Thriving performance venue!
Helmsley Arts Centre is now a thriving performance venue for theatre, music, dance, talks, cinema and live broadcasts, plus exhibitions, classes and a range of creative activities for children.
Halloween 2026Spooky days out, sortedHalloween near youPatches, trails and half term events near youPumpkin patches, spooky trails and half term eventsExplore Halloween
About Helmsley Arts Centre
Helmsley’s Old Meeting House was built as a venue for Quaker meetings in 1812, but Quaker numbers in the town gradually diminished and in the 1840s the building was leased to the Primitive Methodists — who used it regularly until 1980, when it became disused. It was purchased from the Quakers in 1984 by the newly-formed Old Meeting House Trust, initially with a view to creating a chamber music venue as the home of the Helmsley Festival, the forerunner of the present Ryedale Festival.
Community hub!
Management of the Centre, initially voluntary, has gradually been professionalised; success of the project continues to depend on a large group of volunteer staff and the support of our community.
Diverse program of events!
At HAC the program is constantly refreshed to include events for all ages and walks of life, including family theatre, cinema, workshops and exhibitions.
Attraction Details
Opening Times
Regular Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, Closed
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 14:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 14:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 14:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 12:00
- Sunday, 11:00 - 15:00
Plan Your Visit
FAQs
Directions
Helmsley Arts Centre
Helmsley Art Centre, Old Meeting House Court, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5DW, England
Tel: 01439771700
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last updated: 10:35 13/10/2026