At Ampleforth Abbey we welcome visitors to come and see us here in the valley, whether for a walk in our beautiful grounds or to join us for Mass, a retreat or to find out more about life as a monk.
The beauty and tranquility of this place are God-given. Our duty is to care for the Ampleforth estate so that as many people as possible can appreciate and enjoy it, while preserving its essential qualities for those who will come after us.
Travelling to Us
Located in the foothills of the North York Moors and covering over 1,200 acres of North Yorkshire valley, farmland and woodland, Ampleforth appears remote and hidden away. However, main road links from Thirsk, Harrogate, York, Pickering and Northallerton make us surprisingly accessible.
Road
We are just a 45 minute drive from the centre of York, 50 minutes from Harrogate and 25 minutes from Thirsk by car. If you are planning to arrive by coach, please contact us before arrival. Please note, we have a 10mph speed limit on site and we ask that drivers adhere to the speed restriction to ensure the safety to all pedestrians on site. Once you arrive, please follow the green 'Visitor Parking' signs which will take to the car park at Alban Roe House Visitor Centre. There are 10 EV charging points in the car park.
Rail
Trains run regularly from King's Cross, London to York. The journey takes approximately two hours and trains run at half hourly intervals during the day. Times are available on the National Rail website.
Bus
Reliance Buses, service 31X, provide a bus service from York to Ampleforth. Download a copy of the current timetable here. To contact them directly, please email info@reliancebuses.co.uk or call 01904 768262.
Our Address:
Ampleforth Abbey
York
YO62 4EN
Tel: 01439 766099
Email: reception@ampleforthabbey.org.uk
Opening Times:
Abbey Church: Open 7 days
Grounds: Open 7 days
Retreat Facilities: Open 7 days (booking required)
Visitor Centre, Shop & Tea Room: Spring/Summer Open 7 days 10.00-17.00 Autumn/Winter Weds-Sun 11.00-15.00 (in line with daylight saving, excluding half terms. Check social media for Christmas & New Year opening)
Accessibility
Ampleforth Abbey’s buildings, paths and roads are situated across a natural hillside. It is often necessary to navigate slopes and steps in order to move between our buildings (including retreat accommodation and the Abbey Church) car parks and walks.
If you are planning a visit, and have any accessibility needs you’d like to discuss in advance, please contact us on the phone number or email address above. We’ll be happy to help.
Other Important Information
- We are a non-smoking site.
- Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times. We ask that owners clean up after their pets. Dogs are not permitted in the Ampleforth Abbey Trust buildings, with the exception of assistance dogs.
