Things To Do
The Moors Church is situated in the North York Moors National Park, near Helmsley and as such, is the perfect base to explore the myriad different things to do in the area.
Helmsley is just a short, picturesque walk away, and is known for its galleries, arts centre, boutique shops, superb restaurants, and coffee shops. Pop in to the church and admire the murals, and don’t miss the delights of the many cafes and pubs. There is a market on Friday that showcases some of the finest local produce in the area.
The ruins of Helmsley Castle are impressive and proudly overlook the village. Steeped in history, it is well worth an afternoon strolling around. The Walled Garden is an absolute hidden treasure, with a fantastic area of plants, flowers and shrubs all year round. If you fancy a slightly longer ramble, there is a good track walk to Rievaulx Abbey starting at the Cleveland Way car park.
On the Doorstep
Turn right out of The Moors Church and a hundred yards up the road, there is a footpath on your left that leads directly to Helmsley. This 3 mile stroll will take you alongside rolling fields and through a wooded valley, before descending into the centre of Helmsley (please click HERE for a downloadable PDF document of the walk). A mile or so further beyond that turning, a walk from Cowhouse Bank starts with a fantastic view and goes on to one even bigger, with forestry between. Keep on the road and you head up to Bransdale – drystone walls, green fields, woods, stone cottages, becks, hills and endless, endless skies.
Dark Skies
On a clear night in the North York Moors, the cosmos really comes alive. There are three Dark Sky Discovery sites nearby, where you can fully appreciate the magnificence of the celestial bodies far above.
Dark Skies
On a clear night in the North York Moors you can really see the stars . There are three Dark Sky Discovery sites nearby.
Explore the Area
To find out more about the fantastic area you will be staying in, we recommend www.northyorkmoors.org.uk. It is run by people who live and breathe the North York Moors and love this region. There is a great ‘What’s On‘ listing, and you can book walks, treasure hunts, nature days, stargazing, arts and culture, craft workshops – lots of activities to get involved with, free and paid-for.
The North York Moors has several venues for music, film, drama and other creative arts, some of them in delightfully quirky little buildings.
The Milton Rooms at Malton
The Band Room at Farndale
Flavourful Food
Food is important here, and Taste of the North York Moors highlights fantastic places to eat, food and drink experiences, and some wonderful food producers. @HighFarndale tweets close-up about the art of regenerative farming on an upland farm not far from The Moors Church.
Flavourful Food
is important in this area – Taste of the North York Moors highlights fantastic places to eat, food and drink experiences, and some wonderful food producers. @HighFarndale tweets close-up about the art of regenerative farming on an upland farm not far from St Aidan’s.
The Great British Seaside Awaits
Although you will be staying in the heart of the countryside, it’s not that far to the coast. In less than an hour you can be in Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Filey or Scarborough, with all excitement and memories the seaside brings. If the weather is fine, it seems a shame not to take the picturesque drive out to the coast and enjoy the sea air, as well perhaps indulging in some of the freshest fish and chips around!