Duncombe Park Circular Walk
Duncombe Park Walking Trail – Helmsley North Yorkshire
The Duncombe Park Circular Walk is a scenic walking route in North Yorkshire, England, set within the beautiful landscape of the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This walk is particularly popular for its rich blend of natural beauty, historical architecture, and wildlife.
Duncombe Park Walking Trail
Duncombe Park Walking Trail – Helmsley North Yorkshire
Duncombe Park is a historic estate located near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. The estate is known for its grand country house, beautiful gardens, and extensive parkland, and is one of Yorkshire’s finest stately homes.
Duncombe Park also features a circular walking trail that is both dog and family friendly. It is approximately 3-4 miles in length and features views of Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park Georgian House, River Rye and Weir, woodland and lush pastures.
About Duncombe Park
Duncombe Park in Helmsley offers visitors an exquisite journey through one of England’s finest historic landscapes. Nestled beneath the sweeping escarpment of the River Rye, this Grade I listed estate spans around 280-300 acres of parkland, gardens, and ancient woodlands. Its formal garden features elegant terraces, ornamental parterres, classical temples and a celebrated “Yew Tunnel,” while the broader parkland includes centuries-old veteran trees, nature reserve status, and walking trails that reveal panoramic views across the Rye Valley.
Beyond its gardens and natural beauty, Duncombe Park is rich in history and cultural significance. The house, originally completed in 1713 to designs by William Wakefield and later remodelled by Sir Charles Barry, suffered a major fire in 1879 and was rebuilt in 1895, yet remains privately owned and not generally open to the public. Meanwhile the estate is home to the National Centre for Birds of Prey, which offers bird-flight demonstrations and access to the surrounding parkland trails. With regular opening times during spring through late summer, and with features appealing both to nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts, Duncombe Park is a must-visit when exploring North York Moors and the Helmsley area.
1. Start at William Feversham Statue
Starting from the statue of William Feversham in Helmsley Market Place, turn towards the Town Hall and walk down the road on the left between the town hall and The Royal Oak Public House towards Castlegate.
2. Walk Along Castlegate
At Castlegate turn left and walk to the end with Boro Beck on your left hand side. Turn right onto Buckingham Square.
3. Turn Right at Buckingham Square
Follow Buckingham Square to Duncombe Park’s Gatehouse and Gates. Helmsley Castle can be found on your right hand side.
4. Follow the Drive
Follow the drive through Duncombe Park over the cattle grid (using the pedestrian gate at the left side) and beside the castle on your right. Keep following this drive until you come to a public right of way with a barrier.
5. Follow the Public Right of Way
When you arrive at the turn off for the public right of way found on the left, follow this path downhill into a wooded area. The drive will now be on your right hand side.
6. Walk Through the Farmers Gates
As you follow the path, go through two farmers gates with the River Rye on your left. This takes you towards a grassy heath.
7. Walk Across the Heath
Walk across the heath until you reach the other side. Here you will find a kissing gate. If you have a dog with you, ensure that he or she is on a short lead as there are often sheep grazing.
8. Follow the River Rye
Follow the River Rye until you reach a weir across the river. You will find a bench facing it. Keep following the route around to the right through a valley.
9. Follow the Valley from the Weir
Do not cross the weir when it’s dry but instead follow the path route as it bends to the right until you reach a kissing gate. Please be mindful of any sheep in the area. Go through the kissing gate.
10. Go through the Kissing Gate
As you go through the kissing gate, you will notice that the path now turns to a track. Keep following this track until you reach a bench on your right with Simon on it.
11. Look for the Junction at the Simon Seat
When you reach the ‘Simon Seat’, you will come to a junction with the option to turn left towards a stone bridge over the Rye or turn right to continue along the valley. Turn right and follow the track through the valley that will eventually head up hill into the woodland.
12. Walk Uphill into the Wood
When the track enters the wood, walk uphill until you reach a small bench on your left. The road u-turns further up the hill until you reach a junction.
13. Make a Decision
When you reach the junction, you can either head straight on for a shorter walk, or turn left to extend your walk into the wood. Both routes take you to the Georgian English House and beyond to Helmsley.
14. Follow Fergus O’Connell Street
Assuming you turn left to extend your walk, follow the track through Fergus O’Connell Street until you reach a junction with a triangular grass island.
15. Turn right at the Island Junction
At the junction with a triangular grass island, turn right so that you are almost double-backing on yourself. This track takes you the stately home.
16. Go through the Gate into the Meadow
Following this track will take you to a gate that opens out into a large meadow. You will see the Georgian Country House in front of you and the National Centre for Birds of Prey on your left.
17. At the House Turn Left for Helmsley
When you arrive at the house, turn either left to go straight to Helmsley. Otherwise turn right to go back the way you came in order to extend your walk.
18. Follow Duncombe Park Drive
Assuming you have turned left to go directly back to Helmsley, follow Duncombe Drive past the National Centre for Birds of Prey that is found on your left.
19. Walk past the Ionic Temple.
On your right you will see the Ionic Temple. You will also walk through some black iron gates.
20. Circuit End
As you follow the drive downhill you will eventually discover the turn off for the public right of way you followed earlier. Keep walking down the drive for Duncombe Park until you reach Helmsley.
Useful Links
🏛️ Key Duncombe Park / Helmsley Links
Screen Yorkshire – Duncombe Park (filming location) — Info on the estate as a film & TV location, historical and aesthetic features Screen Yorkshire
Official Duncombe Park website — Visitor information, gardens, events, and contact details Duncombe Park
Historic Houses — Duncombe Park — Details on visiting, facilities, and heritage status Historic Houses
Historic England — Duncombe Park, Helmsley — Listing information, access, opening hours, and facilities Historic England
National Centre for Birds of Prey — Attraction within the Duncombe Park estate with flying demonstrations, conservation info, and visiting details North York Moors National Park
📍 Helmsley & Local Area Links
Yorkshire Guide – Helmsley — Overview of Helmsley, key places to visit in and around the town yorkshire.guide
Visit North Yorkshire – Helmsley — Local visitor guide, things to do, walking & cycling routes Visit North Yorkshire
Visit York / Beyond York – Helmsley — Info on Helmsley as part of the York & Ryedale area, attractions & visitor tips Visit York
Ryedale District – Tourism — Regional tourism resources including Helmsley attractions ryedale.co.uk
Helmsley Tourist Information (Hello Yorkshire) — Local info, attractions, gardens, and visitor tips hello-yorkshire.co.uk
