AttractionEnglish Heritage

Rievaulx Abbey

Nr Helmsley, North Yorkshire

The most complete abbey ruins in England, filling a wooded valley, and your dog is welcome in the ruins and the tearoom, just not at the counter.

Rievaulx is the one that silences people. Founded in 1132, it became one of the wealthiest Cistercian houses in Britain, and the ruins of the great church still soar three storeys in a narrow wooded valley the monks reshaped to fit them, even diverting the River Rye to make room. The scale and setting together are hard to beat anywhere in Europe.

Whilst you take the audio tour round the monastic buildings and the exhibition on how the monks transformed the river and its landscape, your dog comes with you further than at most sites of this importance: dogs on leads are welcome in the ruins and in the tearoom, though not at the tearoom counter, with assistance dogs welcome across the site.

The valley is the other half of the day. Rievaulx Terrace above the abbey and the Cleveland Way at Helmsley are both close, and the wooded valley walks are excellent. Parking is free for members and charged otherwise, with overflow in the hamlet on a donation basis. Café, shop, toilets, museum, exhibition and picnic seating on site, and water for your dog on request at the tearoom.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs on leads are welcome in the ruins and tearoom but not at the tearoom counter. Assistance dogs welcome across the site.
Site Type: Medieval & Tudor
Entry: £13.60 adult; £6.80 child · £34.00 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Gardens, Museum, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01439 798228
Parking: Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay. An overflow car park in the hamlet (donation requested) is available on selected days in summer.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

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 Rievaulx Abbey dog friendly?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome throughout the ruins and in the tearoom, which puts Rievaulx ahead of many sites of comparable importance. The one restriction is that dogs aren't permitted at the tearoom counter itself, though assistance dogs are welcome across the entire site.
Are dogs allowed at Rievaulx Abbey year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dogs, so they appear to be welcome throughout the year. If you're planning a visit at an unusual time, it's always worth checking directly with English Heritage to confirm opening hours and any changes to their dog access policy.
What should I know before visiting Rievaulx Abbey with my dog?
Keep your dog on a lead throughout the site, and note that while they're welcome in the tearoom, they can't accompany you to the counter — so you may need to take turns ordering. Water is available for dogs on request at the tearoom, and the wooded valley beyond the abbey offers great walking, with Rievaulx Terrace and the Cleveland Way both within easy reach for extending the day.

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Rievaulx

Nr Helmsley YO62 5LB

54.2569, -1.1183

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