Pictures of Helmsley

About Helmsley

Helmsley is a charming market town cradled in the hollows of the moors. It is the start of the Cleveland Way Walk, the second longest waymarked footpath in the country, ending at Filey.

Here the ruins of 12th century Helmsley Castle built by Robert de Roos presents a stirring sight as it sits perched on a slightly rocky mound surrounded by a deep, now dry moat. It does not take much imagination to see how beautiful this fortification must have been when fresh and new surrounded by two moats in its magnificent countryside setting.

The town itself is very pretty with lots of interesting stone buildings set around a market square where visitors can find attractive craft and gift shops, as well as cafe's and no less than four former coaching inns. One of its streets presents a fine rural picture with a stream coursing down over its cobbles.

The pinnacles of the tower of the parish church of All Saints dominates the town, inside visitors can see a series of murals by a Victorian vicar, these tell the story of the church and the parish. There is also a magnificent half-timbered rectory.

A little way from the town lies Duncombe Park, a fine mansion house of 1713 in the Baroque style. This was the seat of the Duncombe family who owned it for over three hundred years. The house and grounds were purchased in 1985 by Lord Feversham who restored the house and opened it to the public. Visitors can enjoy terraces, temples and riverside walks.

Helmsely is a warmly welcoming place, best known for its superb setting on the Yorkshire moors, it is famous as a centre for walkers, but is a town to be enjoyed by everyone, walker or not.