Helmsley Walled Garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot nestled in the charming town of Helmsley, North Yorkshire. Overlooked by the dramatic ruins of Helmsley Castle, the garden is a lovely place to explore, especially with the kids. With winding paths, colourful flowers, and hidden corners to discover, it’s perfect for a family day out. There’s also plenty more to enjoy in Helmsley, from shops and cafes to scenic walks.
Tickets and opening times:
The gardens are open from Wednesdays to Sundays, and timings differ slightly depending on the season.
Day tickets can only be purchased at the kiosk rather than in advance but adult annual passes can be purchased online for only £5 extra. Certain deals often apply for discounted entry, such as Helmsley residents and RHS members. Click here for more information on opening times and tickets.
Parking/ Travelling:
The nearest car park is Cleveland Way car park which is only a short distance from the gardens. There are disabled bays and electric charging points available. There is more parking in Helmsley Market Place.
Bus route 128 runs to Helmsley from Pickering and Scarborough. The Reliance 31x runs from York to Kirbymoorside via Helmsley. In the Summer, the Moors Bus runs through Helmsley too.
Prams and accessibility:
Helmsley Walled Gardens are pushchair friendly and the paths are all level, making wheelchair use easy too. There are baby changing facilities in the tea room’s disabled toilets near the entrance.
Things to do at Helmsley Walled Gardens
1. Explore the gardens
From a kitchen garden to the beautiful secret garden, there is something here to interest everyone with an eye for beauty. There is a pond where you can often see the ducks splashing around. Small children will also enjoy seeing the chickens. In late spring, the blooming alliums are magnificent.
2. Visit the tea rooms
Set in the beautiful, quirky Vine House, the tea rooms are an excellent place to enjoy a coffee, slice of cake or something a little more substantial. There are grape vines growing overhead, giving the café its name, and fun décor adding colour and vibrancy to the atmosphere.
Things to do nearby with kids
A wonderful open air museum, Ryedale Folk Museum is nestled in the quaint village of Hutton-le-Hole in North Yorkshire. There are more than 20 buildings that show how life was lived from the Iron Age to the 20th century and tons of activities to keep the little ones interested. A good few hours could be enjoyed at this museum.
2. Pickering
A wonderfully typical North Yorkshire town, Pickering boasts a castle, a surprisingly large museum (Beck Isle) and lots of excellent places to eat. It is also the most Southerly stop of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway – an excellent way to experience a steam train.
3. Helmsley Town
This vibrant town has lots to do with kids as well, such as Helmsley Castle, Helmsley Archaeology Store and Rievaulx Abbey only a short distance away.
4. Scampston Hall and Walled Gardens
There is lots to explore here, from the beautifully designed walled garden to the extensive parkland, hundreds of years old trees, river and lots of little historical buildings, and that’s all before you even enter the house! You could spend a morning or afternoon well here.
4. Journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Catch a steam or diesel train from the market town of Pickering to the bustling coast of Whitby, or stop at any of the quaint villages on the route including Goathland (site of Hogsmede) and Grosmont. There are so many ways to enjoy a day out hopping on and off these wonderful heritage trains.
