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Rievaulx Abbey

📍 North Yorkshire, England

4.6 ★★★★½ 5,200 reviews

About

Rievaulx Abbey was a Cistercian abbey in Rievaulx, near Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England. It was one of the great abbeys in England until it was seized in 1538 under Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The wider site was awarded Scheduled Ancient Monument status in 1915 and the abbey was brought into the care of the then Ministry of Works in 1917. The ruins of its main buildings are today a tourist attraction, owned and maintained by English Heritage. The Cleveland Way long distance footpath passes just to the south of the Abbey.

Getting There

🚂 Thirsk Station

LNER from London King's Cross (2.5 hrs) or York (30 min). Abbey is 15 miles — taxi needed.

🅿️ Abbey Car Park

English Heritage car park at the abbey. Free for members.

🚗 By Car

2.5 miles west of Helmsley off the B1257. Well signed.

Terrain & Accessibility

♿ Partially Accessible🚶 Gravel & Grass Paths⚠️ Uneven in Ruins💺 Seating Available

Set in a beautiful valley. The paths around the ruins are gravel and generally good. Inside the ruins the ground is uneven in places. The museum is accessible. Rievaulx Terrace (National Trust, separate site above) has spectacular views but steep access.