Helmsley
Helmsley is a pretty market town with a central square and lots of shops around it. They are not your usual high street shops but small local independent retailers of clothes, jewellery, books, antiques and arts and crafts; there is even a very good antiquarian bookshop; well worth a browse!
Helmsley castle was first constructed in the 12th century and like many buildings of the time, went through continuous reconstruction until its partial destruction during the late 17th century when only the mansion house was left intact. it was left to decay in the 18th century and a new stately home was built by Thomas Duncombe (nee Brown) and is now known as Duncombe Park, an elegant house set in 450 acres of parkland. The Helmsley walled gardens are close to Helmsley Castle and are open all year round with a café and small garden centre;
Rievaulx Abbey lies 2 miles west of Helmsley and is an early 13th century monastery, reputed to be one of the finest in the North of England. .
Helmsley market place is well renowned for its motorcyclists and many pass through on Harley Davidsons, BMWs and other well known makes which line the streets on weekends and Bank holidays. Therre are plenty of local shops including antiques and jewellery, clothing, art galleries and crafts and even a very good second hand and antiquarian bookseller. Market day is on a Friday where the various stalls sell fresh produce, arts and crafts, clothing and hardware.
Helmsley is accessible from the A170 east from Thirsk and the A170 west of Pickering and offers easy access to the North York Moors National Park.