We are so fortunate to be set within the gorgeous North York Moors and we want our guests to experience and care for this beautiful landscape to the full. We are also mindful of our own responsibility to support this environment and our local community in Helmsley as much as possible.
With that in mind, here are our top tips for enjoying your holiday to The Velveteen Bath House while your car stays on the driveway!
#1 Local Supplies
Helmsley is blessed with independent shops and suppliers providing everything you need for a week or two’s stay. Ditch the supermarket delivery and stock up locally at our renowned bakeries and delis like Hunters of Helmsley and Thomas the Baker. The weekly market on Fridays also provides an opportunity to pick up everything from freshly baked bread, fruit and vegetables to homemade Turkish delights, jams and chutneys. Helmsley Wines on Bridge Street will complete your foodie haul and there’s a local Co-Op for those final essentials.
#2 Eat out, walk home
Helmsley has so much choice when it comes to eating out – you really don’t need to go further afield to dine out in style. From a slap up breakfast/brunch at Mannion & Co or The Vinehouse Cafe to dinner at Coopers of Helmsley, you will find an excellent eatery within a few minutes walk from the house whatever the time of day. The neighbouring village of Harome offers two fantastic fine dining options – The Star Inn and The Pheasant. Just 2 miles from Helmsley it’s walkable and the perfect reward for a Sunday stroll. We’re also not short of a pub or two if you fancy a pre/post dinner tipple. We love Helmsley Brewing Co (with its dinkie first floor cocktail bar) and the bar in The Feathers Hotel where you can cosy up by the huge open fire.
Take a look at more of our foodie recommendations here.
#3 Explore on foot…
Helmsley is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and of course is the gateway to the North York Moors. You don’t need a car to explore this beautiful landscape – just pull on your hiking boots and set off on foot from Velveteen. Just a few minutes walk through the Market Square and past the Walled Garden will bring you to the start of the iconic Cleveland Way; a 109 mile trail all the way from Helmsley to Filey on the North Yorkshire Coast. You can choose to walk as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. There are other very accessible and pleasant routes around the town too if you just fancy a dander with the dogs.
Discover more walks in and around Helmsley here.
#4 Bring your bikes
If you prefer to explore on two wheels, our rear garden is completely secure and ideal for storing bikes safely. You are spoilt for choice with cycle routes here – all accessible from the doorstep. We also provide an outdoor hose to the front of the house to clean down your bike afterwards.
We’ve suggested just a few local routes here, but for lots more information on all of the amazing cycle routes in the North York Moors National Park take a look at the National Park’s website.
#5 Attractions / Activities our doorstep
Helmsley has lots of great visitor attractions and things to see and do – all within an easy walk from the house. There’s easily enough to keep you busy for days without having to venture further in the car.
Enjoy a wander around Helmsley Walled Garden, soak up some history at Helmsley Castle, visit the National Centre for Birds of Prey at Duncombe Park or book in for sound bath at Helmsley Open Air Pool. Helmsley Arts Centre always has a lively itinerary of events from films to music performances for that cultural fix.
You can also indulge in a spot of pampering at the Verbena Spa in town, complete with an outdoor heated pool & comprehensive treatment menu.
#6 Local Transport
There is a regular local bus route from Helmsley to Pickering. Taking just 40 minutes it’s a stress free and eco friendly way to explore this vibrant market town. Pickering is also home to the North York Moors Railway where you can catch a steam train all the way to Whitby on the coast. Taking in some of the most incredible scenery as it puffs through the North York Moors, we can’t think of a better way to travel sustainably to the seaside.
#7 Getting Here
Thirsk Train Station is just 14 miles away and is on the main East Coast railway line. Regular trains run to and from London Kings Cross to the South all the way up to Aberdeen in Scotland. We can recommend a taxi service to pick you up from the station.
We’re know the vast majority of our guests are travelling with their dogs, so arriving by car may be the preferred option. But we hope given the abundance of services and attractions on our doorstep you can say goodbye to the car, at least for a good few days of your stay with us!