Rievaulx Abbey — Attraction in Rievaulx

After searching for abbey ruins in Yorkshire, I happened to come across Rievaulx Abbey. Seeing as I'd never been here before, I thought it would be an experience, to come and pay a visit. I'm glad I did, these ruins are beautiful and a fascinating insight, into the past. Of course, if you're an English Heritage member, parking and entry will be free. But I didn't mind paying the £15 for entry and the £6.00 for parking (mind you, that was all day!) There was the option, of getting 2-3 hours. However, I wanted to take my time and not have to clock-watch so the parking didn't run out. There was a brief wait to pay, but the pleasant gentleman at the counter made purchasing an entry ticket a breeze.

Through the automatic double doors, you walk along the path and then, as you clear the trees, begin to bear witness to this magnificent structure once teeming with life and monks, dedicated to their faith and monastic lives. These are ruins which, in my opinion, are still in fantastic condition and so allow you to really picture, what it would have looked like all those years ago. To stand in the main part of the church, is quite an experience indeed. You get a real sense, of just how huge this place really was! I loved that there were boards along the route, which were great with the complimentary audio guide, which helped to tell the story of this once busy and thriving abbey. You don't have to have the audio guide, but if you are interested to learn more than what the information boards tell you, I'd highly recommend! There are benches and tables as you exit the gift shop, on the grassy area to your left, along with benches dotted around the ruins too, particularly around the cloister garden, which makes for a very peaceful place, to stop and admire what once was.

When you return to the main building, as I mentioned earlier, there is a gift shop to pick up a fridge magnet or a postcard (along with some other, cool things too!) There's also a cafe too, if you're wanting to sit and enjoy a hot/cold drink with a slice of cake (I believe there are other things on the menu too). However I cannot comment on this, as I decided to head into the nearby market town of Helmsley.

If you're someone who loves history and enjoys taking in ancient ruins, then this is definitely somewhere you won't want to miss. Just a word of caution, that the road to and from the car park can be quite narrow in parts, along with walkers that use it too! So please do be careful, when...

A Tranquil Step Back in Time: My Visit to Rievaulx Abbey Rievaulx Abbey is a truly special place, a serene and beautiful ruin that offers a captivating glimpse into monastic life. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the immaculate cleanliness of the site. The grounds are clearly very well cared for, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the architectural grandeur without distraction. The skeletal remains of the abbey church and monastic buildings are remarkably well-preserved, evoking a powerful sense of history. Wandering through the towering arches and imagining the lives of the Cistercian monks who once called this place home was a truly moving experience. The intricate details in the stonework, weathered by time, still speak volumes about the skill and dedication of the original builders. Beyond the historical significance, the setting of Rievaulx Abbey is simply breathtaking. Nestled in a peaceful valley alongside the River Rye, the abbey is surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Even on a cooler day, the natural beauty of the location was undeniable, and I could easily envision how stunning it would be in the summer. The expansive lawns surrounding the ruins seem perfectly designed for a picturesque picnic, offering ample space to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. The visitor centre provides helpful context and insights into the abbey's history, enhancing the overall experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Overall, my visit to Rievaulx Abbey was a delightful and enriching experience. It's a place where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge to create a truly memorable destination. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit, and I certainly plan to return in the summer to enjoy a picnic amidst the magnificent ruins. It's a perfect spot for anyone seeking peace, beauty, and a connection...

First of all, I thoroughly recommend either a corporate membership or English Heritage membership, as I do think their ticket prices to be expensive (probably deliberately so - to encourage membership). With this in mind, please appreciate we do not place the same weight on attractions as someone who paid full price etc. Now on to the review... We LOVE Rievaulx Abbey. Clearly, I can't review the beautiful ruin, as no words can capture their beauty or the feeling they evoke. But I will say that the facilities (visitors centre, cafe, toilets etc) are top notch. Furthermore the staff are all very engaged and pleased to help, they are excellent with my toddler every time we visit. I've attached a picture of an offer available at the moment, a picnic for 2/3 for £25, the menu speaks for itself, it's a saving of around £5 from buying the items individually - a good deal and you get to eat looking out at one of the most beautiful views in Yorkshire. Finally, a plea, please add a small play area, it would not need to be on the scale of Brodsworth Hall, could go under the trees near the visitors centre and would make it that little bit easier to "sell" a...