Rievaulx Abbey, North York Moors

Name: Rievaulx Abbey
Address: Rievaulx Bank, North York Moors, YO62 5LB, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1439 798228

#1 among attractions in North York Moors

Top attraction, Historical place, Monastery, History museum, More...

Gallery (15)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Antony McCallum / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Schwerdf / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mattbuck / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Neil Reed / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007 / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled within the tranquil greenery of the North York Moors, Rievaulx Abbey stands as a testament to the once-flourishing monastic life in England. Founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks, this historical site is renowned for its majestic ruins, which continue to captivate visitors with their serene beauty and rich history.

As one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be established in the north of England, Rievaulx Abbey quickly became one of the most spiritually significant and economically prosperous monasteries in Britain. The abbey's remote location provided the perfect setting for the monks to follow their devout lifestyle, while also allowing them to develop a thriving business in iron production, sheep farming, and horse breeding.

The architecture of Rievaulx Abbey is a highlight for visitors, showcasing the transition from the early Romanesque style to the more ornate Gothic style. Despite the destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, the impressive remains include the church's towering walls, the cloister buildings, and the refectory.

Today, Rievaulx Abbey is a beloved heritage site managed by English Heritage. It offers an immersive experience for tourists, with an on-site museum displaying artifacts that paint a vivid picture of monastic life. The tranquil grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll, with well-maintained paths leading through the ruins and surrounding woodlands.

Visitors can explore the extensive site at their own pace, taking in the atmospheric ruins and picturesque vistas of the Rye Valley. For those interested in photography, the abbey provides a stunning backdrop, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Alternative names: Established: 1132 (892 years ago)Coordinates: 54°15'26"N, 1°7'1"W

Address

Rievaulx BankNorth York Moors YO62 5LB United Kingdom

Contact

+44 1439 798228

Website

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North York Moors

Day trips

Rievaulx Abbey – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Byland Abbey, Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, Ampleforth Abbey, Church of All Saints.

4.1 miSW
Remains of an English landmark monastery
Byland Abbey, Thirsk
105 min walk • Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and a small village in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire, England, in the North York Moors National Park.
2.2 miE
54°15'4"N • 1°3'51"W
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool, North York Moors
56 min walk • Watersports, Theme park, Amusement park
4.1 miS
Monastery, Sacred and religious sites
Ampleforth Abbey
104 min walk • Ampleforth Abbey is a monastery of Benedictine Monks a mile to the east of Ampleforth, North Yorkshire, England, part of the English Benedictine Congregation.
2.3 miE
Historical place, Sacred and religious sites, Church
Church of All Saints, Helmsley
59 min walk • The Church of All Saints is an Anglican parish church serving the town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. It is located between the north-west corner of the market square, and Castlegate, on the B1257 road north of Helmsley Castle.
4.7 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Gormire Lake, North York Moors
119 min walk • Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that lies at the foot of Whitestone Cliff, a western escarpment of the Hambleton Hills in the North York Moors National Park.
4.2 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Sutton Bank, North York Moors
107 min walk • Sutton Bank is a hill in the Hambleton District of the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire in England. It is a high point on the Hambleton Hills with extensive views over the Vale of York and the Vale of Mowbray.
~1140 ftSE
Historical place
Rievaulx Terrace, Helmsley
6 min walk • Rievaulx Terrace is a site located in the North York Moors National Park, in North Yorkshire, England, overlooking Rievaulx Abbey and owned by the National Trust. The site is a grass-covered terrace following a serpentine course across the side of a wooded escarpment overlooking the ruins of the abbey.
4.2 miSW
Nightlife, Restaurant
The Black Swan, Thirsk
109 min walk • The Black Swan is a restaurant with rooms at Oldstead, in North Yorkshire, England which provides food, drink and accommodation. Its restaurant, run by chef Tommy Banks, has been awarded a Michelin Star and Four AA Rosettes. It was rated the best restaurant in the world in 2017 by TripAdvisor.
2.3 miE
Hiking, Hiking trail
Ebor Way, North York Moors
59 min walk • The Ebor Way is a 70-mile long-distance footpath from Helmsley, North Yorkshire to Ilkley, West Yorkshire, England. It takes its name from Eboracum, the Roman name for York.
4.9 miE
Church
St Saviour's Church
126 min walk • St Saviour's Church, Harome is a Grade II listed parish church in the Church of England in Harome, North Yorkshire.
4.7 miSE
Church
Saint Oswald's
119 min walk • The Church of Saint Oswald, King and Martyr is an Anglican church serving the village and parish of Oswaldkirk, North Yorkshire, England. It is located along the main road passing through the village, 1.5 miles east of Ampleforth Abbey.