Proprietor: Simon Rhatigan

Great country chic bedrooms New pool-side garden suite Great Yorkshire food and hospitality

How can I putt it? Simon Rhatigan describes himself as that rare creature: a Scotsman who doesn’t play golf. His links are nonetheless impeccable: five years as General Manager at the legendary Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, followed by three as Managing Director of two equally spectacular establishments, Seaham Hall and The Samling.

Having fallen in love with a lovely Yorkshire lass and moved a fairway south to Helmsley, a beautiful market town on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, complete with a Castle, stately home and impressive walled garden. Yorkshire life suits him down to a tee and, when he isn’t running this gorgeous hotel, he enjoys walking in the nearby North York Moors National Park.    

The Duncombe Park Estate built the hotel and its adjacent row of cottages in the 1850s and it retains its period charm while catering for the needs of everyone feeling the need to escape the pressures of modern life. The fine Egyptian cotton sheets encourage guests to lie in: Bang and Olufsen TVs and a library of DVDs provide in-room entertainment and the splendid room service breakfast comes as standard.  

Nearest Towns/Centres for Retail Therapy
Helmsley (walking)
York (20 minutes)
Harrogate (30 minutes)
Leeds (45 minutes)

Recommended Local Attractions
Helmsley Castle (walking)
Rievaulx Abbey (5 minutes)
Duncombe Park (walking)
Castle Howard (10 minutes)

Nearest Station/s
York (20 minutes)
Leeds (45 minutes)

Nearest Airport/s
Leeds Bradford (60 minutes – pick up can be arranged)
Teesside (45 minutes – pick up can be arranged
Bagby private airfield (10 minutes)
Helicopter landing at Duncombe Park (walking)

All timings denote typical journey time by car, unless specified otherwise.