Welcome
Built 1759, Helmsley Walled Garden is a five acre site which sits beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle.
Filled with flowers, fruit and vegetables, Helmsley was the Kitchen Garden of Duncombe Park until just after World War 1 when it was leased as a market garden. Abandoned after it closed its doors for the final time in 1984, it fell into dereliction. Restoration started in 1994 and since then the garden has gone from strength to strength.
The garden is situated away from the town centre and can be accessed either by car, along a track to a limited number of accessible parking spaces, or via a wide foot path from the town centre.
Visitors can also enjoy the café, plant centre and gift shop.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Ticket OfficeThe Vinehouse Cafe accessible toiletThe Vinehouse CafeShopHelmsley Walled GardenHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
The nearest bus stop is 400 yards from the main entrance. Ask the driver to stop at Helmsley Market Square. All EYMS buses are wheelchair accessible. Rather than take the unmade road up to the main entrance, take the wide, paved, wheelchair accessible path that leads from the council and Cleveland Way car parks.
Parking
The Helmsley Walled Garden has three accessible parking bays which are free of charge. There are a number of accessible parking bays in the three town council car parks nearby but parking charges apply for Blue Badge holders.
There is a level access pathway to Helmsley Walled Garden from the town centre car parks. The pathway is clearly signposted, and it is a short walk from these town centre parks to the attraction.


Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
There is level access through large double gates which are held open during opening hours. This leads to the entrance courtyard where the ticket office, shop and cafe are all situated.

Getting around inside

Ticket/ information desk
Ticket Office
The Ticket Office has a counter height of 900mm. There is no lowered counter.
A member of staff is available to sell admission tickets and general information.
Tourism information leaflets are available here about the local area.

Things to See and Do
Public toilet
The Vinehouse Cafe accessible toilet
The accessible toilet within the Vinehouse Cafe has relatively small dimensions, with a door measuring 740mm wide. Visitors requiring a wider toilet door and bigger facility can use the accessible toilet located in the Council Car Park which is just a five minute walk away.
The nearest Changing Places toilets are located at Thirsk, Pickering and Malton. See www.changing-places.org for further details.



Shop
Shop
In front of the shop doorway there are two flagstones. There is a slight threshold but this is manageable for a wheelchair user as assistance is available, if required.
The space within the shop is limited but there is enough circulation space for a wheelchair user. The central display tables are flexible to create additional space, when needed.
A wheelchair accessible counter is available.
There are a variety of sensory products for sale to smell, taste and touch.


Place to eat and drink
The Vinehouse Cafe
The staff at the Vinehouse Cafe are passionate about delivering a great service to all our customers. Please speak to us about any dietary needs you have either prior to or during your visit.



Getting around outside
The Gardens at Helmsley are located on a five acre site, situated below the ruins of Helmsley Castle. Filled with vibrant flower beds, fruit and vegetables, this wonderful garden is divided by a network of solid, level, wheelchair accessible pathways which give easy access to all areas and create intimate and unexpected garden rooms. Here you will find water features, orchards and even an Orchid House, as well as expansive lawns and plenty of seating where visitors can relax and enjoy these spelendid surroundings.
The formal gardens at Helmsley are set within the walls and comprise of the Clematis Garden, The White Garden, The Secret Garden, The Garden of Contemplation and the Physic Garden.
Another of the Gardens' highlights is the famous central border, known as the 'hot border', packed with glorious colour from July to October and which featured in the 2018 production of The Secret Garden.





Customer care support
Please ask staff if you require assistance in charging a mobility scooter or battery powered wheelchair during your visit.
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support
The majority of our staff have undergone disability awareness training and will do everything they can to ensure that all visitors have an enjoyable time with us.