Helmsley is the only market town inside the North York Moors, its wide stone square set below a ruined castle. It’s the western trailhead of the Cleveland Way and a natural base for the area — the walk out to Rievaulx Abbey through the woods makes a lovely half-day. Market day is Friday, and there’s a good clutch of shops and pubs. The nearest station is Thirsk, about 20km west, so most people arrive by car or bus.
