Secret UK village with lost grand castle hailed as a true breath of fresh air
- UK Hidden Gems
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Hidden between the hills, this lovely little town offers more than just nice views. It's a secret spot that's great for people who love the outdoors and enjoy learning about the past.
Helmsley is a pretty market town in North Yorkshire, tucked between Pickering and Thirsk. It’s full of history and is often called a “breath of fresh air”, perfect for a summer day out and a place people say you should visit at least once in your life.
Visit North Yorkshire said: “Helmsley is one of the most loved market towns in North Yorkshire. It even won the Great British High Street Award for best market town. It really is a place everyone should see at least once.”
They added: “But once you go, you’ll probably want to return again and again. There’s so much to enjoy and the whole place just feels fresh and peaceful.”
If you enjoy being outside, there are loads of lovely walking trails nearby. The famous Rievaulx Abbey is close enough to walk to and is a great place to explore.
Built around 1130, Rievaulx Abbey was one of the first Cistercian abbeys in England. Its tall stone arches still stand strong today. There are also great cycling paths through the North York Moors, which are right next to Helmsley.
Visit Yorkshire said: “The Discovery Trail is a simple loop that teaches you about the local history. Cyclists will enjoy rides like the one from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey or the tougher North York Moors Cycleway, which winds through peaceful valleys and purple heather.”
They also mentioned: “One of the best things to do is walk the Cleveland Way, a famous national trail that begins in Helmsley.” And if it’s a hot day, the open-air swimming pool in town is a fun way to cool down.
Right in the middle of Helmsley is the town’s old castle. English Heritage says it was once a powerful medieval fortress, then an Elizabethan home, a Civil War battleground, and later a romantic ruin in Georgian times.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.