Refectory Cottage, Rievaulx Abbey, Yorkshire
Located in the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey
Sleeps 4 + cot
Prices from £480
Book now

15% off* holiday cottages this festive season

No matter where you choose to stay, enjoy a 15% discount on our available holiday cottages this Christmas and New Year, from 23 December - 3 January. From tranquil countryside escapes to family-friendly locations, our cottages offer a perfect base to enjoy your holiday getaway. Simply use FESTIVESTAY15 at STEP 3 of the booking process. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is valid for new bookings only.

Refectory Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey

Refectory Cottage s a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps four people. The cottage is sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling North Yorkshire countryside and in the valley of the ancient River Rye. The cottage was bullt using reclaimed abbey stone and close inspection reveals the medieval masons' marks on many of the blocks used in its construction. The interior of the cottage is spacious and comfortable for a family holiday so you may be tempted to simply stay at home and catch glimpses of the abbey through the cottage windows. Access to the abbey is through a gate from the cottage's private garden. It is adjacent to a cottage belonging to a local working estate. Included in your booking is a luxury hamper, as well as entry to all English Heritage sites and most events, 10% off in our shops and cafés during your stay. To view the floorplan of this holiday cottage and to discover the full list of available facilities, view the layout and facilities.

Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor
Kitchen, ground floor
Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Kitchen and dining space

Kitchen and dining space

Kitchen and dining space
Kitchen and dining space
Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor
Kitchen, ground floor
Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor

Kitchen, ground floor
Kitchen, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor

Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor

Master bedroom, first floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Bathroom, first floor

Bathroom, first floor

Bathroom, first floor
Bathroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor

Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Toilet, ground floor

Toilet, ground floor

Toilet, ground floor
Toilet, ground floor
Outdoor private dining area

Outdoor private dining area

Outdoor private dining area
Outdoor private dining area
Outdoor private garden

Outdoor private garden

Outdoor private garden
Outdoor private garden
Outdoor private dining area

Outdoor private dining area

Outdoor private dining area
Outdoor private dining area
Access to Refectory Cottage

Access to Refectory Cottage

Access to Refectory Cottage
Access to Refectory Cottage
Access to site from Refectory Cottage

Access to site from Refectory Cottage

Access to site from Refectory Cottage
Access to site from Refectory Cottage

Take a Virtual tour

To get better feel for the space at Refectory Cottage, take the below virtual 360° 'walk-around’ to discover all rooms. See where steps and level-changes are in the property and discover features and fittings to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Click on the hotspots and spin around to see into each room.

Discover Rievaulx Abbey

Step out of the cottage and you're in the abbey grounds, where the Cistercians were part of the greatest ecclesiastical organisation ever seen and where Rievaulx Abbey owned lands all over Yorkshire. So, it's no wonder Henry VIII wanted to get his hands on it. The abbey was founded in 1132 and when St Aelred became abbot 15 years later, there were 140 male choir monks and 500 lay brothers. And what a life they led - rising at 1.30am in summer (an extra hour in bed was allowed in winter) they would work and pray for 10 hours before enjoying their first meal. The walk from Rievaulx to Helmsley Castle, another English Heritage property, can be done in less than an hour and taking your time is the best way to walk along the three-mile trek. Author James Herriot lived near Rievaulx and described the view over the Vale of York as: "the finest in England".

Find out more

This was our 2nd visit and it did not disappoint. We all had a fabulous time and enjoyed our stay very much. We will be back.
S. P
Having access to Rievaulx Abbey was wonderful. This was a very special holiday.
A. S
I’ve stayed here many times and have already booked next year. I absolutely love it.
L.J
This was our first stay in an English Heritage Cottage and it was an excellent experience. The Welcome Hamper was wonderful, even bowls for the dog!
S. W