About – Helmsley – Carlton Lodge

Helmsley – the prettiest market town in Yorkshire

With its ancient square (Friday’s market day), castle ruins, meandering beck and stone cottages, Helmsley is worth more than just a day trip. The friendly town has an abundance of local shops, delis, tea rooms, restaurants and pubs all surrounded by spectacular countryside. Nine national walking trails, and plenty of charming day walks, are right on our door step plus lots of lovely eateries.

Please click on the links below for more info on local highlights.

Helmsley – the prettiest market town in Yorkshire

Please click on the links below for more info on Helmsley’s highlights.

We proudly adopted 10 square metres to help safeguard its future.

Helmsley Walled Garden

Helmsley Walled Garden is a colourful five-acre spot of tranquility, a fantastic cafe and an important part of the local community. The social enterprise offers therapeutic horticulture and social interaction to people with a range of disabilities. After being abandoned for many years, restoration started in 1994 and since then, the garden has gone from strength to strength. Stroll through vibrant glasshouses, sit in the Garden of Contemplation, relax in the Vinehouse Cafe or browse the garden shop. The Clematis Garden includes over 100 different varieties and there’s an edible flower garden. You’ll find full wheelchair access to all areas including garden, café and toilets plus the garden is dog friendly if your 4-legged friends are kept on a lead.

Helmsley Castle

The spectacular and family friendly Helmsley Castle towers over the town whilst being surrounded by banks, ditches and great views. The castle has recently undergone a makeover, making it more accessible to a wider range of visitors, and includes a new visitor centre. It provides a wonderful backdrop to Helmsley and people never tire of photographing it.

Duncombe Park

A short stroll away is one of our favourite places, Duncombe Park, and the perfect place for a walk, jog or picnic. Follow the signed Countryside or Riverside trails and discover lush grass terraces, ancient trees and ornate temples. The park offers superb views over Helmsley castle and Rye valley and is a National Nature Reserve for rare insects, and fungi, which thrive on the ancient trees. Search the gardens for squirrels, rabbits, a rich variety of birdlife and the National Centre for Birds of Prey. Duncombe Park Estate organises regular events including point-to-point and steam engine weekends too.

National Centre for Birds of Prey

The National Centre for Birds of Prey is situated in the magnificent grounds of Duncombe Park. You’ll get to enjoy spectacular flying demonstrations as the centre houses the largest collection of birds of prey in the north of England. Why not take a stroll in 300 acres of woodland and parkland which also surrounds the centre. You’ll find full disabled access and toilets on site at the centre. Paths are all compacted fine gravel and ramps are located at the entrance and in the cafe.