Rievaulx Terrace
A small stone temple with columns at the front surrounded by green countryside

School Visits

Rievaulx Terraces offer a pleasant woodland walk with a variety of trees and undergrowth for students to identify, before opening onto a lawned viewing platform with small temple-shaped buildings at either end. These were constructed in the 1700’s to allow the hall owners to host parties and dinners for themselves and their guests.

The architecture of these buildings was inspired by the romans and much of the artwork inside reflects Greek mythology.

From here, you can look down on the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey – a unique opportunity for a bird’s eye view of this iconic site. There is a woodland path allowing direct access to the abbey from the terrace (unsuitable for wheelchairs).

Curriculum Links

Support your teaching in the classroom by stepping out of it. A visit to Rievaulx Terraces will help you bring learning to life, covering multiple topics across the curriculum and key stages.

  • KS1: Science projects focusing on habitats and materials and seasonal changes. History topics relating to houses and homes and past and present.
  • KS2: Science topics focused on animals, plants, habitats and materials. Art and design topics. History themes linked to roman and ancient Greek topics, local history and changes through times.
  • KS3: Science visits linked to eco systems. Art and design and technology work. Geography topics related to settlement and land use. History themes of Medieval and Georgian life.
  • KS4: Science visits based around eco systems and biodiversity. History studies linked to Georgian architecture and leisure activities.
  • KS5: Science themes of biodiversity and eco systems. Art and design and architecture projects. History themes relating to Georgian life, leisure pursuits and garden design.
A small stone temple with columns at the front surrounded by green countryside (image courtesy of Alan Carter/Alamy)

Self-Led Visits

Book a self-led visit to Rievaulx Terraces and organise your day to suit your curriculum objectives. Don’t miss the birds’ eye view of Rievaulx Abbey.

Identify the trees and plants growing along the woodland paths. Learn the history of the site with a visit to the rooms below the Ionic Temple. Look into the mirrors in the windows of the Tuscan Temple to see the internal painted ceiling.

UK schools and eligible learning groups can visit for free to support your teaching. Find out more about our offer for international education groups.                                                                                       

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Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: Coach parking and car parking available on site. Access is by a narrow track with passing places.
    • TOILETS: Toilets are present – male, female and accessible.
    • LUNCH: Picnics are welcome. Unfortunately, there is no indoor space for lunch.
    • SHOP: There is a gift shop selling English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Please visit in small groups.
    • EDUCATION ROOM or BAG STORAGE: Unfortunately, there is no Education room or bag storage available.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: Access to buildings is via steps. The site and Visitor entrance can be accessed by using a ramp and the pathways are gravel or grass with no slopes.
    • WET WEATHER: Unfortunately, there is no indoor cover on site apart from the small display area under the Ionic Temple. Please wear appropriate clothing for your visit.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer free self-led education visits during school term time*. See our education opening times below for individual site information.

    *Free education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-October: Monday-Sunday 10-3pm
    • November-March: Saturday-Sunday 10-3pm

Learning Resources

  • Outdoor Learning Kit (KS1-3)

    This kit supports cross-curricular teaching whether at an English Heritage garden near you, in the green spaces at your school, or in your own back garden.

  • Sustainability and the Environment

    Our sites offer fantastic opportunities to delve into history and support your teaching of the environment, climate change and sustainability. Use our articles, videos and suggested activities to support a cross-curricular exploration of nature and wildlife. 

  • Out of the Box

    We've been working with Out of the Box, supporting people to access their local heritage and find meaningful ways to connect with it through talk. Learn more about all the different opportunities on offer to explore place-based, object-based learning through this project, with support from Arts Council England and North Yorkshire Council. 

  • A Mini Guide to Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.

  • Meet a Medieval Monk

    Join Aelred at Rievaulx Abbey to find out more about the life of a medieval monk. 

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.