FAQs
Question
What's the best way to reach Helmsley?
Answer
For international visitors (almost all of you), you can fly into the United Kingdom via either London or Manchester. Remember to check travel registration requirements as these are set to change in 2025. If you choose London, you can either rent a car and then drive north (4+ hours), or take the train until the last few miles which require a taxi. If you choose Manchester, you can also take the train but a car is much faster option (around 2 hours). Rental cars might be available closer to Helmsley (in York, for example). In general, having access to a car for the duration of your trip greatly eases travel in this rural location.
Question
If we use the train system, how do we make train reservations?
Answer
Train reservations can be made at www.thetrainline.com. We strongly encourage reservations in advance of any train journey as trains can fill quickly.
Question
How many days for travel?
Answer
Our hope is that you explore the UK in the week prior to the wedding: most require at least two days (from the East Coast) to overcome jet lag. If you arrive in the UK the weekend before the wedding and then leave the Monday following the wedding, this should allow you time to acclimate and enjoy your surroundings.
Question
How do we get from Helmsley to The Star Inn for the Friday event?
Answer
We have a shuttle bus which runs from Helmsley town center to The Star starting at 1645 on Friday in several runs, then back again starting at around 2030 and finishing at about 2200.
Question
What is the wedding day structure?
Answer
For about half the guests (due to space limitations), we begin with Roman Catholic Mass. The main ceremony is then at Duncombe Park followed immediately by a cocktail party, dinner reception, and after party. Buses will be available from Helmsley to Mass and Duncombe Park, then from Duncombe Park back to Helmsley in the evening.
Question
How do we get to the ceremony site?
Answer
As with the Friday event, shuttles will depart from central Helmsley and drive guests the short distance to Duncombe Park. If you are going to Mass (invite was sent separately), the shuttles will depart at approximately 1215 for a 1pm start. For the ceremony, shuttles will depart around 115pm and return for multiple runs. At evening's end, the shuttle will return from Duncombe Park to both Helmsley and Harome if staying at The Star.
Question
Any idea about the weather?
Answer
England in mid summer is usually temperate. You are welcome to bury a sausage for good luck.