Helmsley

One of the country’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 town, which has so much going on, feels like a breath of fresh air.

Helmsley is a perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors, set on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. With the bonus of having a thriving market town as a base to provide hospitality after a long day, Helmsley is ideally placed for walkers, cyclists, dog-owners, horse-riders - and even open air swimmers, with its very own lido.

Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can take a trip back in time at Helmsley Castle, admire the blooms at Helmsley’s Walled Garden, see spectacular displays at the National Centre for Birds of Prey, stroll around the Duncombe Park estate, or enjoy a performance at Helmsley Arts Centre. There are creative activities on offer, including painting and stick making, with talented craftspeople including the town’s renowned ‘Stickman’. Treat yourself to some shopping in the town’s many independent shops and boutiques and savour a bite to eat in the welcoming cafes, delicious delis and welcoming pubs and restaurants. Rest your head at a range of quality accommodation, from spa hotels to cosy cottages.