Situated on the southern border of the North York Moors National Park is the handsome old market town of Helmsley. The market sprang up here way back in the medieval period, and the centre of town still holds to its medieval layout, radiating outwards from the marketplace with architectural riches spreading out around it — a ruined Norman castle, a medieval parish church, and a glorious 12th century abbey, Rievaulx. Accommodation options are quite limited but our pick of the best places to stay in Helmsley includes a lovely old coaching inn, a spoiling hotel with excellent spa and a family friendly property a couple of miles out of town.

Helmsley’s appeals include peace, as well as picturesque surrounds which makes it ideal for a mini-break or weekend away. Visit the castle, the atmospheric ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, and see what you can find in the Friday market, before trying one of the numerous restaurants specialising in local produce. Families may especially enjoy a stroll among the five acres of Helmsley Walled Garden or a trip to the National Centre for Birds of Prey. Helmsley is also only 40 kms from the pleasures of York.

The best places to stay in Helmsley are also extremely popular with walkers heading off into the North York Moors National Park. It is one of the largest and prettiest towns in the park, and a great option if you like to eat well and sleep comfortably as well as walking over hill, dale and moor!

The Best Places to Stay in Helmsley

For a Pub-with-rooms

• The Black Swan is a former coaching inn in the centre of Helmsley, on the edge of the marketplace. It’s now a conglomeration of architecture, with Tudor, Elizabethan and Georgian structures, and a 20th century rear extension. Inside it’s satisfyingly dark and intimate, with interlinked, low-beamed or wood-panelled walls, and a scattering of open fireplaces. On the ground floor you’ll find the pub, restaurant and courtyard, and above are our Gurus’ favourite rooms. The other rooms are spread through the newer buildings.

For a Spa Break

• The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa also started out as a coaching inn, and also benefits from a super central location, just around the corner from The Black Swan and the marketplace. But the Feversham Arms has gone in a slightly different direction with its update, and its impressive courtyard now has a sunny terrace and a heated pool — which is part of the impressive spa complex. Around the pool are 33 rooms and suites, decorated in country pastels. Those in the main building are more county chic, and those in the outbuildings more contemporary. The restaurant serves an unpretentious Modern British menu.

For Families

• The Pheasant is a 12 room hotel just outside of town, on the southern tip of the North York Moors. The property was originally a blacksmith’s workshop, and the buildings are arranged around a central courtyard. One now houses an indoor pool, and another has two pet-friendly rooms. Some of the rooms are ideal for families too, with a separate room with bunk or cabin beds for the kids. The restaurant is an award-winner (2 AA Rosettes), lauded for its wild and foraged produce.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Helmsley’s closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is around an hour away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by public transport. This part of North Yorkshire is served by both the CrossCountry and East Coast train lines, with the closest major stations in Leeds and York. If you’re travelling from London, or via London, trains leave from Kings Cross, and arrive at the closest station, Thirsk, in around two hours and 20 minutes. From there it’s 25 minutes in a taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Helmsley is within the boundaries of the North York Moors National Park, and if you’re here to walk and explore, then spring and summer are the most popular times for doing so. Autumn is picturesque as well, but there’s nothing like the moors under sunny skies. Dramatic winter skies are pretty impressive too, and if you prefer to spend time in cosy pubs contemplating the dramatic surrounds, then maybe winter would suit you down to the damp ground.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in the North York Moors or all the best places to stay in Yorkshire
• Consider neighbours, like Harrogate, York or Skipton
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.