Rievaulx Abbey

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Aerial view of Rievaulx Abbey
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Address
Rievaulx, Nr Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5LB

What you need to know

We've made some changes to help keep you safe, and things might be a little different when you visit. Here's everything you need to know.

  • Do we need to Book?

    You don’t need to book your ticket in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.

    If you are a Member and wish to book, your ticket is still free.

    Your booking is for the site/event only and does not guarantee a car parking space, which may carry an additional charge.

    Book Tickets

    Booking FAQs

  • Keeping you Safe

    Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe. We’re continuing with enhanced cleaning and you’ll find hand sanitiser stations on site. Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also help us keep you and other visitors safe by not visiting if you have symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.

    General Safety Information

Our Aelred

A new exhibition trail highlighting one of the world’s most fascinating saints has opened up at Rievaulx Abbey. 

Through a series of information panels Friendship, Leadership and Sainthood explores the life and times of Aelred, a 12th century abbot and saint from Rievaulx Abbey who has become an unlikely LGBTQ+ icon. The exhibition trail, which opened in 2021, looks at the twenty years that he spent at the abbey, his sainthood and modern role. An inspirational leader and writer, his influence resonates through the centuries with many of his works, especially those on friendship, still read today by people of all faiths and none.

The exhibition trail, which will be in place until the end of 2022, is free of charge and separate information leaflets are available. 

The life of Aelred of Rievaulx

Guidebook: Rievaulx Abbey

Price: £5.50

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 Timeline

1131-2First Abbey

Walter Espec, lord of Helmsley, builds temporary timber structures for the first monks sent from Clairvaux in France.

Find out more about the history of Rievaulx Abbey

1135-6Stone Structures

William, the first abbot, begins work on the first stone buildings.

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Gallery for Rievaulx Abbey

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