Helmsley by Hannah Blundell
Helmsley
Helmsley is in The North York Moors National Park in England.
Helmsley is a picturesque market town on the edge of the North York Moors, known for its historic charm, stunning countryside, and welcoming atmosphere. With its medieval castle, quaint stone buildings, and thriving independent shops, it offers a perfect blend of heritage and rural beauty. The town’s bustling market square has been a focal point for centuries, hosting a regular market that brings traders and visitors together in a lively setting. Traditional tearooms, cosy pubs, and boutique stores line the streets, making Helmsley an inviting place to explore.
Helmsley Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, stands as a striking reminder of the town’s past. Once a powerful fortress, it later became a Tudor mansion before falling into ruin after the English Civil War. Today, visitors can wander through its remains and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. Nearby, the Walled Garden offers a beautifully restored haven filled with colourful borders, orchards, and tranquil seating areas. Another historic highlight is Rievaulx Abbey, just a short walk or drive from the town, where the impressive ruins of this former Cistercian monastery create a dramatic contrast against the rolling green hills.
Helmsley is also a gateway to the North York Moors, making it a paradise for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cleveland Way, one of England’s most scenic long-distance trails, begins here, leading across the moors and along the dramatic Yorkshire coast. Duncombe Park, a grand country estate with landscaped gardens and woodland walks, adds to the town’s appeal, while the National Centre for Birds of Prey provides a unique experience with daily flying displays. Whether visiting for its history, scenery, or warm community feel, Helmsley captures the essence of a traditional English market town with a timeless charm that keeps visitors returning.
Created: 4 July 2021 Edited: 10 March 2025
Helmsley
Local History around Helmsley
There are some historic monuments around including:
Dyke at the north eastern end of Stone Bridge Howl, 760m north west of Court House FarmHelmsley Castle: twelfth century ringwork, twelfth to fourteenth century enclosure castle and sixteenth century mansionRound barrow, 50m south of Sour Leys FarmLinear boundary earthwork 370m east of Oscar Park FarmStone Ruckles round barrow on Beadlam RiggRound barrow 710m NNE of Waterloo Farm, the southernmost of three round barrows in Far Moor PlantationCross in churchyard of the Church of the Holy CrossDropping Gill round cairnsBeadlam minor Romano-British villaNewlass Cistercian monastic grange adjacent to New Leys FarmRound barrow on Scawton Moor, 480m north east of High LodgeRound barrow on Scawton Moor, 390m north east of High LodgeGriff medieval settlement and Cistercian monastic grange, 400m west of Griff FarmMonastic grange belonging to Rievaulx Abbey at Laskill FarmAldergate Bank round barrow, 875m north west of Wether CoteDouble dykes on Painter RiggRievaulx Abbey Cistercian monastery: inner and outer precinct, water-management works, agricultural features, enclosures and ancillary buildingsRound barrow on Sproxton Moor, 410m north of Tom Smith's CrossCairn cemetery NE of Birk Nab FarmRound barrow 300m north of Rye House FarmRound barrow on Scawton Moor, 700m ENE of High LodgePockley Gates round barrow 600m west of Beadlam GrangeLinear dyke known as Double Dikes, in Waterloo PlantationPotato Nab round barrow 1020m south west of Penny HolmeRound barrow 780m NNE of Waterloo Farm, the easternmost of three round barrows in Far Moor PlantationGriff Cross, wayside cross 800m NNE of Griff Farm on the road from Helmsley to RievaulxRound barrow 60m north east of Riccal BridgePry Rigg round barrowsStudford RingHelmsley BridgeRound barrow 420m north of Rye House FarmRound barrow 810m NNE of Waterloo Farm, the northernmost of three round barrows in Far Moor PlantationSquare barrow on Scawton Moor, adjacent to the quarry between Snip Gill Slack and Sword Rigg SlackRound barrow on Beadlam Rigg, 490m west of Stone Ruckles round barrowLong Grain round barrowsThree round barrows 800m ENE of Helmsley Bridge.Wildlife in and Around Helmsley
Mammals found in Helmsley
There have been 34 species of mammals recorded in the helmsley area.
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
| Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
| Chinese Barking Deer (Muntiacus reevesi) |
| Common Shrew (Sorex araneus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Helmsley
Birds found in Helmsley
There have been 115 species of birds recorded in the helmsley area.
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) |
| Blackbird (Turdus merula) |
| Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) |
| Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) |
| Black-Headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) |
| Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) |
| Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) |
| Buzzard (Buteo buteo) |
| Carrion Crow (Corvus corone) |
