Ampleforth Abbey Helmsley

Ampleforth Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks who welcome visitors into the Abbey for services, and to explore the extensive and stunning Abbey grounds. Entry is free.

History & Heritage

The Abbey Church and monastery offer a fascinating insight into a living monastic community. Founded in 1802, the Benedictine community at Ampleforth Abbey is the largest community of monks in the UK and remains faithful to the expectations of St Benedict, who said that no monastery is complete without guests. Ampleforth Abbey offers extensive Retreat facilities.

The Abbey Church was designed by distinguished architect Sir Gilbert Scott and is filled with furniture, sculpture, and glass from skilled crafts people, including local oak furniture craftsman Robert Thompson.

In our Visitor Centre, be inspired and intrigued by the turbulent history of the English Benedictine order, and how they came to settle in Ampleforth.

Tea Room

Open daily 10.00-17.00 (reduced hours Nov-Mar, please check website) home-made refreshments are available including hot meals and cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks including our Ampleforth Abbey apple juice and cider. Visit the website for reservations, including booking our delicious afternoon tea!

Outside seating offers stunning views across the Ampleforth valley, and an external serving hatch gives cyclists and walkers a useful place to stop and refuel while enjoying the local cycle routes.

Dogs are not permitted in the Tea Room, but owners are welcome to enjoy refreshments at our outside seating area.

Explore the Grounds

The Ampleforth valley covers 1,200 acres of lakes and woodland in the Howardian Hills National Landscape, with the North York Moors National Park to the north. We welcome walkers and ramblers to our grounds throughout the year. Public footpaths weave across the Ampleforth Valley and can be followed using an OS Howardian Hills and Malton map. Please be aware that some routes includes some uneven and narrow footpath along the lake sides.

Dogs are very welcome in the Ampleforth Abbey grounds, but please make sure that they remain on a lead. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs indoors, with the exception of assistance dogs.

The Perfect Base

Conveniently located within easy travelling distance of the city of York, the Yorkshire coast and on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park – Ampleforth Abbey makes the perfect base for activity groups wishing to explore the local area. The newly refurbished group accommodation offers a mix of dormitory and en-suite leaders’ rooms. Accessible rooms are also available. Enquire here

Orchard & Cider Mill

Ampleforth Abbey Orchard is one of the largest commercial orchards in the North of England. Our full juice cider is crafted from a blend of dessert and culinary apples, pressed in our own Cider Mill where it is fermented and matured for eight months.

Ampleforth Abbey is one Herriot Country’s finest working ecclesiastical venues.