July is a beautiful month in the North York Moors. With the heat of recent days, the Long Barn courtyard has been full of butterflies enjoying the nectar. We have even seen our first Hummingbird Hawk moth of the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for then; they really do look like a tiny humming bird.
It may be part-way though, but here are 5 things that we’re looking forward to this month:
1. The start of the Agricultural Shows
July sees the start of the local agricultural shows with one of the largest the Ryedale Show. This year it returns to Duncombe Park after 60 years and looks like it’s going to be a cracker. Over 200 craft, trade and local stalls, sheep dog trials, vintage tractors and a brass band. Plus animals galore. If we’re honest, we love the small local shows near us, but Duncombe Park’s grounds are beautiful, so we’ll be planning to go this year.
2. The Flower Belt Reopens
The Flower Belt opened in 2022 and since then has become a really popular place with locals and visitors. Entry is free, you just pay for what flowers you pick. There is a lovely café, pizza and beer nights and they are dog friendly. The views from the fields over Helmsley are wonderful.
Every year the Walton family who own the farm, make further improvements to it. This year there are an extra 2.5 acres of wildflowers taking it to 7.5 acres. The local Balance Rooms will be holding some beginner yoga sessions on Saturday mornings. And there are some special nights of entertainment planned including a Fizz and Flowers night, and live music.
3. Walk in the moors to admire the heather
The North York Moors are gradually turning purple, as the different heathers start to bloom at this time of year. There are so many places to enjoy the heather, from just a drive over the Moors up Blakey Ridge, to a hike around the Hole of Horcum.
Slightly further afield, the purple of the lavender at Yorkshire Lavendar is at it’s flowering peak. Set in 80 acres, you can imagine that you are in the south of France, and not Yorkshire. Alongside their tea rooms, they have shop selling all things lavendar, along with a lovely nursery where you can buy the lavendar plants themselves. They have a great selection; all the lavendar growing in the Long Barn couryard has come from here.
4. Local Festivals
We’re blessed with many local festivals over the summer; the one to look forward to in July is the Ryedale Festival. with performances from Opera North and Timothy Ridout who is playing in our village church this Friday.
5. A dip at Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool
This heated outdoor pool is a hidden gem, tucked away at the back of Helmsley. It’s proud to be charity run, and Yorkshire’s only 25m heated outdoor pool.
We think that the private hire price of just £80 for one hour makes it a fabulous option for Long Barn guests. Or just book a session for yourself – the Celestial Swims look amazing. All bookings are on line; if there is an event you fancy, we suggest booking well ahead as they are very popular. Especially when the weather is hot.
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