North York Moors Cocktail Bar

Although Rosella Cottage is located in Rosedale Abbey - one of the remotest villages in the North York Moors - we're still blessed with a number of near-by towns that offer ample opportunity for shopping and brousing; or nights out dining and drinking.

So, while it feels like we're a million miles from the cares of the World; we've actually got Whitby, Stokesly, Guisborough, Malton, Pickering and Kirkbymoorside all within a half-hour drive of Rosella Cottage in the middle of the North York Moors.

Rosedale Abbey is a Million Miles from the Cares of the World.

But our favourite local town for shopping and brousing has to be Helmsley!

And when all that shopping is done; there's not much to beat a drink, meal or high English tea in the Black Swan in Helmsley's market square.

The Black Swan Sits Proudly in Helmsley's Market Square.

The Black Swan, Helmsley

The original part of this historic Country Hotel sits on Swan Lane; but the building has been extensively modified and added too throughout the centuries.

There is a Tudor-era stone doorway leading to the cellars - probably "recycled" from Helmsley's Castle!

And there is Jacobean-era wooden panelling in the entrance hall which was also "recycled" from the town's church!!

The 17th century cottage next door was amalgamated into the Hotel in 1947 and the Black and White Vicarage next door was incorporated into the Hotel in 1954.

So the hotel today comprises at least three seperate buildings from different periods.

There is also a stable court-yard and a walled garden to the back.

Inside, there is a public bar off to the left-hand side.

The Cygnet Bar offers a Couple of Real Ales.

The Cygnet Bar - has it is known - is beautifully furnished and quite "glitzy" for these parts.

On weekends it is transformed into a cocktail bar and they often have live music on Saturday nights.

The Glitzy and Elegant Cygnet Bar at the Black Swan.

Off to the right are the Hotel reception and a bit further along the famous Black Swan Tea-rooms - well worth a visit if you're not drinking - but fancy a proper English afternoon tea with cakes or scones!

Towards the back are The Gallery Restaurant dining rooms.

Headed-up by Australian born Chef Paul Peters, The Gallery Restaurant has an impeccable reputation throughout North Yorkshire for its fine-dining.

The Black Swan's "The Gallery" Restaurant.

A Grand Day Out

A visit to Helmsley makes a grand day out for guests staying at Rosella Cottage in Rosedale Abbey.

It's just 30-minutes away by car and you can visit the market for shopping, the town's heated outdoor swimming pool, the Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley Castle, or near-by Rievaulx Abbey.

It really is a fantastic place to spend a day on holiday.

There is Just so Much to See and Do on a Visit to Helmsley.

Getting to Helmsley

The Black Swan (postcode = YO62 5BJ) is located on the market square in the Centre of Helmsley.

The pretty market town is on the A170 between Thirsk and Scarborough - 30 miles away.

Telephone the Black Swan on 01439 770466 for bookings or further information.