Helmsley is the kind of place that makes an easy escape feel special. With its peaceful atmosphere and pretty surroundings, it’s perfect for a weekend away. You can wander around the castle, browse the lively Friday market, explore the Abbey's ruins and round it off with a meal in one of the town’s restaurants, many of which celebrate local produce. Families will love the five-acre Walled Garden and the National Centre for Birds of Prey, while York is just a short drive if you fancy a change of scene. It’s also a favourite base for walkers heading into the North York Moors National Park. Helmsley is one of the park’s most attractive towns, offering the best of both worlds—wonderful access to open countryside and trails, but also the comforts of good food and welcoming places to stay.

The Best Places to Stay in Helmsley

For a Pub-with-rooms

• Black Swan at Helmsley, a former coaching inn on the market square, blends Tudor, Elizabethan, Georgian, and modern architecture. Inside, it’s dark, cosy, and characterful, with beams, wood panelling, and open fires. A pub, restaurant, and courtyard sit below, while guest rooms—our Gurus’ favourites in the historic core—extend into newer wings.
• The Owl at Hawnby is a characterful country pub with rooms and sweeping North York Moors views. Think flagstone floors, vintage charm, roaring fires, and a terrace made for sunsets. A cosy base blending rustic tradition with magical landscapes.

For a Spa Break

• Once a coaching inn, Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa pairs its central Helmsley setting with a standout courtyard featuring a heated pool and sunny terrace, part of its indulgent spa. Surrounding are 33 pastel-toned rooms and suites—country-chic in the main house, contemporary in outbuildings—plus a relaxed Modern British restaurant.

For Families

• On the edge of the North York Moors, The Pheasant, Harome transforms former blacksmith’s workshops into a 12-room hideaway around a courtyard. Expect family-friendly and pet-welcoming options, an indoor pool, and an acclaimed 2 AA Rosette restaurant championing wild and foraged ingredients.

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?

• Expand your search to include our 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.