Helmsley is a market town 23 miles north of York. Archeological studies suggest the earliest settlements in the area were about 3000BC. The original settlement predating the doomsday book was called Elmslac. The town itself centres around a traditional market square which is surrounded by shops, pubs and tea rooms. The town has one small supermarket as well as a butchers, green-grocer and newsagent. There are two churches: All Saints Church (Church of England) just off the Market Square and St Mary's (Roman Catholic) on your right 150m past the Feathersham Arms Hotel as you head out of Helmsley towards Stokesley.
Just to the west of the market square are the ruins of Helmsley Castle which is managed by English Heritage and a few minutes walk from there is the Helmsley Walled Garden. On the edge of Helmsley is Duncombe Park which is the family home of Baron Feversham (there is a statue of the second baron William Duncombe in the market square). The gardens are open to visitors most of the year. The 110 mile Cleveland Way starts in Helmsley.
Helmsley is an excellent place to base yourself not only to visit the North York Moors but also to explore the Cistercian monasteries at Rievaulx and Byland and the city of York.