There are loads of places to visit in and around Helmsley. Here is just a selection of places to get you thinking about how to spend your time.
There are a number of National Trust and English Heritage managed attractions so remember to bring your membership cards with you if you have them. There are visitor guides to some of these places in Forge Cottage - please feel free to use these but remember to leave them in the cottage when you have finished.
In Helmsley
Helmsley Castle
Managed by English Heritage, the castle is well worth exploring and is located in the middle on Helmsley itself. The entrance is located near the long term visitor car park and can be easily accessed either from the Cleveland Way or from Castlegate - walk toward the castle and follow the path round to the right. Here is a link to the castle on the English Heritage website.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Following the path from the long term visitors car park will take you to the Helmsley Walled Garden which occupies five acres. This used to be the kitchen garden for the Duncombe Estate and has been restored over the last 20 years. New greenhouses were obtained with the help of a lottery grant and the gardens have a tea shop and plant nursery. The gardens are open from 1 April to 31 October each year from 10am to 5pm. www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk.
Duncombe Park
The house is not open to the public but the gardens and parklands are for some of the year. Check the website for opening times. www.duncombepark.com.
Within a 30 minute drive of Helmsley
MALTON
Deservedly known as Yorkshire’s Food Capital, Malton is well worth a visit. The central square has free parking for up to 2 hours (except on special events) and all the shops on the square are independent retailers. There is a monthly food market and there are three big food markets each year plus other events. Check out the Visit Malton website for more information.
Hutton-Le-Hole / Lastingham
Hutton-le-Hole is one of the most beautiful villages in the North of England. There are several pubs and cafes in the village and also the Ryedale Folk Museum. At busy times there is a car park just north of the village on the road to Lastingham. The church of St Mary in Lastingham is built on the site of a catholic monastery originally founded in 654. The Church is thought to date from the 11th Century and has a very interesting crypt. Opposite the Church is the Blacksmith Arms.
Rievaulx Terraces
Managed by the National Trust the terrace is an example of 18th century landscaped gardens with a two temples. A great place to visit in spring as the banks between the temples have lots of wild flowers. From the terrace there are stunning views over Rievaulx Abbey. Here is a link to the National Trust website.
Rievaulx Abbey
Managed by English Heritage. Rievaulx Abbey is the remains of a Cisterician monastery that was built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The abbey is currently having its visitor centre updated so visit the website to check on the facilities available. Here is a link to the English Heritage website.
Nunnington Hall
Managed by the National Trust. Nunnington Hall is a traditional Yorkshire manor house with gardens and a tea shop. Check out the National Trust website for detail of exhibitions. Here is a link to the National Trust website. If you need a more filling meal than that available in the tea shop then try the Royal Oak in Nunnington just a few minutes drive away.
Byland Abbey
Managed by English Heritage. A classic example of gothic architecture, Byland Abbey is said to have inspired the Rose Window at York Minster. Stop off at the Byland Abbey Inn opposite the abbey for teas and coffees. Here is a link to the English Heritage website.
Castle Howard
In private ownership, this stately home was made famous by "Brideshead Revisited". Check out the website for information on opening hours, prices and special events. You can visit both the house and the garden, there is also a tea shop and a plant nursery with a good stock of plants for your garden. www.castlehoward.co.uk.
Mount Grace Priory
Managed by English Heritage, Mount Grace Prior is one of the best preserved examples of a 14th century Carthusian priory. Cathusian monks lived in complete isolation (apart from attendance at chapel) and the living cell structure is well presented at Mount Grace Priory. Here is a link to the English Heritage website. After your visit, why not try Golden Lion or the the Queen Catherine pubs in Osmotherley for lunch (advised to book in advance at busy times or for Sunday lunch)?
Within a 60 minute drive of Helmsley
York
York is about a 45 minute drive from Forge Cottage. It is recommended that you use the park and ride service and the best place to park is at Rawcliffe Bar. Within York there are a lot of attractions with the famous York Minster being at the top of most people's list of things to do. In addition to the York Minster there is much else with York claiming to have more visitor attractions per square mile than any other city in the UK. Also on your list should be: the National Railway Museum, Clifford's Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, Yorkshire Museum, Roman Walls and the historic Shambles plus much else.
fountains Abbey
Also home to the Studley Royal Water Gardens, Fountains Abbey is well worth a visit which comprises a Cistercian monastery and Georgian water garden. This site is a recognised World Heritage Site and located near Ripon. Jointly managed by the National Trust and English Heritage members of both organisations have free entry. Here is a link to the National Trust website.
Robin Hood's Bay
Situated 5 miles south of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay is a picturesque village that was once a centre for smuggling. The road into Robin Hood's Bay is quite steep so be prepared! Here is a link to the Discover Yorkshire Coast website.
Scarborough
Scarborough has been welcoming visitors for centuries and Scarborough claims to be the English resort that first had bathing machines to preserve swimmers modesty. There are two bays (North and South) and each has its own character. Here is a link to the Discover Yorkshire website for Scarborough.
Whitby
Famous for both its fish & chips and its vampires, Whitby is a must visit destination on the North Yorkshire coat about an hour's drive from Forge Cottage. The North York Moors railway also connects through to Whitby from Pickering. The Jet industry is well illustrated in Whitby (there are a lot of Jet shops) and this town is closely associated with James Cook (the Endeavour was built in Whitby). Tied of walking around? Try the famous Magpie Cafe for fish & chips. Here is a link to the Discover Yorkshire website for Whitby.