Museums & Galleries · York

Rievaulx Abbey Museum

📍 YO62 5LB

👍 0 👎 0 Log in to vote

Photo: english-heritage.org.uk

Museum displaying previously unseen artefacts from the abbey
See medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins
Explore the tranquil ruins of Rievaulx Abbey
Take an audio tour covering 900 years of history

Rievaulx Abbey Museum sits within the wider Rievaulx Abbey site in North Yorkshire, where you can explore nearly 1,000 years of history among tranquil ruins in the River Rye valley. The museum displays previously unseen artefacts, including medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins that tell the story of this powerful Cistercian monastery. You can also pick up an audio tour exploring 900 years of monastic and commercial history, then relax in the café, which looks out over the ruins and serves locally sourced food. It suits history lovers and families wanting a tranquil day out. The nearest station is Thirsk, 10.5 miles away, and there are 46 bookable places to stay within 5 miles on BritStays.

Practical details

Open: Café open whenever the abbey is open, closing 30 minutes before the site
Booking: Café accessible without needing admission to the abbey site
Best for: Those interested in medieval monastic history and artefacts

From the attraction's own website on 17 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.

Facilities

✓ Cafe
✓ Disabled Access
✓ Gift Shop
✓ Guided Tours
✓ Pet Friendly
✓ WiFi

♥ Save to my trip

👍 👎

Share WhatsApp Facebook X Pinterest Email

Official website ↗

Visitor reviews

No reviews yet — been here? Be the first to share what it's like.

Do you own or manage Rievaulx Abbey Museum?

Claim this listing to respond to reviews and keep your information up to date. Verification is free — see why owners claim their listing.

Create a free account to claim

Your stay

Swafield Barns - The Tack Room

Cottages · Cromer

142 miles from here

← Back to Swafield Barns - The Tac...

🛏️ Stay near Rievaulx Abbey Museum

Swiss Cottage0.1 mi · Cottages · from £627 Book ↗
Mill House0.1 mi · Cottages · from £667 Book ↗
Ashberry Retreats - Ashberry Farm Cottage0.4 mi · Cottages · from £343 Book ↗

🏨 Hotel deals in York on Booking.com ↗ Compare every stay within 10 miles →

Booked direct with the operator — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

English Heritage property

Going more than once this year?

Rievaulx Abbey Museum is cared for by English Heritage. Membership covers free entry here and at their sites across the country, so it tends to pay for itself inside a couple of days out — worth checking before you buy single tickets.

See membership options ↗

Via English Heritage — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.