Helmsley Travel Guide

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The church is 13th century is appearance but most of the stonework is Victorian although the arch over the door is Norman and some of the stones in the lower tower are from the 12th century.
A beautiful church inside with wonderful murals depicting Christianity in the town and area.
Look for -
The Dragon - high in St Columba's Chapel in the South Transept, and 6 metres long.
The Misericord Seats - in St Aelred's Chapel in the North Transept, used by monks to rest their legs whilst standing to chant lengthy services
The Votive Candles - also in the North Transept, which may be lit in memory of a loved one, or to focus on a special prayer need. There is a book to record prayer requests on the ancient coffin stool by the stand
The Numerous Mice - in the Sanctuary, mark of the Mouseman of Kilburn
The Slave's Yoke - in the Baptistry at the back of the Church, from a slave freed in South Africa in the 19th century.

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A wooden castle was built on this site in 1122 but in 1186 the present castle was built with further additions in the years between 1258 and 1285,
During the English Civil War, the castle was besieged by Sir Thomas Fairfax in 1644. Sir Jordan Crosland held it for the King for three months before surrendering. Parliament ordered that the castle should be slighted to prevent its further use and so much of the castle's walls, gates and the eastern half of the east tower were destroyed. However the mansion was spared.
Admission to the Castle is £4.80 for adults and £2.90 for children and there are other concessions (2011 prices). There is a gift shop and visitor centre as you enter the Castle area and many special events through the year.

The Town Hall is in the main square and is the home of the Tourist Office.Upstairs at summer weekends is a craft fair - admission free. The machines for parking in the square are on the walls of the Town Hall.

You dont have to be a gardening freak to visit the walled garden at Helmsley as although there are plenty of things of horticultarists interest and you can learn about and buy plants here it is also a nice place to just stroll around and chill out , with lovely aromas and with the ruins of the castle overlooking you. There is also a nice cafe to have tea and cakes in, craft shops and if you have your furry friend with you he can come too as long as he (or she) is kept on a lead.

Housed in a grade 2 listed building and opened in 1990 is the finest food shop in the whole of England - this shop makes the food hall in Selfridges in London look like a burger bar.
Fine wines, cheeses, meats , chocolates (including the best selection in England of Droste chocolate) , pies and ice creams amongst a whole array of fine foods.
There are chutnies, spices, oils, vinegars and the entire shop is a food lovers paradise.
Highly recommended.