All Saints Church, Helmsley

Visit the historic Church of All Saints, Helmsley, and discover how the everyday lives of local people have shaped the landscape, communities and traditions of Helmsley & Upper Ryedale.

As part of Heritage Open Days 2026, All Saints will host two special exhibitions inspired by this year's theme, Everyday Histories. "Fields, Folds & Farming Life" showcases the acclaimed photography of North Yorkshire photographer Val Mather, commissioned by the National Trust in 2021 to document a year in the lives and environment of local farmers and farming families. Her striking images capture moments in history, the rhythms of everyday rural life, the changing seasons and the enduring relationship between people and the land, featuring several members of our own parish communities.

Alongside this exhibition, a display on the history of farming in Helmsley and Upper Ryedale explores how generations of local people have worked the land, cared for livestock and shaped the distinctive landscape we know today.

Together, these exhibitions celebrate the ordinary lives, skills, traditions and stories that have sustained rural communities for centuries, reminding us that local heritage is not only found in historic buildings but also in the people whose lives have given them meaning.
On Saturday 12 September The Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail's Gathering Walk "Walking the Everyday Histories of Saint Aelred" concludes here at 4pm with a Service accompanied by church organist Keith Johnson..

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

0900-1700

Sunday 13 September:

0900-1700

Monday 14 September:

0900-1700

Tuesday 15 September:

0900-1700

Wednesday 16 September:

0900-1700

Thursday 17 September:

0900-1700

Friday 18 September:

0900-1700

Saturday 19 September:

0900-1700

Sunday 20 September:

0900-1700

Location & directions

The Market square, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AQ

Directions:

All Saints Church lies just off the market square where there are parking spaces for visitors to Helmsley. If this area is busy visitors can use the nearby Cleveland Way carpark which includes a section for long stay parking. The church is open 9am to 5pm. Disabled access is available from the side gate from the market square, next to the Black Swan. Also access can be made from Cannon's Garth Lane, first turn right after the church, along Church Street.

Contact on day:

George Gyte

Telephone number:

+447900896739

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Hearing Loop is available.

Additional information

Come and enjoy the HODs Festival events taking place in All Saints Church over the week of 12 - 19 September in the idyllic market town of Helmsley. Beyond its bustling market square lies the dramatic medieval ruins of Helmsley Castle, the enchanting walled garden, and it is surrounded by the stunning North York Moors. It is a "town brimming with history, culture and natural beauty" of which All Saints Church is an integral part. The 41-mile Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail through the scenic moors and dales of the this south west corner of the North York Moors starts and ends in the Church.

Estimated duration:

8 hour(s)

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