Things to see and do at Rievaulx Abbey
There’s plenty to see and do on a visit to Rievaulx Abbey. Below, we’ve listed our highlights, including the audio tour, the museum, the exhibition and the all-important cafe where you can refuel after exploring these wonderful tranquil ruins.
Explore the ruins
Hidden in the deep River Rye valley, the beautiful and tranquil ruins of Rievaulx Abbey reflect nearly 1,000 years of spiritual, commercial and Romantic history.
Rievaulx was one of the first Cistercian abbeys to be founded in England in around 1130. After the dissolution, it became the centre of commercial activity. The abbey forge was used to set up an ironworks on the site.
The abbey then entered its Romantic period as the ruins became a beacon for poets, painters, and scholars. It was one of the first major ruins to be conserved by the Office of Works (ancestor of English Heritage) in 1917.
Take the audio tour
Pick up the audio tour and discover 900 years of fascinating history. Learn about the monks in medieval times. Hear how they devoted their lives to spiritual matters yet at the same time established a thriving business to become one of the wealthiest monasteries in Britain.
Find out about the abbey's role in the development of the Cistercian order across Europe, and its important place in England's medieval economy.
Stop by the museum
Discover the rich past of this powerful medieval monastery in our museum displaying previously unseen artefacts from the abbey.
Look out for elaborate medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.
Have a break
Take in stunning views of Rievaulx Abbey as you tuck into a treat in the café, which serves hot and cold drinks and a selection of high-quality food made with locally sourced ingredients.
There's a choice of hot and cold meals, sandwiches, soup, cakes, tray bakes and scones. Our homemade soup is always vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free, and we offer more options for those with a vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free diet. Children's lunchboxes are available, and we can offer smaller portions of some of the main dishes for younger visitors.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here.
We also have an outdoor terrace where you can soak up the atmosphere of the abbey while enjoying your meal or afternoon tea.
The cafe is accessible without admission to the Rievaulx Abbey site and is open whenever the abbey is open. (Note: we close 30 minutes before the site.) Thank you! Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.