
Walks with a story in Yorkshire
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Whether you want the stunning scenery and history of the North York Moors, the charming attractions of Yorkshire's coastline or the cultural delights of the city of York, then YHA Helmsley is the ideal base.
Located in one the prettiest market towns in North Yorkshire, this cosy purpose built property is perfect 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.
Dorms are not currently available.
Dorm rooms have multiple beds and are shared with other people who may not be travelling together. They are usually more affordable than private rooms as you'll be booking a bed rather than the whole room.
A typical shared dorm room includes bunk beds, a reading light and a storage cupboard for each guest.
Children aged between 12 and 15 can stay in dorm rooms as long as an adult of the same gender accompanies them.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room. None of our dorm rooms have en-suite facilities.
Want some privacy? With a private room, you'll be booking the whole room for your stay.
Private rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus a wash hand basin.
Shared shower and toilet facilities are located near to the room.
For added privacy, relax with your family, friends or by yourself in a private en-suite room.
Private en-suite rooms typically include a storage cupboard and reading light for each bed, plus shower and toilet facilities solely for the people in your room.
Camping is sold per person and not per pitch. During the booking process, you will need to select the number of people who you wish to camp.
The campsite is a lovely lawned area to the side of the hostel. As the only campsite in Helmsley itself, the site is perfect for groups, Cleveland Way walkers and touring cyclists.
Once checked-in, campers have 24-hour access to all the hostel's facilities including the self-catering kitchen, toilets and showers. The drying room and laundry are available from 08:00 - 21:00.
Parking is available in the main car park, just next to the camping field. Campervans or trailer tents are not permitted.
Campfires are strictly prohibited. Portable BBQs may be used, but must be positioned off the ground.
The licensing conditions of the hostel mean that alcohol cannot be consumed on the campsite. Alcohol purchased from the hostel bar can be consumed within the building and designated patio area.
Planning an overdue get-together or celebrating a birthday/anniversary? Looking for a base for your group's next adventure? Make your special occasion extra special with YHA Exclusive Hire.
You can hire the whole building at YHA Helmsley and, with sole use of the property, come and go as you please. This property is a beloved favourite with family and friends looking for a splendid countryside retreat. Dogs are welcome too!
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. Meals are also available from 17:00 - 20:00
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 including bedrooms.
Pets: Pets are not permitted at YHA Canterbury, 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.
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YHA Helmsley is an ideal base to explore the surrounding Yorkshire locations of York, Scarborough and Whitby, or the perfect opportunity to revel in local sites of historical significance. With plenty of outdoor activities also available, this is a great location for a range of school trips. The hostel provides group catering, classroom facilities and space for 40 people.
Visit the YHA School Trips website to book your visit.
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.
You can find out more and apply to volunteer at this hostel on the volunteering website.
In July 1960, YHA informed the North York Moors National Park Planning Committee that the association were without hostel accommodation in the western part of the North York Moors due to the enforced closure of the former hostels at Nether Silton and Ampleforth. They asked if the Committee would build a hostel at Helmsley under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, and sell or let it to the association. The Committee felt that they would like to help the association and, after consultation together, a site was chosen and acquired by the County Council. The County Council agreed to construct the building at an estimated cost of £15,200, on the understanding that it would be conveyed to the association for the sum of £4000 on condition that should it ever cease to be used as a Youth Hostel it would be offered back to the Council at the same price or the open market value if less. The building is the first purpose built Youth Hostel in any National Park which has been provided in the manner described since the coming into force of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. The hostel was formally opened on Saturday 4th July 1964. The opening ceremony was attended by the Rt. Hon. The Lord Strang (Chairman of the National Parks Commission), County Alderman Colonel R.J.L. Jackson (Chairman of the North York Moors National Park Planning Committee), along with John Cadbury (President of the YHA) and Peter Rowntree (Chairman of the York, Scarborough and Hull Regional Council of the YHA).