What to do in Helmsley

Activities, attractions and tours

A view of Helmsley, a market town and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England
A view of Helmsley, a market town and civil parish in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England
Rievaulx Abbey, North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England
Rievaulx Abbey, North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England
Taken at a hidden location which is full of Bluebells mile after mile...

Helmsley Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Helmsley has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Helmsley is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Helmsley to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Helmsley Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Helmsley.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Helmsley attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Helmsley

Discover the most popular places to visit in Helmsley

Shambles showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Shambles

This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

Shambles
York Minster featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

York Minster

The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster
a little night time photo shot at York Racecourse

York Racecourse

You can take time to visit York Racecourse during your travels to York. Check out the shops and lively bars in this family-friendly area.

York Racecourse
The sun setting over a wintery day on the Heslington East campus at the University of York #goldenhour

University of York

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of York during your stay in Heslington. Discover the lively bars and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

University of York
Jorvik Viking Centre

Jorvik Viking Centre

Imagine yourself as a Viking in this museum that allows you to dig up Norse artifacts and witness reenactments, while you learn about York’s Scandinavian settlers.

Jorvik Viking Centre
York St. John University.

York St. John University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at York St. John University during your visit to York. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

York St. John University
A view from the atlas fountain across to Castle Howard, a beautiful stately home to visit in Yorkshire. Made famous from the television series ‘Brideshead Revisited’

Castle Howard

You can find out about the history of Henderskelfe with a visit to Castle Howard. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Castle Howard
Walmgate Bar in York

York Barbican

Enjoy a show at York Barbican, a theater with a story to tell in York. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

York Barbican
York showing heritage architecture

York City Walls

See some of York’s most impressive sights on a walk around the historic perimeter wall that has its origins in the Roman era.

York City Walls

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Helmsley

York Minster featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

York

Adobe

Middlesbrough

Thatched cottage at Beadlam. Just a few yards from the busy A170, time seems to have stood still.
Photo by colin grice (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Nawton

Frequently asked questions

Is Helmsley worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or try regional foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Helmsley.
How do I spend a day in Helmsley?
Kick your day off with a visit to Ryedale Folk Museum and Yorkshire Lavender. Then, tour different parts of Helmsley for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Helmsley?
Ryedale Folk Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Helmsley and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Helmsley?
Three days will give you time to tick off popular city sights, like Ampleforth Abbey, National Trust Nunnington Hall and Byland Abbey. The average stay in Helmsley is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, York isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Helmsley with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, have a look at these great ideas for what to do in Helmsley with kids.

What to do in Helmsley for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Helmsley. Whether you're into culture, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Helmsley?
In Helmsley, Ampleforth Abbey is a popular spot for anyone wishing to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in Helmsley.