A dog lover's guide to one of the prettiest days out within reach of York. Helmsley is a handsome market town on the southern edge of the North York Moors, about forty minutes from the city, and it makes a lovely change from the usual local loops. There is a proper walk to be had, a ruined abbey to explore and a walled garden to wander, and with a bit of planning your dog can come along for most of it.
Here is how to make a day of it, and where the lead needs to stay on.
Helmsley itself
Helmsley is built around a broad market square with independent shops, tea rooms and pubs spilling out onto the pavements. Plenty of the cafés and pub gardens are happy to have a well-behaved dog alongside you, so it is an easy town to potter around with one. It is also the trailhead for a well-loved walk out to Rievaulx, which is where most people are really heading.
Good for: A relaxed town wander with plenty of dog-friendly stops.
The walk to Rievaulx Abbey
The path from Helmsley over to Rievaulx is one of the classic short walks in this part of the moors. It runs through woodland and along field edges, with the countryside opening up as you go, and it is a comfortable there-and-back or a slightly longer loop depending on how much your dog fancies. It is well signed and popular, so you will not be short of company or reassurance about the route.
Good for: A satisfying half-day walk with a real destination at the end.
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey is a spectacular ruined Cistercian monastery, founded in 1132 and now cared for by English Heritage. The soaring arches sit in a quiet green valley, and it is genuinely one of the most atmospheric places in Yorkshire. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds of English Heritage sites like this, so your dog can take in the abbey with you, though as ever assistance dogs aside, do keep them close and clear up after them.
Opening times vary by season, so it is worth checking the official page before you set out, and the same page confirms current prices and access.
Good for: A memorable, atmospheric stop on lead.
Helmsley Walled Garden
Back in the town, Helmsley Walled Garden is a restored five-acre garden set below the castle, full of orchards, borders and glasshouses. It is a peaceful, gentle spot rather than a big walk, and it is worth a look if you want a calm end to the day. Dog policies at gardens can change with the seasons, so do check ahead with the garden directly before you rely on bringing your dog in.
Good for: A quiet, pretty finish to the afternoon (subject to checking the current dog policy).
Worth knowing: English Heritage generally welcomes dogs on leads in the grounds of its outdoor sites, but rules can differ indoors and at individual attractions. When in doubt, keep the lead on, stick to the paths and check the specific site's page before you travel.
Making it an easy day with your dog
- Take water and a travel bowl. It is a longer day than a local walk, often with fewer taps than you would expect.
- Time the abbey visit for cooler parts of the day in summer, as the open valley catches the sun.
- Pack a towel. The Helmsley to Rievaulx path can be muddy underfoot after rain, even in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed at Rievaulx Abbey?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, as at English Heritage's other outdoor sites. Keep your dog close, clean up after them and check the official page for current opening times before you visit.
Is the Helmsley to Rievaulx walk dog-friendly?
It is a popular, well-signed walk through woodland and fields that suits most dogs on the lead. Take water and allow time for a there-and-back or a longer loop.
Can I take my dog into Helmsley Walled Garden?
Dog policies at gardens vary and can change seasonally, so please check directly with Helmsley Walled Garden before planning to bring your dog in.
How far is Helmsley from York?
It is roughly forty minutes by car from York, which makes it an easy half or full day out with a dog.
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