Helmsley
Helmsley is a pretty market town with a central square and lots of shops around it. They are not your usual high street shops but small, independent retailers of clothes, jewellery, books, antiques and arts and crafts. There is even a very good antiquarian bookshop; well worth a browse!
Rievaulx Abbey lies 2 miles west of Helmsley and is an early 13th century monastery, reputed to be one of the finest in the North of England. Helmsley market place is well renowned for its motorcyclists; many pass through on Harley Davidsons, BMWs and other well known makes which line the streets on weekends and Bank holidays. There are plenty of local shops including antiques and jewellery; clothing; art galleries and crafts and even a very good second hand and antiquarian bookseller. Market day is on a Friday where the various stalls sell fresh produce; arts and crafts; clothing and hardware.
Helmsley is accessible from the A170 east from Thirsk and the A170 west of Pickering and offers easy access to the North York Moors National Park.
