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The Feversham Arms - Helmsley

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The epitome of luxurious rural chic

If you thought that rural chic was just an urban myth, this luxurious retreat will be a revelation. In the heart of one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque market towns, the traditional Yorkshire stone exterior of The Feversham Arms in Helmsley belies the stylish décor inside. Owner Simon Rhatigan has brought a modern, stylish angle to the cosy country house hotel, and the result is boutique at its best – its multi award-winning best.

Twenty bedrooms are all individually styled, with gorgeous Egyptian cotton sheets and duck-down duvets, top-notch tellies and stereos, l’Occitane toiletries and squishy, sizeable bath towels. And you need never leave – breakfast is brought to your room, free of charge, if you don’t want to get dressed in the morning.

Downstairs, the lounge areas, bar and heated outdoor pool (yes, really!) are relaxed and informal. The food is fantastic – no surprise as Helmsley is being hailed as a gastronomic mecca – with a modern, British dinner menu (the puddings are to die for), and a fresh, but substantial lunch menu too.

Where is it?

Helmsley is one of the most picturesque towns in Yorkshire. An historic market town, with winding streets lined with Yorkshire stone and half-timbered buildings, tearooms and pubs, it also has its own castle, and is surrounded by the gorgeous Yorkshire countryside. Not only is it paradise for walkers – England’s longest footpath walk, The Cleveland Way, starts at the market cross in Helmsley – it is also establishing itself as a culinary hotspot (see Where Can I Eat?...)

There is a whole guide-book’s worth of places to see close to Helmsley, including the Hogwarts-like Ampleforth college, the awe-inspiring Castle Howard (the famous location for Brideshead Revisited - www.castlehoward.co.uk Tel: 01653 648 444) and several sites of magical, medieval ruins. The city of York is only half an hour’s drive away. But the beautiful baroque architecture of Duncombe Park (www.duncombepark.com Tel: 01439 772625) is right on Helmsley’s doorstep and is a great place to while away an afternoon.

Where can I eat?

Helmsley is foodie paradise. Not only has The Feversham Arms put its mark on the gastro map, but you can also find a local culinary legend close by - The Star Inn at Harome, near Helmsley (www.thestaratharome.co.uk Tel: 01439 770397). This Michelin-starred restaurant has London restaurant critics and food-lovers speeding up the M1, and is only five minutes from The Feversham Arms. Amazing British dishes are served in a cosy, candlelit restaurant that used to be a cowshed, while the bar offers an even more relaxing atmosphere, along with a great lunch menu.

For something a little lighter, the famous Black Swan hotel and restaurant in Helmsley (www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk Tel: 01439 770466) has recently opened a mouth-watering patisserie and tearoom, with a fantastic selection of homemade artisan pastries, homemade chocolates and teas from all over the place.

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If you thought that rural chic was just an urban myth, this luxurious Yorkshire retreat will be a revelation.