Walks with a story in Yorkshire
Explore more of the area with Discovering Britain’s walks, trails and views. From stunning viewpoints to family-friendly strolls, from day long hikes in the countryside to urban trails - there's pl
YHA Helmsley
Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HBOverview
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.
Why guests love YHA Helmsley
Accommodation at YHA Helmsley
Bed in a shared room
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.
Private rooms
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.
Private en-suite rooms
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.
Pitch-up camping
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.
Hire the whole place
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!
Food and drink at YHA Helmsley
Things to do around YHA Helmsley
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
Castle Howard
Set within 1000 acres of breathtaking landscape, the estate houses the Arboretum Trust - a collection of botanically important trees. Visit the website
Helmsley Castle
This medieval castle’s impressive ruins stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye and still dominate the town.
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
Walking and rambling in Helmsley
Helmsley is the start of the Cleveland Way, with beautiful heather moorland views of the North Yorkshire Moors.
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 ar
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.
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.
Eden Camp Museum
A modern history themed museum in the grounds of an original WWII prisoner of war camp.
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.
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.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Built in 1759, the beautiful five-acre walled garden is within the grounds of Duncombe Park and beneath Helmsley Castle.
Cleveland Way in Helmsley
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the nation’s favourite national trail that starts here in Helmsley.
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.hel
Helmsley Pool in Helmsley
Yorkshire’s only 25m heated open air pool open May to September.
A food lover's paradise in Helmsley
Helmsley and Ryedale have an enviable reputation as a destination for foodies.
Go Ape in Helmsley
Grab some friends for an exhilarating day out swinging through the trees and flying long zip wires in the heart of Dalby Forest.
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 Ho
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 v
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 a
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 ba
Hostel facilities
- 24-hour access
- Ambulant accessible
- Breakfast
- Classroom(s)
- Coach parking nearby
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- 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 rooms
- Minibus parking on premises
- Near bus stop
- Outdoor seating
- Packed lunch
- Restaurant
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared laundry room
- Shared lounge
- Shared TV
- Sole use
- 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. 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.
YHA Helmsley - Access Statement
(PDF download - 111.75 KB)
YHA School Trips
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
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.
History
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).
