1758, Helmsley Walled Garden sits beneath Helmsley Castle ruins. This popular visitor attraction is a 5 acre garden home to wildflower meadows, glasshouses and apple orchards. There's also vibrant displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables growing throughout the season.

You can visit the gift shop and buy plants and gifts. There is also a cafe on site, meaning you can grab coffee and some lunch after you've looked around. To book your visit, you can head to their website. With current covid-19 restrictions in place, it's reccomended that you book your visit in advance to ensure full safety.
 

Explore scenic views at Rievaulx Abbey

Calling all history lovers! Walk the footsteps of medieval pilgrims from the stronghold of Helmsley Castle to the breathtaking Rievaulx Abbey.

Rievaulx Abbey, just 3 miles from Helmsley, offers extensive ruins to see, as well as a fascinating museum to visit. Located in the North York Moors National Park, explore British heritage in it's traditional form. You can even make a day of it and grab lunch in the cafe located on site.

Choose your own way to explore the abbey ruins, whether you prefer to take an audio tour or walk round the abbey peacefully yourself. Whatever you choose, the abbey offers scenic views in the beautiful countryside, making it the perfect place for a day out with the family.
 

Great walking and cycling routes

Are you a keen walker? You're in the right place. Helmsley is home to numerous scenic walking routes in and around the area. There are so many to choose from, but we all have our favourites. Here's ours...

Hambleton Hills

The Hambleton Hill are a range of fantastic hills that form the Western edge of the North York Moors. There are various walking routes on offer, but our favourite is known as The Hambleton Hills Circular walk. Rated moderate on the intensity scale, the Circular walk has far reaching panorama views across Yorkshire. 

Sutton Bank

It goes without saying that the infamous Sutton Bank also has a vast range of excellent walking routes available. This most popular walk is a linear route along the escarpment, starting at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on a path around Roulston Scar to the White Horse of Kilburn. This route offers first class views over the Vale of Mowbray. But be careful, the cliff edge is steep, so make sure your dog is on a lead and you don't walk too close to the edge!

The Howardian Hills

A classic North York Moors trail, the Howardian Hills are an area of natural beauty, covering 79 square miles of pure countryside. Situated around 10 miles from Helmsley, it's a must-see if you're in the area.
 

Why not stay a little longer?

Loving the look of Helmsley and thinking of relocating? Our brand new development of 3 bedroom homes at Ryemoor Gardens could be for you. Situated just 2 minutes from the market square, our homes have been designed with local heritage in mind, offering you the stone build external whilst having everything brand new, ready to move into. 

We've now launched our brand new 3 bedroom show home