A regular castle to visit, Helmsley Castle is fairly local, and most importantly, free with our English Heritage card.
The castle, constructed in wood around 1120, is positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye. Featuring double ditches surrounding a rectangular inner bailey, the castle bears little resemblance to the motte and bailey castles built at the time.
Here's how it looked in the good old days...
And here are a few pics of it now.
The inner buildings in a bit better condition.
Some scupltures.
