Quality you can trust
Sleep tight knowing at our inns you'll enjoy a warm welcome, clean and comfortable rooms with excellent facilities.
Enjoy homemade food prepared in five-star food hygiene rated kitchens, while we proudly hold awards for our impeccable cellar management.
A warm welcome for all
As welcoming as possible, whether for parents with pushchairs and little ones, or for guests with extra accessibility needs, find information about additional facilities on each of our inns' access statement.
We understand pets are part of the family. That's why all our inns are pet friendly with designated dog friendly rooms and areas within our dining and bar areas.
Where should you visit on your Yorkshire trip?
It is hard to limit ourselves when it comes to places to visit in Yorkshire. From roaming the North Yorkshire Moors to 13th-century cathedrals, steeped in history and boasting some of the finest architecture, there is a lot to uncover. Quite frankly, there is a chance you will need to make multiple trips so you do not miss out on all there is to discover.
This leads us to our first tip when planning a trip to Yorkshire: pack a bag that includes wellies and outwear. Make your trip over a weekend or even a week-long trip so you can encapsulate everything this beautiful part of the United Kingdom has to offer and make sure to include some wellies.
As to where to go and where you can stay? We’ve put together some helpful highlights of some of the most popular destinations.
York
If it is the city meets history vibes you are after, York is a wonderful place to start. Based in North Yorkshire, the city of York has a wealth of culture waiting to be discovered. A well-known fact about the city is its link to the Viking era, being the spot where the Vikings chose to settle following their journey through English territory. York was once known as the Viking city of Jorvik. The Jorvik Viking Centre, a popular tourist attraction, hosts events such as the Jorvik Viking festival (taking place 19th-27th February 2022) where you can learn about the Norseman and the lives of women during this time. Our Dean Court location is a short nine minute walk away and is the perfect place to either grab a bite to eat or rest your head.
Looking for something the entire family can enjoy? The National Rail Museum is the perfect place for children to live out their train-centric dreams. Filled with a mix of interactive activities and a walk-through exhibition, there is something for all ages to sink their teeth into. Plan your visit and see upcoming exhibitions and events here.
If the train museum isn’t for you, or you’ve already ticked it off your list, the York Castle Museum is where you can uncover over 400 years of York’s history. Again close to our Dean Court location, the York Castle Museum is sure to make for a great day for those looking to explore the rich history of the city.
For the foodies amongst us, a trip to York’s Chocolate Story is a must, where you can look forward to a guided tour that’ll take you through 3,000 years of chocolatey goodness. During your visit, you can take part in a range of chocolate-making activities.
During your stay at our Dean Court Inn, we recommend that you explore the beautiful York Minster Cathedral, which is right next door. It is the home of exhibitions, such as ‘The Heart of Yorkshire Creativity and Culture in York Ministers Collection’, which is running from 11th November to the 31st March 2022.
Whitby
Not keen on city life? The delightful town of Whitby is the place for you. The Stables is a dog-friendly location in the heart of Whitby, making it the perfect location for families, walkers, and cyclists alike.
Now, you cannot mention Whitby without, of course, mentioning Whitby beach. Whitby beach is the perfect spot to rejuvenate, with many of our visitors losing no time at all before heading out to explore the gorgeous coastal views on offer there, soaking in the fresh sea air. During your stay in Whitby, it is worth bringing your car because, as you’d expect, being a coastal town, the further towards the coast you travel the more there is to do, such as learning about why Whitby was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. What’s more, while you are near the sea, why not spend the afternoon cycling along the Whitby Harbour where there is plenty to see.
A bit of trivia for you – Whitby has been home to many famous people, such as Captain James Cook, who was a British explorer and captain of the Royal navy. You can visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby where you can discover all about his life and many voyages.
The North York Moors run quite close to the town, allowing you to arrange an easy trip between York and Whitby. Take a scenic drive through the national park where you can explore significant monuments.
Helmsley
Helmsley is a beautiful market town in the North York Moors National Park, making it the perfect spot for a family-friendly vacation. If you enjoy live entertainment, The Helmsley Arts Centre is the place to be. You can find anything from live screenings and exhibitions to theatre productions to end a beautiful day exploring this idyllic town.
If you’re a history buff, be sure to map out your trip across Yorkshire in advance, as there are certainly plenty of castles you won’t want to miss out on. A must-see on this tour of castles is Helmsley Castle, where you can take a free guided tour around the grounds, during which you will be shown how the castle transformed through the ages, from a medieval fortress to an eventual, though romantic, Victorian ruin. There is also a chance to take part in a hands-on exhibition in the mansion house.
Also worth a visit is the Rievaulx Abbey where you can learn about the lives of the past monks who lived there. There is also a museum on-site where you will find various artefacts and learn more about the fall of the Cistercian Abbey while also taking in some of the stunning views the grounds have to offer.
Spending a few days in the town? The Black Swan is the perfect place to make your base while you explore Helmsley and the surrounding areas. With luxurious, warm and welcoming rooms, it is the home away from home you’ll be glad to return to. During your time here, you can indulge in the chef’s seasonal heart-warming meals. Book your stay via our website, email us at enquiries@blackswan-helmsley.co.uk, or call our booking hotline on 0191 5803610.
