Rievaulx Abbey

Located in the valley of the North York Moor, Rievaulx Abbey are impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in York
Helmsley Castle
Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye, Helmsley Castle is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley, within the North York Moors National Park.
Helmsley Walled Garden
The garden is nestled at the bottom of the North York Moors between Duncombe Park and the scheduled ancient monument of Helmsley Castle.
Kilburn White Horse
The White Horse was designed and financed by Thomas Taylor, who marked out the figure of a horse on a hillside and a team of volunteers deposited 6 tons of lime on the naturally greyish rock beneath to whiten it.
Roulston Scar
The largest of a series of promontory forts located along the west and north edges of the Hambleton Hills. The defences surround the entire promontory (some 24 hectares or 60 acres) make it the largest and strongest prehistoric enclosure in Yorkshire.
Duncombe Park
Known as one of Yorkshire’s finest historic houses and estates, Duncombe Park has over 450 acres of spectacular gardens, parklands and classical temples.
Helmsley Town
Helmsley is the only market town in the North York Moors National Park with a big open marketplace.

Related Tours

North York Moors Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey: Private Guided Walk
Enjoy this circular walk in the beautiful North York Moors, with an expert local private guide. Beginning in the historic market town of Helmsley, you will take in several medieval ruins and celebrated views along the Cleveland walking trail. On your private tour, you will:

  • Enjoy the personalised attention of your private guide.
  • Begin in the charming Yorkshire market town of Helmsley. 
  • See the ruins of 900-year old Helmsley Castle and Walled Garden.
  • Pass by the Rievaulx Abbey – dating to 1131 and the largest, richest Cistercian Abbey in England. 
  • Follow the celebrated Cleveland Way trail of the North York Moors.
  • Enjoy the beautiful countryside, immerse in nature and admire beautiful panoramic views. 
  • Walk through the grounds of Duncombe Park.
  • Join the celebrated Cleveland Trail through the North York Moors.
  • Enjoy peaceful views of moor and woodland, medieval ruins and wildlife.
  • End the tour at the Helmsley Market Place and your guide will recommend you an amazing pub to have a fresh drink! 

Yorkshire boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse countrysides in England. This wonderful private tour is a 7-mile circular walk of the North York Moors National Park and follows some of the famous 110-mile-long Cleveland Way. Beginning in the charming town of Helmsley, the only market town in North Yorkshire, you’ll wander through purple heather moorland, take in stunning views of medieval castles and abbeys, see ancient stone crosses, and admire panoramic vistas of the moors and woodland. This is a peaceful and scenic walk that includes fascinating history and local folklore. 

You’ll begin by walking through the lovely grounds of Duncombe Park – a splendid Italianate stately home. Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of the 12th century Helmsley Castle with its lovely walled garden dating to 1756 and still functioning today. Then step onto the Cleveland Way – one of the most popular walking trails in England. Enjoy the purple haze of heather, and wonderful views of tranquil York countryside. You’ll pass by the renowned Rievaulx Abbey – the largest and richest Cistercian Abbey in the country, dating back to 1131. (You’ll learn all about the dissolution of the monasteries on this tour!) 

You’ll then head back via the Cleveland Way to return to Helmsley where your guide can recommend a delicious pub lunch, and where later, you may want to explore the Walled Garden or the fascinating National Centre for Birds of Prey.

Please note: this tour does not include hotel pick up or drop off. If you wish to arrange this, please be in touch with us upon making the booking.
Bridgerton-Themed Castle Howard: Private Day Trip from York
Castle Howard is a place and palace like no other where for over 300 years the Howard family have been welcoming visitors. In just one visit you'll see a palace, a town, a fortified city, temples, magnificent woods, hills, valleys and a mausoleum.  

On your private day trip, you will:

  • Enjoy sensational views of York Minster across the Vale of York as you drive out of the city;
  • Drive through Howardian Hills an area of outstanding natural beauty;
  • Enjoy an audio-guided tour of Castle Howard which was used as Bridgeton's Clyvedon Castle - the Duke of Hastings’ family estate;
  • Walk along the picturesque formal Gardens;
  • Visit Coneysthorpe, where you'll enjoy magnificent views of Castle Howard across the lake;
  • Enjoy breathtaking views across the North York Moors;
  • Visit picturesque, quaint villages, and pass by Newburgh Priory, which was founded in 1145;
  • Be dropped off at your hotel in York after the tour concludes.

Heading out of York you'll take in breathtaking views of York Minster as you head into the Vale of York. You'll then be driven through the charming villages of Sutton on Forest and Stililngton both mentioned in William the Conquerer’s Domesday Book after which the imposing York Minster comes into view. 

After driving through the Howardian Hills and former Castle Howard estate village of Bulmer you'll arrive at Castle Howard where you'll have the chance to stop for a coffee and browse the estate's shops. This will be followed by a private tour of the house and formal gardens before you're left to have lunch and explore on your own. 

After lunch, you'll have plenty of photo opportunities on the specially curated tour of picture perfect, chocolate box villages including a stop in Coneysthorpe where Bridgerton filming took place, before travelling through Hovingham past Hovingham Hall where HRH Duchess of Kent was born. You'll drive by many magnificent abbeys and their ruins including Rievaulx Abbey established in 1132, once one of the most important abbeys in England. 

On your way back into the Howardian Hills you'll travel past Newburgh Priory towards the village of Crayke mentioned in the Domesday Book. Far-reaching views across the Vale of York and towards the Yorkshire Dales lead you back to your hotel where you'll be dropped off.
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