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See Also

Visit the English Heritage Archaeology Store at Helmsley
Visit the English Heritage Archaeology Store at Helmsley
Free guided tours lead by English Heritage Curators
The Abbey Inn
Eat, drink or stay at The Abbey Inn, overlooking Byland Abbey.
Find a Hotel with Active Hotel

Byland Abbey

Byland Abbey
General view of the ruins (c) English Heritage
Byland Abbey - General view of the ruins (c) General view in the snow - General view in the snow (c) View from the south transept through to ambulatory - View from the south transept through to ambulatory (c)

Byland was one of the great Yorkshire Cistercian abbeys, housing at its zenith well over 200 monks and lay brothers. Much of its huge cathedral-sized church survives, including the whole north side and the greater part of the 13th-century west front. The mixture of rounded Romanesque and pointed Gothic arches shows how architectural styles changed, and reveals that Byland was one of the earliest Gothic buildings in the north. Its great circular rose window, now surviving only in part, was probably the model for the rose window of York Minster.

The museum displays colourful interpretation panels together with archaeological finds from the site, giving an insight into monastic life.

Rievaulx Abbey and Helmsley Castle are within reasonable travelling distance.

The Abbey Inn A gastro-pub overlooking Byland Abbey, the Abbey Inn was adapted from medieval buildings within the monastic precinct, and used as a farmhouse. It was converted to a pub in the 20th century and now offers high quality English food, using the best of local ingredients.

www.bylandabbeyinn.co.uk

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar - 31 Jul 11am-6pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Aug 11am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 11am-6pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.50
Children:
£1.80
Concession:
£2.80
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
North Yorkshire - YO61 4BD
Road Access:
2 miles S of A170, between Thirsk and Helmsley; near Coxwold village
Train Access:
Thirsk 10 miles
Bus Access:
Stephensons 31/X, Moorsbus M15 York - Helmsley
Telephone:
01347 868614 (Byland Abbey). 01347 868204 (Abbey Inn)

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Suitable for people with disabilities Museum Education Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Picnic area Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Restaurant
Facilities Details:
Parking at Abbey Inn. Toilets at Abbey Inn.
Access:
Access to abbey and grounds: Via smooth grass. Custodians will advise wheelchair users of a route around the ruins which avoids steps. Benches provided.
NB Some grass areas may be marshy in wet weather.
Museum: one step.
Refreshments: Abbey Inn has level access and also has outdoor tables and chairs.
Toilets: Adapted WC in main car park, reached via small concrete ramp.
Parking:
70m from main car park (behind Abbey Inn) to entrance; 20m from smaller car park. Main car park has loose gravel. Disabled visitors may be set down at entrance gate, but beware passing cars.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Carved stonework to touch in museum.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1347 868614.
Group Booking:
As there is no parking on site, please use Abbey Inn car park (100 metres) which has room for 1 coach.
Average Length of Visit:
45 minutes.
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