Easby Abbey — Attraction in Easby

Just a short jump over the hill for us to enjoy one of our favourite walks.

The route from the Richmond Falls Car Park to Easby Abbey is quite easy going, mainly flat and undemanding and it doesn't take long to reach the beautiful ruins of the Abbey. (There is a car park at the Abbey itself for non-walkers or for those with only limited time to visit)

The Abbey itself is quite extensive and in parts it is still in fairly good condition with fabulous arches and intricate architecture. Be sure to look up the tale of the Lost Drummer Boy and keep an ear alert for his signal as you browse around this lovely historic site.

Once you have soaked up the atmosphere you can continue along the path, which is mainly broad and dry, until you find yourself at the old railway station where there is a lovely dog friendly cafe and gift shop. Well worth a stop.

From here you can choose to take the quick route over the bridge and back onto the path returning to your start point at the falls or you can take the left path by the bridge which follows a rougher route over the fields.

Whichever route you choose will lead you into Richmond centre where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town or maybe do as we do and buy a pork pie or sausage roll from the local bakery and sit on the steps of the monument to eat whilst watching the world bustle by.

A day spent here is a...

Easby Abbey, located near Richmond in North Yorkshire, England, is a significant historical site with origins dating back to the 12th century. Founded in 1152 by Roald, constable of Richmond, the abbey was established as a Premonstratensian monastery, an order known for combining the contemplative life of monks with active pastoral care.

Positioned along the banks of the River Swale, Easby Abbey was strategically placed to benefit from the fertile land and the support of the local gentry.

Architecturally, Easby Abbey is notable for its extensive and well-preserved ruins, which include the remains of the abbey church, cloister, chapter house, and refectory. The site reflects the typical layout of a Premonstratensian monastery, designed to facilitate both communal worship and individual contemplation.

Despite its dissolution in 1536 during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey’s ruins remain a picturesque and evocative landmark.

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A beautiful setting for this Abbey and plenty of ruins to see. Originally built in the 12th Century it was enlarged in the 14th Century. As with so many religious buildings aligned with Rome, alot of the Abbey was destroyed under Henry VIII's reign. The refectory is the most complete and impressive building on this site. English Heritage have done a good job in providing the history of this place on information boards around the site together with illustrations of what the undamaged structure would have looked like. I'm amazed that English Heritage don't charge to visit this place, but maybe that's due to the cost/logistics of setting up an office here. From the Abbey, you can do a circular walk along to Richmond and back. Easy route following the River Swale. Alot of people visiting the Abbey like myself were also doing this walk. Beware, although parking is free, it is very limited, I was lucky to get a space after a 10 minute wait for...