Helperthorpe in the Wonderful Wolds – a perfect setting for a self-catering cottage breakWhat Helperthorpe offers for Self-Catering Breaks
Helperthorpe is a small village in the Yorkshire Wolds in North Yorkshire, approximately 10 miles from the town of Malton and nine miles from Driffield. The village green is a long one, noted for its rather large chestnut and beech trees, which were planted in 1911 as a celebration of King George V’s coronation. Unusually, the residents took a vote in 1959, deciding not to have any electric street lights. This makes the village a great reminder of traditional rural life and an excellent place for those who want to do a spot of stargazing on their cottage holiday with a beautiful expanse of dark starry sky on offer.
Helperthorpe is excellent for
family self-catering holidays in Yorkshire. Family attractions are never far away. Sledmere House, in the nearby village of Sledmere, is an example of a great day out for the family. Noted for its plasterwork and Chippendale furniture, its Georgian origins were almost totally lost in a fire in 1911, but its furnishings were saved for the most part. In addition to the many rooms on view in the house, visitors can explore the stables, orangery and chapel. The estate is also worth a visit for its Capability Brown designed garden. Homegrown plants are for sale and produce from the garden is on the menu at the Terrace Café. Garden highlights include the annual display of tulips and daffodils. Keen gardens can join a guided tour, led by the estate’s head gardener. The kids will enjoy lots of space to discover new things and the staff organise children’s activities. In addition to a play area and a park trail with information on nature, there is a quiz designed for ages 5 – 16.
Thixendale is one of the prettiest spots on the Wolds and is a great place to visit whilst enjoying a cottage holiday in Helperthorpe. This pretty little village has been immortalised in paint by the famous Bradford born artist, David Hockney who has created many canvases of rural scenes across the Wolds. There are a number of circular walks in the surrounding rolling hills, with some suited to a family outing and others a bit more ambitious. The tiny village is scenic in all seasons and hikers and cyclists are rewarded with terrific views.
The nearby market town of Driffield also comes highly recommended as the ‘Capital of the Wolds’. It’s a good destination for shopping and grabbing a cup of coffee. For the freshest local produce, the Farmers’ Market assembles on the first Saturday morning of every month. Normal market days are on Thursdays and Saturdays. Bring your shopping bags and fill them with some of the freshest Yorkshire produce to cook in your country cottage. There are also annual events for the holidaymaker to enjoy. Some claim the Driffield Agricultural Show to be the largest one-day show of its kind in the UK. The 2013 date has been announced as 17th July. The Driffield Steam and Vintage Rally is another event on the calendar, sure to please the crowds. Displays include vintage cars, tractors and steam traction engines.
For families and couples that want to get away from the hectic rat race, Helperthorpe offers a cosy sanctuary, but livelier towns are within short driving distances. Compare a selection of cottages in and around Helperthorpe on the map and decide where would be best for your family summer break. The distinctive Wolds countryside, of course, is on tap all year round – and is an ideal short break destination for self-catering walking holidays in Yorkshire.
Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Helperthorpe, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in North Yorkshire.