Today we've announced the opening of Rievaulx Terrace an 18^th century parkland half-a-mile long featuring two Neoclassical temples, one opulently furnished for hosting summer dinner parties with a magnificent painted ceiling inspired by Renaissance Rome and Ancient Greece.

We will welcome visitors to the Grade I listed park by launching a new joint ticket with Rievaulx Abbey - which the Terrace was designed to overlook - adding a fascinating new chapter to the history of the Norman monastery.

Reportedly taking eight years to level the broad promenade, Rievaulx Terrace was completed in 1757 and was part of Duncombe Park, home of Thomas Duncombe II whose ancestors had previously lived in Helmsley Castle (now also in the care of English Heritage). The terraced walk was designed to take in the stunning views of Rievaulx Abbey in the valley, a leading example of the ‘Picturesque’ fashion adopted by many of the landed gentry across the North of England at the time, each trying to outdo the last, including Duncombe’s Father.   Rievaulx’s trump card being the natural beauty of the valley, whose thickly wooded slopes Rievaulx’s monks once exploited to build their monastery and fuel their iron-making furnaces.

Inspired by Duncombe’s experience of the Grand Tour, his father’s work at Duncombe Park house, and the ornamental landscape designed by his wife’s grandfather at Castle Howard, the temples built on either end of the parkland were intended to impress yet further and as well as a feature for guests to admire whilst strolling the grounds, the larger Ionic temple with its small basement kitchen was used by the family for hosting summer dinner parties. Inside, visitors will be able to take in the richly decorated ceiling and walls, and see original furniture made for the building as well as two internationally significant gilt settees by William Kent, a leading Yorkshire-born designer.

Tuukka Laakso Rievaulx Abbey Cluster Manager at English Heritage said:

"We are delighted to now offer visitors access to both the Abbey and the Terraces with a single ticket, providing excellent value and the opportunity to enjoy a memorable day out in one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful locations. While each attraction offers its own unique character and appeal, both promise breathtaking scenery, a sense of wonder, and an unforgettable visitor experience."

A joint ticket costs from £33.46 (family of 2 adults and up to 3 children). Members go free.

Rievaulx Abbey is open 10am- 5pm, 7 days a week until October

Rievaulx Terrace is open 10am – 5pm, 7 days a week until October.

English Heritage is operating Rievaulx Terrace under a management agreement from the National Trust.