Alban Roe House Visitor Centre

Alban Roe House is a prominent building on our site that was first built in 1916 and has since provided accommodation to a variety of retreat guests and school students.

The building has undergone a major restoration, bringing it back to its former glory and adding modern comforts and services. It houses our new Visitor Experience, Tea Room, and Abbey Shop on the ground floor, and comfortable accommodation for our retreat guests and school groups on the upper floors.

If you are planning on visiting the Abbey, please follow signs to Visitor Parking at Alban Roe House. The Abbey Church is a short walk from Alban Roe House.

Alban Roe House was blessed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols on 19th March 2024.

Alban Roe House Visitor Centre at Ampleforth Abbey

The Visitor Experience

The Visitor Experience includes ‘story’ and ‘activity’ areas themed around our history and the monastic life. From here, visitors can purchase our produce and a selection of gifts in the Abbey Shop, or take some quiet time to read in the cosy book room.

Abbey Church

The Ampleforth Abbey Church is open 7 days a week, all-year round; hosting several services per day as part of the Divine Office, our monastic community's daily schedule of prayer.

The Abbey Church is a short walk from Alban Roe House Visitor Centre and Car Park.

Visitors are very welcome to join us in praying together, including for the daily celebration of Mass. The church is also open between these times for those would like some quiet reflection or simply to discover a little more about our history.

Find out how and when you can join us in prayer on our Service Times page.

Refurbished dormitory in Alban Roe House

Accommodation

Accommodation has been updated with 7 comfortable dormitories able to accommodate 56 people, as well as 8 en-suite rooms for group leaders and retreat guests. The recreation and activity spaces are also perfect for a variety of group interactions.

More information about school residential or day retreats can be found here.

Accessibility

Car Parking - There is free parking in the Visitor Car Park adjacent to Alban Roe House Visitor Centre. EV charging points are available.

Wheelchair users - The Visitor Centre, Abbey Church and Grange have step-free access, and the Visitor Centre has a lift to upper floors.

Outside surfaces - A tarmac path provides access to the Abbey Church, Visitor Centre, Grange and Newman Room. Other paths extending across the grounds can be uneven or have steps and are not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Hearing Loop - A hearing loop is located in the Abbey Church.

Assistance Dogs - Assistance dogs are welcome in the Visitor Centre and Abbey Church.

Toilet Facilities - There are adapted toilets in the Visitor Centre and adjacent to the Abbey Church. The adapted toilet in the Visitor Centre is stoma friendly.

Outside Seating - Some of our picnic benches have wheelchair access.

The Refurbishment

Architectural Consultant, Keith Hardcastle, participated in a short video during the refurbishment. This update was filmed about 6 months before opening and gives an idea of the extent of the work completed, and the scale of the project.

Watch here

This has all been possible due to a generous donation which we are extremely grateful for.

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