Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey
4.5
About
Ampleforth Abbey has been the home of a community of Benedictine monks for over 200 years. Whether you're visiting to discover magnificent architecture, to take a stroll in the rolling hills of our grounds, or to join the community for prayer in the Abbey Church, you are assured of a warm welcome here. Whilst our Tea Room, Abbey Shop and Visitor Centre are currently closed for an exciting redevelopment project, you can still explore the beautiful lakes, trails and woodlands in our grounds or enjoy our fantastic sports facilities including the Fitness Suite and 25m Swimming Pool at St Alban's Sports Centre. What's more, why not take a visit to our Cider Mill and Orchard to discover it's fascinating history and taste our award-winning cider. Admission to the Abbey and grounds is free and open to all, though we do welcome donations to support the work of the Abbey and the Benedictine Community.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
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30 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
264 reviews
Excellent
192
Very good
60
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
0
T d
London, UK127 contributions
The monks of Ampleforth Abbey have put a great deal of effort is remodelling the access to the visitor centre, Abbey Shop and Tea room (in the best North Yorkshire tradition).
This place is inspiring and charged with its 200-year history in “the valley”.
The Ampleforth honey and cider are both from the monastery orchards containing no less than 40 varieties of apples.
The Ampleforth craft beer is also a delight.
Everybody is so welcoming. Will return!
This place is inspiring and charged with its 200-year history in “the valley”.
The Ampleforth honey and cider are both from the monastery orchards containing no less than 40 varieties of apples.
The Ampleforth craft beer is also a delight.
Everybody is so welcoming. Will return!
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pappaQ_Lds
Wakefield, UK364 contributions
Called here between Xmas and New Year and the grounds and the buildings are stunning in a fabulous location. Cafe and visitors centre were closed (understandable) however still glad we called and had a walk around the grounds as the backdrop of the college is beautiful. Everything is kept immaculate not a thing out of place or litter anywhere.
Will definately call again. Excellent experience cant wait to go back when fully open
Will definately call again. Excellent experience cant wait to go back when fully open
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph H
Ossett, UK696 contributions
Couples
Visited here for a couple of hours on a Monday afternoon. Extremely impressive from the outside as well as on the inside. Very helpful and chatty members of staff in both the Visitor Centre and the shop.
Definitely worth a visit, but not a huge amount of history or beauty on the inside of the Abbey itself.
Definitely worth a visit, but not a huge amount of history or beauty on the inside of the Abbey itself.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DavidUK2010
York, UK220 contributions
An interesting experience in a working Abbey. It looks very new even though over a hundred years old.
It was great to walk round an empty Abbey with no other person around. First time visitor and such remote area.
It was great to walk round an empty Abbey with no other person around. First time visitor and such remote area.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin C
Boston, UK172 contributions
Couples
Returned to Ampleforth after the disappointment of closure through lockdown. Alternative location in the Windmill is very safe and a lovely spot. Great menu despite not having the famous apple cake. I enjoyed the fresh ploughman's platter and all other meals were mouth watering
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your review.
I'm so sorry the Apple Cake wasn't available when you visited. It is going to be a daily staple on our soon to be updated menu so should be available if you return.
I'm so glad you all enjoyed your meals, it's always to lovely to hear good feedback.
Written October 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ANNIE1408
Ampleforth, UK36 contributions
Family
The tea rooms serve excellent food and the staff are very pleasant. There is also St Albans sport centre where you can use the gym and pool, best to use the centre before going to the tea room!
The grounds of the Abbey are beautifully with plenty of walking available.
Would recommend this highly for people of all ages.
The grounds of the Abbey are beautifully with plenty of walking available.
Would recommend this highly for people of all ages.
Written April 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are delighted you enjoyed your visit.
Written April 29, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthony B
Coventry, UK46 contributions
Couples
I'll make this clear,I am not religious at all. In fact I am a total atheist.
Yet the quiet, studious and friendly nature of this working Abbey struck a deep chord with me and my wife. We were left to walk around the abbey in peace. We could see the modern built Abbey church in all its sharp edged glory and magnificence. Looking like a cross between an ancient Abbey and a very modern church and evoking a feeling of Victorian neo-gothic in its architecture. The sheer peace of the pace was amazing. The staff, mostly lay helpers, cannot be faulted. They exude the kindness and honesty that jaded palettes like mine don't see often enough. The church itself is a wonder.
There is a tea room which is excellent, great quality food and nice tea. Do try their own Apple juice too, it's gorgeous.
Also, spend 10 minutes in the Visitor Centre to learn about the history of the abbey and the order that lives and works there.
I am no more religious now than before, but I have so much respect for this wonderful, humbling place.
