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Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley

4.8

#2 of 14 in Things to do in Helmsley

One of the wealthiest abbeys in England until it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538, Rievaulx Abbey offers visitors 900 years of history. Learn about the monks in medieval times, including their devotion and thriving business. Explore the artifacts and look for the exhibit “The Work of God and Man.” Sample a freshly baked scone and stroll around the sensory garden filled with herbs. The free audio tour is available in English, French, and German. Check the webpage in advance for school holiday events. Cottages can be rented should you wish to stay on. Forty parking spaces are available for a refundable fee, and additional parking can be found in nearby Helmsley. Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Helmsley fast, fun, and easy.

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Rievaulx Abbey Reviews

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4.8

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By irenedadler On March 22, 2018

I spent over 2 hours wandering through the ruins and I could have easily spent at least an hour more. The main chapel ruins are the most dramatic and breathtaking, but the associated buildings are jus... more »
By jennifer_dawson1950 On March 8, 2018

Well worthwhile trip to Rievaulx Abbey. Began with a coffee in the lovely cafe and then a walk around the ruins with a superb audio guide. Lots to see and benches for when you need a rest. Staff frien... more »
By Richard H On March 7, 2018

We enjoyed the Abbey, it wasn't as a nice as Foundations Abbey and would very much recommend anyone who only has time to visit one should go and see Foundations Abbey instead if they haven't already s... more »

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By E&C Cox On June 25, 2017

Amazingly beautiful valley... a perfect setting for this Abbey. The staff in the gift shop are very friendly and helpful. The cafe has good fare, it is clean, and it has a wonderful view of the abbey with outside seating. The abbey itself is magnificent. Ensure you get the audio guide before you leave the gift shop and be sure to find the 13+ locations on the grounds to get a really good audio tour. Bring your camera because the place is breath taking. There is a museum that I would highly recommend as it has many great artifacts and information. Self guided tour should take about 60-90 minutes.

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By Peter Langdale On September 16, 2017

Good displays. Abbey area is well kept. Staff are well informed. Dog friendly. Car park is small. Good but pricey tea room.

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By Phileas Fogg On July 28, 2017

A tranquil place in an area of outstanding beauty. The ruins give an atmospheric feel. It's easy to see why the monks chose this sheltered location. There is a really good information centre where you can learn about its origins and what life was like for the monks and people who lived in those times.

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By Mark Harrison On October 10, 2017

Set in a quiet valley, it is easy to imagine why the location was chosen 600 years ago for a Cisterciàn retreat. The extensive ruins retain many interesting features, I liked the way a number of pictures from 1919 were set around the site showing the ruin before rubble and ivy was cleared.

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By Chris Hart On September 10, 2017

One of the most complete ruins I have visited. Nice grounds, about as accessible as it can be. A bit of a drive, but worth a couple of hours exploring. The pictures speak for themselves.

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