Byland Abbey
Coxwold, North Yorkshire
The remains of one of England's greatest monasteries, free to walk with your dog on wide flat grass, with medieval floor tiles still in place.
Byland was once one of the greatest monasteries in England and its design influenced church building right across the north. What stands now is the west front with the lower half of an enormous rose window, and a remarkable spread of medieval floor tiles still in position on the ground, among the best surviving anywhere in the country.
While you walk the outline of the whole church and take in just how big it was, your dog gets wide, flat, mown grounds that make this an easy site and a good stopping point if you are walking or cycling in the North York Moors National Park.
The abbey grounds are open during any reasonable daylight hours and free, with the small museum keeping its own times. This site is unstaffed and carries no published dog rules, so keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the grass. There is a pub directly opposite. Byland runs free events during Heritage Open Days in September, which need booking.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Abbey & Church
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Wheelchair access
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Byland Abbey dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Byland Abbey and can explore the wide, flat, mown grounds around the ruins freely. The site is unstaffed and has no published dog rules, but we'd recommend keeping your dog on a lead near the ruins and under close control on the grass as a matter of good practice.
Are dogs allowed at Byland Abbey year round?
The abbey grounds are open during any reasonable daylight hours throughout the year and are free to enter, so you can visit with your dog across all seasons. If you're planning around the free Heritage Open Days events in September, bear in mind these need to be booked in advance.
What should I know before visiting Byland Abbey with my dog?
The site is unstaffed, so there's no one on hand to advise on the day — keep your dog on a lead around the ruins and under close control on the open grass. The grounds are flat and easy going, which makes it a relaxed stop, and there's a pub directly opposite if you fancy a break after your visit.
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