Yet the quiet, studious and friendly nature of this working Abbey struck a deep chord with me and my wife. We were left to walk around the abbey in peace. We could see the modern built Abbey church in all its sharp edged glory and magnificence. Looking like a cross between an ancient Abbey and a very modern church and evoking a feeling of Victorian neo-gothic in its architecture. The sheer peace of the pace was amazing. The staff, mostly lay helpers, cannot be faulted. They exude the kindness and honesty that jaded palettes like mine don't see often enough. The church itself is a wonder.
There is a tea room which is excellent, great quality food and nice tea. Do try their own Apple juice too, it's gorgeous.
Also, spend 10 minutes in the Visitor Centre to learn about the history of the abbey and the order that lives and works there.
I am no more religious now than before, but I have so much respect for this wonderful, humbling place.
Written May 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anthony,
What a wonderfully sincere review - thank you so much for visiting and for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit.
Written May 20, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sarah l
Doncaster, UK497 contributions
Couples
Well worth a visit. There is plenty of information available in the Abbey and the tour is well worth it and it's free! The grounds are immaculate and vast. The views are wonderful and the shop is worth a visit. There is lots of religious matter available but the cider, the monks produce is gorgeous!
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Sarah.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We are delighted you had such a lovely visit. The Thursday tour is such a good way of learning more about the Abbey and it can be really insightful given it's lead by a monk.
Written August 14, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
63Jack
York, UK156 contributions
Couples
We enjoyed an extremely pleasant walk of about 6 miles in the grounds of the Abbey using the free walk leaflet from the information centre.
We also used the tea room which was excellent with a good choice of hot and cold food and drinks.
Ampleforth is a lovely place to visit with ample safe parking and the views on our walk looking back towards the Abbey were amazing. Well worth a day out.
We also used the tea room which was excellent with a good choice of hot and cold food and drinks.
Ampleforth is a lovely place to visit with ample safe parking and the views on our walk looking back towards the Abbey were amazing. Well worth a day out.
Written March 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your visit to the Abbey. You picked a good day to do the walk as it was glorious here yesterday.
Written March 5, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vicki B
Yorkshire, UK105 contributions
Visited here and felt unwelcome except for in the visitors centre by a very nice monk. Nice views but couldn't really see any cider being made. Visitors centre small but interesting.
Written July 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can I have a weekend at Amplegorth Abbey?
Paul B
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK841 contributions
We understand that not everyone wishes to share in an organised retreat and we welcome those who wish to come to Ampleforth for a quiet time of private reflection.
Perhaps you would value some time out, some space for yourself, a chance to rediscover a sense of peace and calm. Perhaps you would value an opportunity to have some time to reflect on the direction of your life, and to reconnect with yourself and with God. Perhaps you sense a need simply to be present for a while or to get some well-earned rest.
At whatever point you find yourself in life, you are very welcome to come and to spend some time with us at Ampleforth.
We will provide you with a private room, with food, with the opportunity to join the Community in prayer, and a beautiful peaceful setting within which to find your centre and renew your relationship with God.
Cynthia W
Portland, OR39 contributions
Hello, I am wondering if it is possible to make a day trip to the Abbey from York using public transport. Looking at the Stephenson's bus schedule, it seems that the last bus from Ampleforth back to York stops in the town rather than at the Abbey. If we need to walk into town for the bus, there may not be time to attend the group tour at 2:15 pm (depending on how long the tour lasts) and still get the bus, which leaves Ampleforth Fairfax Close at 4:10 pm. How far is the town centre from the Abbey? Thank you.
AmpleforthAbbey
Ampleforth, UK
Thank you Cynthia for your question.
You can of course visit Ampleforth by bus and will be able to partake in the Abbey tour which takes place every Thursday at 2:15pm. The tour lasts approximately one hour, so you would have almost an hour to walk to Ampleforth village afterwards which is ample time. If you do wish to walk to the village please ensure that you follow the route along East Lane and not on the main road which can be quite dangerous for pedestrians. The bus also passes by The White Swan (located on the Main Street in the village, opposite the shop) where you are able to board and alight the bus if you do not wish to walk to Fairfax Close.
If you have any further queries at all please do not hesitate to contact Reception on 01439 766000.
We very much look forward to welcoming you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ampleforth Abbey
- Hotels near Ampleforth Abbey:
- (1.17 mi) Studford Luxury Lodges
- (1.50 mi) The Fairfax Arms
- (3.19 mi) Orchard Cottage B&B
- (3.50 mi) Croft House
- (0.73 mi) Golden Square Campsite
- Restaurants near Ampleforth Abbey:
- (1.13 mi) White Horse Inn
- (0.99 mi) The White Swan
- (1.04 mi) Hearts of Ampleforth
- (2.76 mi) The Stapylton Arms
- (3.18 mi) The Cocoa Tree
- Attractions near Ampleforth Abbey:
- (0.23 mi) Ampleforth Abbey Orchards
- (2.74 mi) National Centre for Birds of Prey
- (5.02 mi) Beacon Alpacas
- (6.40 mi) Bilsdale Riding Centre
- (4.14 mi) Rievaulx Abbey