Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Bank
Rievaulx
Helmsley
York
YO62 5LB
Set deep within a secluded valley in North Yorkshire, Rievaulx Abbey rises from the landscape in silent testament to centuries of devotion, ambition and upheaval.
Founded in 1132 by twelve monks from Clairvaux, it was the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England. Its remote setting reflected the order’s desire for a life shaped by prayer, solitude, and self-sufficiency. Under the guidance of its second abbot, Aelred, the abbey flourished into one of Yorkshire’s most significant monastic communities, with a growing population of monks and lay brothers and the foundation of daughter houses across Britain.
Today, visitors can walk among the ruins and uncover the lives once led here through artefacts, detailed exhibitions, and thought-provoking displays on its eventual destruction during the Dissolution. The surrounding landscape, shaped by the monks themselves, continues to echo with the quiet resilience of its past.
Things to See & Do
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Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
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