Walking and rambling in Helmsley
If you're planning on staying at YHA Helmsley, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
YHA Helmsley
Entire place
20% off
HOTDEAL-264
Valid for Exclusive Hire stays from 17th September 2025 to 1st March 2026 using the promo code at the checkout. Promotional terms apply. YHA members can get 25% off with our exclusive member-only code. View all hostels on this offer.
Overview
Whether you want the stunning scenery and history of the North York Moors, the attractions of the seaside or the cultural delights of the city of York, YHA Helmsley is the perfect base.
Located in one of the prettiest market towns in North Yorkshire, this cosy, award-winning hostel, offers great facilities and is great for exploring this unique region overflowing with history, heritage and unrivalled scenery. Helmsley itself was recognised with the Best Market Town award in the 2015 British High Street Awards, owing to its plethora of independent cafes, restaurants, bookshops, galleries and delicatessens.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Lots of tourist attractions on the doorstep
- York, Whitby and Scarborough all within easy reach
- Modern, comfortable facilities
Accommodation at YHA Helmsley
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 38 people
Located in a pretty North Yorkshire market town, YHA Helmsley caters to all interests, making it an ideal destination for school trips and group getaways alike.
History lovers can explore nearby landmarks such as the Rievaulx Abbey, Castle Howard and Helmsley Castle, while there are plenty abound with the National Parks outdoor learning team and local conservation projects. As an International Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing in the North York Moors National Park is unparalleled.
For adventure seekers, Dalby Forest offers Go Ape and water sports, while Flamingo Land Theme Park promises thrilling rides. Cyclists can tackle challenging routes through the moors and Howardian Hills, while Helmsley's heated open-air swimming pool provides a refreshing break.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
This hostel offers comfortable accommodation, free Wi-Fi and secure grounds – perfect for groups seeking looking for sole use of the building.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Helmsley (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
Parking is available at the hostel.
Accredited site
YHA Helmsley holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (Site Only) (105558).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access after check-in
- Ambulant accessible
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking nearby
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Free on-street parking
- Free parking on premises
- Full mobile coverage
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Library
- Licensed bar
- Luggage store
- Medium garden/grounds
- Meeting room(s)
- Minibus parking on premises
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use available
- Unlimited breakfast
- Water refill station
- Wheelchair accessible
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception opening hours: From 08:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 20:30.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free parking at the hostel.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the hostel.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Helmsley, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
YHA Helmsley - Access Statement
(PDF download - 132.85 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Helmsley
Things to do around YHA Helmsley
Moorsbus (around Helmsley & other hostels)
A fantastic community run bus service connecting surrounding towns within the North York Moors allowing you to leave your car at home. The services run on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays...
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx is one of the most atmospheric and complete of all the ruined abbeys. Don't miss the 18th century Terrace. There are also special events, such as falconry displays.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Built in 1759, the beautiful five-acre walled garden is within the grounds of Duncombe Park and beneath Helmsley Castle.
Helmsley Castle
This medieval castle’s impressive ruins stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye and still dominate the town.
Nunnington Hall
In a sheltered walled garden by the River Rye, this National Trust run 17th century manor house has a fascinating collection of period miniature rooms.
Flamingo Land
One of the county's top theme parks, with rides for all of the family, including Mumbo Jumbo, which has the steepest drop in the world. Visit the website
Eden Camp Museum
A modern history themed museum in the grounds of an original WWII prisoner of war camp.
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Set in the ancient woodlands of Duncombe Park, the centre houses the largest collections of birds of prey in the north of England with daily flying displays and winter owl evenings.
Ryedale Folk Museum
Explore the displays that brings to life the lives of ordinary people from pre-historic times to the present day.
Helmsley Pool in Helmsley
Yorkshire’s only 25m heated open air pool open May to September. Enjoy the clear water, fresh air and adjacent lawns, which make it a lido as well as an open air pool, with a children’s playground...
Helmsley Art Centre in Helmsley
Helmsley Arts Centre is a thriving performance venue for theatre, music, dance, talks, cinema and live broadcasts, plus exhibitions, classes and a range of creative activities for children. www...
Castle Howard
Set within 1000 acres of breathtaking landscape, the estate houses the Arboretum Trust - a collection of botanically important trees. Visit the website
World of James Herriot Museum
An unforgettable experience and chance to see the veterinary practice that was at the heart of the much loved stories. Visit the website
Ryedale Music Festival
Described as the jewel in Yorkshire’s cultural crown by the Guardian, every year the Ryedale Festival welcomes outstanding performers from all over the world. Both established and emerging acts...
JORVIK Viking Festival
The Vikings will once again be pitching their tents in central York in May with the welcome return of the JORVIK Viking Festival! Separate fact from fiction at a Viking banquet or witness a live...
A food lover's paradise in Helmsley
Helmsley and Ryedale have an enviable reputation as a destination for foodies. The town’s market square is home to a wonderful selection of cafes, delicatessens, pubs and restaurants. While within a...
North York Moors Steam Railway in Helmsley
The NYMR is the nation’s premiere heritage railway running for 24 miles through the North York Moors National Park between Pickering and Whitby, with a full calendar of special events, including the...
Cycling in Helmsley
Situated between the North York Moors, The Howardian Hills and the Vale of Pickering, YHA Helmsley is one of the best locations in the country for cycling. Whether you’re a family, regular club...
Mountain biking in Helmsley
Situated between the North York Moors, The Howardian Hills and the Vale of Pickering, YHA Helmsley is one of the best locations in the country for mountain biking. The variety of the area is superb; a...
More about this hostel
Volunteering
Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
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