Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle - English Heritage Castle in North Yorkshire | Trust Quest

About

Helmsley Castle brings together a medieval fortress, an Elizabethan residence and the remains of a Civil War stronghold on the edge of a North Yorkshire market town. Its tall east tower rises above substantial banks and ditches, while the west range preserves timber panelling and plasterwork from its later domestic life. Displays connect military events with everyday life, showing finds from cannon balls to tableware. Reviewers recommend collecting the audio guide, which helps make sense of the different buildings and surviving earthworks. There is room for a picnic on the grass, and a virtual tour gives an alternative view of less accessible areas. Take time to walk around the defences, then explore Helmsley or follow the published route towards Rievaulx Abbey. Most paths are grass or gravel with a slight incline near the start. Dogs on short leads can enter the grounds, shop and museum.

ClosedPick a day for times and prices

Until 1 Nov: Tue–Sun 10:00–16:00
2 Nov–7 Feb: Fri–Sun 10:00–16:00
8–14 Feb: Daily 10:00–16:00

Later dates are in the calendar.

Off-peak days are £0.90 cheaper for an adult.

Today, Tuesday 27 October

Off-peak day

Helmsley Castle10:00 – 16:00

Off-peak prices, non-members

Ticket	On the day	Online
Adult	£10.00	£8.50
Child	£5.00	£4.25
Concession	£9.00	£7.65
Family	£25.00	£21.25
Family (one adult)	£15.00	£12.75

Book tickets

Opening times may change at short notice.

The nearby Helmsley Walled Garden is a separately managed attraction; its admission is not included in the castle ticket.

Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October, then 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm from 2 November to 20 December. Check the official calendar for holiday and event exceptions.

Last entry is normally 30 minutes before closing.

EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary admission; special events may differ.

Ramps provide ground-level access, with a virtual tour of less accessible areas. Paths are mainly grass and gravel with a slight initial incline. Steep earthworks, rabbit holes and low ruined walls require care.

Parking: Large public pay-and-display Cleveland Way car park beside the castle entrance. Council parking is charged separately for all visitors, including EH members. Current tariff not confirmed; additional parking is available in the market place.

Dogs: Dogs on short leads are welcome in the grounds, shop and museum. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site.

Image: Helmsley Castle east tower and earthworks. Barkmatter, CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Helmsley_Castle_English_Heritage.jpg

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Passport stamp

Stamp available · Ask the team where to collect it

Walking routes1 route

Helmsley to Rievaulx walk

Dog access not confirmed

Start in Helmsley at the Cleveland Way car park and follow the official Helmsley-to-Rievaulx route map. Public paths do not require an attraction ticket; castle, abbey and terrace admissions and car parking are separate. Stay on the route, control dogs and use short leads near livestock. Do not use the busy B1257 as a return shortcut; follow the mapped path. Route-specific stile suitability and temporary restrictions are not confirmed.