Just 23 miles north of York, The Black Swan is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful North York Moors.
Black Swan Essentials
- Address: The Black Swan, Helmsley, York YO62 5BJ, England
- Tel: +44 (0)1439 770466
- Visit their website
- Email the Black Swan
- Price Band: $$$ Special dinner, bed & breakfast deals and other seasonal packages are available.
- Bedrooms: There are 45 rooms - 28 classic rooms, eight feature rooms, four superior rooms and a junior suite. Some ground floor rooms are disabled-friendly.
- Dog-friendly
Hidden Delights in Helmsley
Inside, an eclectic but thoughtful mix of antique and modern styles reflects both the character and history of the buildings and contemporary tastes and standards.
Guest accommodation at this historic inn stretches back to enclose a delightful garden. If the weather is kind, this is just the place to relax with a pot of tea, or to enjoy an early evening cocktail. All Saints' Church which can be seen from the garden has a porch and chancel dating from Norman times, together with some beautiful stained glass.
Beyond, there is also a gun room and drying room to meet the needs of the international shooting parties who use The Black Swan as their base when shooting on the North York Moors. Fishing and walking are also very popular in this area, so the hotel’s dog-friendly policy should come as no surprise.
Start the Day With a Full Yorkshire Breakfast
Why do the words full and breakfast go together so well? The menu for a full Yorkshire breakfast at The Black Swan features 21 options, from a big bacon sandwich to a platter of freshly cut fruits. Whatever your taste, you’ll be served with style.Exploring Helmsley
Across the square from The Black Swan the narrow streets are full of fascinating shops. There’s a charming mix of antiques, crafts, interior design, antiquarian books and fine local delicacies such as rare breed meats and Yorkshire curd tarts.The ruins of Helmsley Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, are very much more accessible than its original occupants intended them to be! The new visitor center, which also provides tourist information, offers audio tours and an imaginative hands-on exhibition. But, dramatic as the castle ruins are, don’t miss the restored beauty of the Helmsley Walled Garden, five acres of flowers, vegetables, herbs and wonderful tranquility. Originally a kitchen garden for the Duncombe estate, this fine garden includes fruit trees, Victorian vines and more than 250 varieties of clematis. A small admission fee is charged and dogs, on leashes, are welcome.
Admission to Helmsley Castle is included in the Great British Heritage Pass. Find out more about the Great British Heritage Pass and Buy Direct.
Traditional Values, Modern Food - Fine Dining at The Black Swan
But good plain food is also respected in this part of the world, so the essential tastes and shapes of top quality local ingredients are paramount. Fillet of Yorkshire beef is teamed with local Sand Hutton asparagus, posh chips and fried duck egg. A goujon of East Coast hake rests of a bed of clams in a tiny bowl of Cullen Skink - a modern interpretation of the Scottish smoked haddock dish. Passion fruit jelly with coconut foam tastes exactly as you hoped it would. Diners will be excited and even surprised, but never confused.
There is an admirably short three-course daily dinner menu at £30 per person (June 08), with an exquisite seven-course Tasting Menu £48.00.
Heading for Yorkshire From Overseas?
