Spring Time at Helmsley Hideaway –
We are delighted to be welcoming guests back to Overdale Cottage. Spring is back in full bloom and the birds are chirping loudly in the sunshine. It is a wonderful time to come and enjoy our beautiful countryside.
Springtime & Bluebell Woods
As the UK is carefully stepping out of a long lockdown there will still be a number of coronavirus restrictions in place as social distancing is still very important.
These restrictions include:
- Self-contained accommodation can stay open for overnight stays in England with your household or support bubble
- Non-essential retail can re-open
- Outdoor hospitality venues can re-open, with table service only
- Most outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in performances (such as cinemas and concerts) can re-open
Despite these restrictions there are many wonderful countryside adventures and experiences that can be enjoyed when staying at our Helmsley Hideaway. We are fortunate that we have some great walks nearby and out onto the North York Moors.
Why not take a picnic out with you and make the most of our beautiful scenery.
Picnics – Dining Out in Style
Picnics are the new and increasingly popular dine out option. ‘Picnic boxes to go’ can be ordered for picnic delivery online or you can make your own. Then all you need to do is choose the ideal picnic spot and spice it up with a little walk too. With miles of unspoiled Yorkshire landscape on your doorstep there are is so much choice.
North York Moors – Wonderful Views (Credit to Tracey Phillips)
Favourite Local Picnic Spots:
- Ampleforth Abbey & Grounds – Wander the grounds, lake and woods of the old abbey. Settle down with your picnic and enjoy the surroundings of the old home of Benedictine monks since 1802,
- Helmsley Castle – Stroll the pretty village of Helmsley, grab an ice cream and pick your spot or picnic bench in the old castle’s ruins.
- Rievaulx Abbey – Spread out on the old terrace above giving 13 different views of the old ruins of one of England’s most powerful Cistercian monasteries.
- The North York Moors National Park – miles and miles of stunning wild and natural scenery offers some wonderful options.
- Sutton Bank – One of the finest views in England, according to author and vet James Herriot. A 978 foot-high gateway vista over Hood Hill, Gormire Lake and the Vale of Mowbray.
- Blakey Ridge – A good long walk but well worth it as you are rewarded with great views from Blakey Ridge and the surrounding moorland. Check out the ancient stone crosses.
- Caulkeys Bank – A distinctive limestone ridge that runs east to west offering dramatic views across the Vale of Pickering and wide expanse of the North York Moors
- Clay Bank – The picnic area at Clay Bank is a popular stop where you can see Roseberry Topping and the Captain Cook Monument away in the distance across the Cleveland plain. There is a lovely three mile walk which offers the best of the sweeping views.
- Hole of Horcum – The North York Moors’ own miniature ‘Grand Canyon’. Head across to the ruined Skelton Tower at Corn Hill Point to see an extraordinary view down into Newtondale. Picnic at the grassy headland and spot the old steam trains passing too.
Fresh & Tasty Restaurant Food to Your Door
Eating alfresco outdoors or at a pub or restaurant may not be everyone’s cup of tea. So why not spoil yourself and have your favourite pub dish or a delicious boxed meal delivered right to your door.
Our local Pheasant Hotel in Harome is now delivering food to the door (or pickup) with its classic menu service called ‘Phezeroo’ of fresh local produce and customer favourites. You can also order fresh staples too including butter, milk, eggs and fresh baked bread.
The market town of Helmsley offers some great shops, bakeries, delicatessens and farm shops to source some tasty and fresh local produce.
Send us a picture of your favourite picnic location.
We look forward to seeing you at Helmsley Hideaway
Additional Information
- For further inspirations of places to visit and explore – Places to Visit
- Eat, drink & go shopping locally – Eat & Drink
- Our local area – Places of interest
