Ampleforth Abbey
Home to a community of Benedictine monks since 1802 and one of only a handful of working monasteries in the UK.
Ampleforth, York, YO62 4EN
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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EV charging options
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
The Abbey Church is arranged over one level, with external and internal ramps and guided pathways for access to the Abbey Church. A manual wheelchair and a motorised wheelchair are available for loan free of charge.
Alban Roe House contains our Visitor Centre, Tea Room and Gift Shop selling a range of souvenirs. These are all situated on one level with step free access. If you require assistance at all during your visit, please visit main reception and the team will be available to help.
Please note, Guide dogs and Hearing Aid dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and the Abbey Church but other pets are not. Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
If you have any queries or require any assistance prior to your visit, please call us on 01439 766099.
You can download our full accessibility guide from our website: https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/visit-us/plan-visit
Ampleforth Abbey has been home to a community of Benedictine monks since 1802 and is one of only a handful of working monasteries in the UK. Surrounded by 1,200 acres of Yorkshire countryside, Ampleforth Abbey offers visitors a tranquil and unforgettable escape from everyday life. Here you can find hope, wonder, art, history, nature, beauty, faith.
Begin your day at the Visitor Centre, where you can learn more about the history of Ampleforth Abbey and the life of the Monastic Community, before visiting the Grade 1 listed Abbey Church designed by eminent architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Ampleforth Abbey also has the largest known collection of ‘Mouseman’ furniture, handcrafted by Robert Thompson – look out for the famous carved mice in the Abbey Church, Tea Room and Gift Shop.
Beyond the Visitor Centre you can explore 1,200 acres of serene countryside including lakes, woodland and Ampleforth Abbey’s heritage orchard, with over 1,500 trees and 60 apple varieties. Located in the foothills of the North York Moors National Park, Ampleforth is the perfect place to reconnect, relax and unwind.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Ampleforth Abbey welcomes visitors to explore its beautiful grounds, participate in religious services, or learn about monastic life. The Abbey is located in the North York Moors and is accessible by road, rail, and bus.
Opening Times
- Abbey Church: Open 7 days a week.
- Grounds: Open 7 days a week.
- Retreat Facilities: Open 7 days a week, but booking is required.
- Visitor Centre, Shop & Tea Room:
- Spring/Summer: Open 7 days a week, 10am - 5pm (closed on Good Friday).
- Autumn/Winter: Open 7 days a week, 10am - 3pm (closed from 22 December 2025 to 16 January 2026).
Accessibility
The Abbey is situated on a natural hillside, requiring navigation of slopes and steps. Accessibility information is available, and visitors with specific needs are encouraged to contact the Abbey in advance.
Other Information
- The site is non-smoking.
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and are not allowed in buildings, except for assistance dogs.
For further details, visitors can contact the Abbey directly via phone or email.
Free entry to the Abbey Church, Visitor Centre, Grounds, Tea Room and Gift Shop.
Charges apply for Guided Tours of the Abbey Church.
Guided Tours of the Abbey Church are free for Historic Houses members and are available on Thursdays and Sundays at 2pm. To qualify for a free Guided Tour, please book your tour at the Visitor Centre on the day of your visit and show your membership card on arrival.
As a destination for groups, Ampleforth Abbey offers something truly unique. Yorkshire is home to a number of ancient abbey ruins – Fountains, Rievaulx, Byland – and yet here at Ampleforth you will find a living and vibrant monastic community, surrounded by the most beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Whether you are looking for a full day out or simply a new addition to your existing group itinerary, you’ll find plenty of inspiration at Ampleforth Abbey. Here you can find the perfect combination of faith, heritage, art, craftsmanship and nature, giving you the flexibility to shape an itinerary based on the interests of your group and create a memorable day out.
Please email [email protected] for group packages and booking details.
Ampleforth Abbey offers educational groups a unique learning environment alongside a working Benedictine monastic community. Located in the beautiful Ampleforth valley, groups can explore the Abbey Church and expand learning outdoors in over 1,200 acres of woodland, lakes and walks. We welcome school groups and their teachers for residential stays, retreats and day trips throughout the year. The retreat experience allows young people to develop confidence to be themselves, understand their gifts and the meaning of faith in their lives. Our safe and secure environment includes a newly refurbished mix of dormitory and ensuite accommodation with catering, activity rooms, chapel and visitor centre.
The Abbey Church is arranged over one level, with external and internal ramps and guided pathways for access to the Abbey Church. A manual wheelchair and a motorised wheelchair are available for loan free of charge.
Alban Roe House contains our Visitor Centre, Tea Room and Gift Shop selling a range of souvenirs. These are all situated on one level with step free access. If you require assistance at all during your visit, please visit main reception and the team will be available to help.
Please note, Guide dogs and Hearing Aid dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and the Abbey Church but other pets are not. Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
If you have any queries or require any assistance prior to your visit, please call us on 01439 766099.
You can download our full accessibility guide from our website: https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/visit-us/plan-visit
Getting here
Ampleforth, York, YO62 4EN
Ampleforth Abbey is located in the foothills of the North York Moors National Park, just 15 miles from Thirsk and 19 miles from York. Easily accessible by road from Thirsk, Harrogate, York, Pickering and Northallerton.
Walkers and cyclists are welcome, and several walking and cycling routes pass through the Ampleforth Abbey Estate.
