Helmsley is only 20 minutes drive ( 14 miles ) from Thirsk. Take the A170 east out of Thirsk and climb the 1 in 4 Sutton Bank hill, 5 miles to the east. It is worth stopping in the car park at the top and walk across to the Cleveland Way Long Distance Footpath and admire the views across the Vale of York to the Pennine Mountains and the Yorkshire Dales National Park 20 miles to the west.
It is also worth going into the Sutton Bank Visitors Centre where there are lots of very interesting displays. The staff are very helpful and friendly. There is also a cafe where food and drinks are available.
View of Helmsley Castle from Duncombe Park.
View of Helmsley Castle and Helmsley from a high point in Duncombe Park. Notice the old oak tree which must be at least 500 years old.
Helmsley Castle with the walled garden in front of it. View from Duncombe Park.
Defending Helmsley Castle.
View of Duncombe Park from the castle.
Defending the southern entrance to the castle.
View of the moat, the main hall and living quarters.
Some of the exhibits in the main hall and adjacent rooms. In the display unit are large stone cannonballs. The large object to the left hand side of the display unit is a metal mortar bomb and below it is a diagram of the type of Mortar for delivering it.
Observe the musket, the long bow and the large heavy arrows.
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