6 Hidden Gems Things to do in Helmsley That You Shouldn't Miss

FROM 12 April 2021 WE ARE OPEN AS NORMAL The National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park is the largest collection of these amazing birds in the north of England. You will find over 100 owls, eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks kites and more in a spacious 10 acre setting. We are a leader in the captive breeding, welfare and conservation of these awesome birds. Please don't compare us to other bird of prey centres, we are in a different league! We have a team of trained bird who fly twice times a day at 11.30 and 14.00. Different birds are flown at each demo. We even have an indoor area if the weather isn't being kind. In recognition of the quality of the National Centre for Birds of Prey - we won our category in the White Rose Awards, the UK's largest regional tourism awards and then we won best attraction in the Visit York awards

Bilsdale Riding Centre have a large number of horses and ponies to suit all standards of riding experience. From the forward going to the bombproof variety giving each rider the opportunity to enjoy both their riding and the surrounding scenery. For the less experienced and novice rider every effort is made to assist with their riding skills, so that they feel at ease. Rider's with more experience will have every opportunity to test their ability. Whatever your riding experience our qualified and friendly staff will find just the right horse for you so you can enjoy an exhilarating ride, or a gentle stroll. We offer half day rides (10am-12noon & 2pm-4pm), full day rides (10am-4pm) where you can buy lunch en route, BBQ rides, pony days and residential holidays for both children and adults. Hourly rides are also available

Hidden in the deep River Rye valley, the beautiful and tranquil abbey ruins reflect nearly one thousand years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history. Rievaulx was one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be founded in England in around 1130, and after the dissolution, became the centre of commercial activity for many years. The abbey forge was used to set up an ironworks on the site. The abbey then entered its Romantic period when its picturesque ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars. It was one of the first major ruins to be conserved by the Office of Works (ancestor of English Heritage) in 1917.

Built in 1759, Helmsley Walled Garden is a five acre garden sitting beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle. It provided the vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table of Duncombe Park until just after World War 1 when it was leased as market garden. Abandoned after it closed its doors for the final time in 1984, it fell into dereliction. Restoration started in 1994 and since then the Garden has gone from strength to strength through the dedication and care of staff and volunteers. Visitors can now enjoy restored glasshouses full of colour, a double herbaceous Hot Border running the length of the Garden or sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the Garden of Contemplation. A Clematis Garden showcases over 100 different clematis varieties and in the vegetable patch, a new attraction is the edible flower garden, showing some of the flowers that can bring new colour and style to salads and other dishes. Vegetables and fruit from the Garden go into the delicious dishes prepared in the Vinehouse Cafe. Visitors sit beneath Victorian vine cultivars to enjoy soups, salads and open sandwiches as well as delicious cakes and desserts. The Plant Centre sells a wide selection of herbaceous perennials, some of which visitors will find on display in the Garden. Staff can help visitors with any questions about what might go well in their gardens. The Garden shop also sells a range of useful garden sundries such as gloves, string and seeds as well as gifts such as jams, chutneys and biscuits. Other items available include a range of heritage tools and garden artefacts. The Garden also works as a social enterprise, providing social and therapeutic horticulture to people with a wide range of difficulties and disabilities. Specialist therapists provide a structured environment for supported volunteers to gain skills and self-confidence whilst undertaking horticultural tasks in a safe environment. There is full wheelchair access to the Garden as well as the Cafe. Toilets and disabled toilets available Dogs are welcome on leads

Located in the village of Helmsley, visit the Rievaulx Abbey and its two 18th-century temples, one of which is the splendid Ionic Temple with its intricate ceiling paintings and 17th-century furniture.

THE POOL OPENS ON 25 MAY 2020 SEE WEBSITE FOR SESSION TIMES Helmsley Open Air Pool has struggled for a number of years to remain open. In 2018-9 it received a £120k grant to start a refurbishment programme. Why did it take so long? The main reason is its seasonally. As an example: If you had £120k to invest in sporting activity would you rather award it to a facility that opens 12-16 week a year or one that open 52 weeks a year? It has taken a considerable time to assemble a support group to help guide Pool to this stage. In May/June this year 2019 when the Pool re-opens it will be the result of a significant amount of work both on site and off by paid professionals and volunteers. So please when you criticise please keep it constructive as nothing hurts more than putting in a huge amount of work and having it seemingly rubbished by people who are unaware of the effort that has gone into getting the Pool refurbishment as far as it is today.