This is Y December 2020 Digital Edition

IN THE AREA
HIDDEN GEMS
SECRET
STAY
If you were asked to imagine the perfect
English market town, then it’d probably
look a lot like Helmsley! There’s the
bustling market square, the dramatic
castle ruins, the charming tea rooms,
the inviting inns; all surrounded by mile
after mile of the beautiful North York
Moors. Enjoy a break in the picturesque
market town and visit the, not so secret,
walled garden.
LET US PREY
From raptors to owls, plus 300
stunning acres of woodland
and parkland to stroll around,
the National Centre for
Birds of Prey is situated in
the magnificent Duncombe
Park estate (Misselthwaite
Manor in The Secret Garden
film). Nestled in the North
York Moors National Park,
see spectacular flying
demonstrations from the
largest collection of birds of
prey in the north of England.
ncbp.co.uk
© Kevin Gibson
SEE Step inside and discover
Helmsley Walled Garden, built
in 1759. Explore the five acre
grounds, its double herbaceous
hot border running the length
of the garden, as seen in The
Secret Garden film. Experience
the tranquillity of the Garden of
Contemplation, the beauty of
the Clematis Garden showcasing
over 100 different clematis
varieties, the vegetable patch
and edible flowers in the Kitchen
Garden. It’s good enough to eat!
helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk
TAKE TEA
Charming, traditional and
fabulously quintessential,
the Black Swan Tearoom,
overlooking the town square in
Helmsley, serves a delectable
English Afternoon Tea which
changes seasonally, making
best use of the fresh, local
produce. Choose from over
20 types of tea, alongside
a great selection of coffees.
You can stay over too in the
centuries old coaching inn,
turned beautiful boutique hotel.
blackswan-helmsley.co.uk
CAPTIVATING
CASTLE
Soaring above this tranquil
town are the dramatic ruins
of Helmsley Castle. With a 100
foot high tower and substantial
medieval, Tudor and Victorian
remains, it’s a history lover’s
delight. There’s a fantastic
visitors centre and plenty of
regular activities throughout
school holidays - perfect if you
want to learn more about the
dramatic history of this region.
english-heritage.org.uk
yorkshire.com 53