Helmsley
Helmsley is a pretty market town on the River Rye, on southern edge of North Yorkshire Moors. Helmsley has many gift and craft shops. As well the town boasts four former coaching inns and a magnificent half timbered rectory. It is a tourist attraction and a favourite meeting place for walkers and tourist alike.
The Helmsley skyline is dominated by its castle ruins of Helmsley Castle. Helmsley Castle dates from 1186; it was besieged for three months during the Civil War and later bought by Sir Charles Duncombe whose descendants still own it. The castle ruins contain a fine exhibition illustrating its history. The Parish Church has some interesting murals which illustrate the history of the church and the parish. On the edge of Helmsley is Duncombe Park, a family home of Lord and Lady Feversham which has extensive historic parkland and a National Nature Reserve to visit and enjoy.
Helmsley is a popular location for walkers as a base from which to explore the North York Moors National Park. The famous Cleveland Way starts at Helmsley and there are a number of other good public paths surrounding Helmsley for walkers to use and enjoy.