Introducing Indie Helmsley

Helmsley, is a vibrant market town with a strong independent spirit. The majority of its shops, eateries, and services are locally owned, giving the town a unique character and charm.

From artisan boutiques and specialist food shops to award-winning restaurants, welcoming cafes, and cosy places to stay, Helmsley offers something for everyone. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy a diverse mix of businesses and experiences, many of which are completely unique to Helmsley and its beautiful setting at the gateway to the North York Moors.

Founding Statement

Indie Helmsley is the vision of its first chair, Danielle Ives-Gardiner, who hopes to establish a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting the town’s independent businesses.

“Independent traders are under more pressure than ever,”
— Danielle explains.

“The impact of the global lockdown, the ongoing effects of Brexit, and rising costs have all made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive. Yet here in Helmsley, it is these very businesses that define the character of our town.”

Her ambition for Indie Helmsley is to bring together the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, and accommodation providers under one supportive banner. “My hope,” she says, “is to raise awareness of the incredible value our independents bring, give them a stronger collective voice, and help ensure they not only endure but flourish for years to come.”

A picturesque view of a small European village with old stone buildings, red-tiled roofs, a stone bridge over a narrow stream, green grassy areas, and a historic church with spires in the background, during sunset.
A landscape scene showing a mountain with a rocky summit, green slopes, and a yellow field with cultivated crops, a few trees, and some sheep grazing.
An ancient stone tower with multiple narrow windows, partially covered by green leafy trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

Do you have an Independent Business here?

  • Nearby Market Towns & Larger Villages

    - Kirkbymoorside (about 6 miles east)

    - Ampleforth (4 miles west)

    - Sproxton (2 miles south)

    - Nawton & Beadlam (3 miles east)

    - Oswaldkirk (3 miles south)

    - Hovingham (7 miles south-east)

    - Sinnington (7 miles east)

  • Villages in the Howardian Hills / Ryedale area

    - Rievaulx (2 miles north)

    - Scawton (4 miles north-west)

    - Cold Kirby (6 miles north-west)

    - Old Byland (5–6 miles north-west)

    - Coxwold (8 miles south-west)

    - Gilling East (4 miles south)

    - Terrington (about 9 miles south-east)

  • Smaller Hamlets & Settlements

    - Pockley (2 miles north east)

    - Harome (2.5 miles east)

    - Carlton / Carlton Husthwaite (about 2 miles south)

    - Stonegrave (5 miles east)

    - New Byland (6 miles north-west)

    - Yearsley (7 miles south)

    - Husthwaite ( 9–10 miles south-west)

    - Welburn (15 miles south-east)