Castles · Yorkshire & the Humber
Helmsley Castle
In or near Sproxton.
Helmsley Castle — medieval castle in Yorkshire, England, UK.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1.5 h–3 h
- Paid entry
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
Getting there & planning your visit
Helmsley Castle is located in North Yorkshire, with the postcode YO62 5AB. Entry is paid, and accessibility is limited for wheelchair users.
About
Helmsley Castle is a castle in the United Kingdom — fortified architecture from the medieval, Tudor, or Victorian-revival period. Records date its origin to 1385. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Owned by English Heritage. Managed by English Heritage. Address: YO62 5AB. Wikidata describes it as: "medieval castle in Yorkshire, England, UK". Coordinates: 54.2447°, -1.0639°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Helmsley Castle (also known anciently as Hamlake) is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley, within the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England.
From the Historic England List Entry under OGL v3.
Summary from the official site
Helmsley Castle is a historic site that has served various roles throughout its history, including a medieval fortress and an Elizabethan mansion. Visitors can explore its impressive stonework, enjoy views of the surrounding parkland, and learn about life in the castle across five centuries through various displays.
Read more on the official property page.
Protected designations
- Site of Special Scientific Interest: Duncombe Park SSSI
- National Nature Reserve: DUNCOMBE PARK
Designations sourced from Natural England open data under OGL v3.
From the Wikipedia article
Helmsley Castle (also known anciently as Hamlake) is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley, within the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
Background
History
Although the estate of Helmsley was granted to Robert, Count of Mortain following the Norman Conquest; there is no evidence that he built a castle in the area. The castle, constructed in wood around 1120, was built by Walter l'Espec. It is positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye. Featuring double ditches surrounding a rectangular inner bailey, the castle bears little resemblance to the motte and bailey castles built at the time (such as the nearby Pickering Castle). The castle at Helmsley was only 3 km from Rievaulx Abbey and Walter l'Espec granted the land for the abbey. Aelred, who was the abbey's first novice master, was known to be involved in l'Espec's affairs (military…
Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Coordinates
- 54.2447, -1.0639
- District
- North Yorkshire
- Parish
- Helmsley
- Postcode
- YO62 5AB
- Parliamentary constituency
- Thirsk and Malton
- Phone
- 01439 770442
- Established
- 1385
- Opening
- Daily 10am - 5pm; last entry at 4.30pm
- Official site
- www.english-heritage.org.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q4185868 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Helmsley Castle (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: Helmsley Castle - East Tower.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Other places nearby
Helmsley Walled Garden
Gardens · 0.2 km
Bridge Over Borough Beck
Historic bridges · 0.2 km
The Feathers
Hotels · 0.3 km
Church of All Saints, Helmsley
Historic churches · 0.3 km
The Black Swan And Railings To Front
Historic pubs · 0.3 km
Helmsley Bridge
Historic bridges · 0.3 km
Canons Garth
Gardens · 0.3 km
Helmsley Arts Centre
Open-air theatres · 0.3 km
Helmsley
Museums · 0.4 km
National Centre for Birds of Prey
Natural landmarks · 0.9 km
Duncombe Park
Museums · 1.0 km
Tuscan Temple
Historic houses · 1.1 km
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Helmsley Castle?
- Helmsley Castle is in Yorkshire, United Kingdom (postcode YO62 5AB), in the parish of Helmsley.
- What is Helmsley Castle?
- Helmsley Castle — medieval castle in Yorkshire, England, UK.
- How do I get to Helmsley Castle?
- Drivers can use postcode YO62 5AB.
- When was Helmsley Castle built?
- Built or established in 1385.
- Who runs Helmsley Castle?
- Helmsley Castle is operated by English Heritage.
- Is Helmsley Castle a listed building?
- Helmsley Castle is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- Is Helmsley Castle a protected site?
- Yes — Helmsley Castle is part of the Duncombe Park SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest and the DUNCOMBE PARK National Nature Reserve.
- Does Helmsley Castle charge admission?
- Helmsley Castle typically charges admission. Check the official site for current ticket prices and opening hours.