Rievaulx Abbey

Collect a children’s trail from the visitor centre and hunt for clues about how monks lived 800 years ago when you are looking for things to do with the kids in North Yorkshire.  Rievaulx Abbey is the perfect choice for a relaxing and tranquil day out with the family.

Listen to an audio tour as you wander around the stunning ruins of the Abbey near Helmsley. Rievaulx was the first Cistercian abbey to be established in the north of England and became one of the most powerful in Europe. It can boast to be one of the most complete abbeys in Britain uncovering nearly one thousand years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history. Its picturesque ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars and was one of the first major ruins to be conserved by the Office of Works (ancestor of English Heritage) in 1917.

Visit the museum to investigate medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins that tell the story of the abbey’s turbulent history. Discover 900 years of fascinating history on the audio tour and learn about how the medieval monks devoted their lives to spiritual matters as well developing thriving businesses to become one of the wealthiest monasteries in Britain.

Take the Helmsley to Rievaulx walk and follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims from the stronghold of Helmsley Castle to the breathtaking Rievaulx Abbey. Discover more about the castle at Helmsley, which belonged to the founder of Rievaulx, and explore the beautiful and peaceful Rievaulx Valley. You can download the route from the website.

Visit on an events day when you can join family activities, check the programme of events online.

Complete a lovely day out with a treat in the Rievaulx Abbey Cafe and try some delicious locally sourced Yorkshire farye while enjoying stunning views from the terrace.

A family ticket includes 2 adults and 3 children.