“A historic former coaching inn turned smart hotel in the charming market town of Helmsley. Bedrooms offer a choice between quirky and original or country-contemporary. Guests love the sleek, fine-dining restaurant, pretty tearoom and lovely walled garden. An elegant escape close to the Moors.”
“A historic former coaching inn turned smart hotel in the charming market town of Helmsley. Bedrooms offer a choice between quirky and original or country-contemporary. Guests love the sleek, fine-dining restaurant, pretty tearoom and lovely walled garden. An elegant escape close to the Moors.”
Hotel Review
Helmsley is, arguably, North Yorkshire’s most attractive market town: honey-coloured cottages, pretty stream, independent shops and tearooms, and all overlooked by an 11th-century castle and handsome parish church. And The Black Swan sits in a commanding position right at its centre. A striking mix of Tudor, Elizabethan and Georgian buildings (with a hidden 20th-century bedroom extension at the rear), it dominates the market place. Inside there’s a pleasing jumble of low-beamed ceilings, wonky corridors, vast fireplaces and lots of beckoning armchairs and sofas. When the sun shines, you can retreat to the pretty walled garden, tucked away at the rear in the lee of the church. The most characterful bedrooms are at the front, in the older buildings, with quirky shapes, leaded windows, creaky floorboards and a mix of bright colours and country-rustic furnishings. Most of the rooms, however, are in the modern extension. Despite this, they’re generous, light and airy with sleigh beds, soothing shades and splashes of bright colour in headboards and cushions. The smart dining room offers very smart dining; definitely several notches above your average country gastropub, although it is not cheap. There’s also a charming tearoom where you can splash out on a splendid afternoon tea, or just indulge in scones and cake. This is a place where you will be full of good intentions to walk on the moors or explore the local castles and abbeys, but where you will probably fall asleep over a book and a cup of tea in the garden.
Written by Helen Pickles
Recommended For
- Full of character
- With an Elizabethan building on one end, a Tudor one to the other & a Georgian House in the middle - this is a characterful stay
- Foodies
- Foodies will love the award winning restaurant where everything is made in house using only the best of Yorkshire's produce
- Hotel Entertainment
- Enjoy the indulgent afternoon tea offering a range of homemade treats and teas from around the world
- Local exploring
- A well situated base for exploring this picturesque market town and right on the edge of the Moors
- Great walks
- Make the most of the over 1,400 miles of country paths and tracks around Ryedale
- Other Activities
- Spend a day exploring the gardens and estate of the impressive Duncombe Park
- Riding
- Ride at the oldest riding school in the UK, Hemsley Riding School
- Sights nearby
- Visit the ruins of Helmsley Castle that overlook the town
- Pet friendly
- Dog friendly rooms are available at a cost of £10 per night
- Restaurant
- Award winning restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes
- Organic food
- Wedding license
- Romantic
- Luxury
- Charming
- Traditional
- Child friendly
Facilities
- Pet friendly
- Dog friendly rooms are available at a cost of £10 per night
- Restaurant
- Award winning restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes
- Garden
- Meeting Room
- Wedding license
- Bar
- Parking
- Wifi
- Satellite / Cable TV
- 24 Hour room service
- Room service
- Child friendly
Activities
- Hotel Entertainment
- Enjoy the indulgent afternoon tea offering a range of homemade treats and teas from around the world
- Great walks
- Make the most of the over 1,400 miles of country paths and tracks around Ryedale
- Other Activities
- Spend a day exploring the gardens and estate of the impressive Duncombe Park
- Riding
- Ride at the oldest riding school in the UK, Hemsley Riding School
- Sights nearby
- Visit the ruins of Helmsley Castle that overlook the town
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
The Black Swan Hotel
"The hotel is not content to rest on its laurels. Behind the politely restrained façade, the hotel has refurbished its bar, producing a cross between a country-house lounge and a Thirties cocktail joint."
Originally published by Independent (view article)
