Ampleforth Abbey is home to a Benedictine community of 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 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 (opening March 2024), be inspired and intrigued by the turbulent history of the English Benedictine order, and how they came to settle in Ampleforth.

Explore the Grounds

The Ampleforth valley covers 1,600 acres of lakes and woodland in the Howardian Hills; a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 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.