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Inspiring travel through photography

You are here: Home / Travel / Europe / Northern Europe / The Picturesque Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in England’s Countryside

The Picturesque Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in England’s Countryside

Last Updated: July 21, 2022 // by Rhonda Albom // 74 Comments
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Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside
Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside

Rievaulx Abbey captured my imagination. Now picturesque ruins, this former abbey was once one of the wealthiest monasteries in England. That is until Henry VIII of England dissolved the Cistercian abbeys in 1538.

Founded in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in the north. From the first moment I saw it, I was delighted. Captivated by the tall gothic archways of this medieval structure, I stayed far longer than my girls would have liked.

For me, Rievaulx is the favourite spot of our drive through the British countryside.  In contrast, I believe our girls preferred Alnwick, the castle used to film Harry Potter.

Evident by the sky, the day deteriorated as it often does in England, but I continued to take photos:

Ruins in the distance in the British Countryside
One of our first views of Rievaulx Abbey
  • Flying buttresses on ruins in the British Countryside
  • Ruins of an old brick stair case
    Ruins of an old staircase.
The ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside
Remaining archways on what was once cloisters
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside
Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside
Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside
Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in England
Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside is beautiful even on a cloudy day
Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside is beautiful even on a cloudy day Abbey in the British Countryside is beautiful even on a cloudy day
A misty day at ruins in England

Visiting Rievaulx Abbey

  • Rievaulx Abbey is located in Rievaulx England, near Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire.
  • The name is French, as are the twelve founding monks originally from Clairvaux Abbey, a Cistercian monastery in northeastern France.
  • The ruins are now owned and maintained by English Heritage. 
    BEST TIP: If you are an overseas visitor and love castles and old ruins, be sure to get either a 9 or 16-day English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass. It will give you unlimited access to over 100 sites across England.
  • Opening hours and days vary with the seasons.

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Rievaulx Abbey in the British Countryside

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Category: Northern EuropeTag: England, Ruins

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heather Cole

    February 18, 2017 at 12:41 am

    Wow, this is the stuff of fairytales, and what stunning images you have (lucky I guess to have some good weather!!). We live in the north of England and I’m ashamed to say I’ve never actually heard of this place. We’re heading to Yorkshire in June so will make an effort to visit, looks like a fab place for photography (and playing hide and seek). Love it!

    Reply
  2. Lolo

    February 10, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Wow! Absolutely breathtaking!!! Such a shame it was destroyed! Pinned for later!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 11, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Thanks. While it is a shame, the ruins are pretty amazing.

      Reply
  3. Handmade Jewelry Haven

    February 10, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    This is absolutely stunning, The ruins are amazingly preserved! The lighting you captured between the columns in one of the photos was just mesmerizing,

    Thank you for re-posting!

    – Lisa

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 11, 2017 at 9:57 am

      Thanks Lisa. We stayed here for quite a while, much longer than the rest of the family would have liked. I was mesmerised. I am glad that I could capture that emotion in my photos.

      It’s not a repost, most of these photos were never shared before. I just moved 40,000+ photos to Lightroom and as I go through them I am finding many decent shots that have never been seen.

      Reply
  4. Adonis Villanueva

    February 6, 2017 at 8:32 am

    Beautiful photos, Rhonda! Great captures of these magnificent ruins. Now I want to got there and snap a few myself 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 6, 2017 at 10:59 pm

      If I went back I would bring a tripod and an ND filter.

      Reply
  5. Trekking with Becky

    February 3, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    As a Tudor nut, I’ve heard of the dissolved abbeys/monasteries, but I’ve never seen any of them while I was in England. I’ve never heard of this one, and your shots are incredible. The second one took my breath away. You captured it so beautifully. I wonder what it looked like in its prime.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 10:49 pm

      Thanks Becky. They really are even more incredible in real life.

      Reply
  6. stephanie jefferson

    February 3, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    Old ruins are a great subject to photograph, especially when it’s sunny!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 10:05 pm

      Sunny UK days are so hit and miss.

      Reply
  7. kid can doodle

    February 3, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    You’ve been to some fabulous locations! cheers, kidcandoodle

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 10:05 pm

      We try 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lexa Cain

    February 3, 2017 at 4:54 am

    It’s absolutely stunning! I love the architecture so much, and especially love the beautifully manicured grounds. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks Lexa, it really was a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy, and of course photography.

      Reply
  9. indah nuria

    February 3, 2017 at 1:31 am

    it’s a fantastic ruins indeed, Rhonda. Would love to visit this place myself..

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:57 pm

      I hope you get there.

      Reply
  10. Brooke

    February 2, 2017 at 5:44 pm

    Impressive ruins! The ornate archways make me wonder what it must have looked like while it was fully functioning. Your photos are wonderful and do a fantastic job of capturing this historic site.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:54 pm

      It’s amazing they could build something this ornate so long ago.

      Reply
  11. JM Illinois U.S.A.

    February 2, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    Oh how I wish I could go on a photo shoot at this abbey. We went to England several times but never did visit there. If only….! Now I can only dream. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful photos.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:53 pm

      I hope you do get here. It is so beautiful and it loves the camera.

      Reply
  12. Star Traci

    February 2, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    I had not heard of the abbey but that is gorgeous! I hope I can see it in person some day. In the mean, these are beautiful pics.
    🙂
    Traci

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:48 pm

      There are many others to see too, as you drive through the countryside.

      Reply
  13. Olivia Morris

    February 2, 2017 at 2:30 pm

    Beautiful and so sad that it was destroyed…..the ruins speak to the majesty though. Thanks Rhonda for these beautiful pictures.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:47 pm

      Thanks Olivia.

      Reply
  14. Anda

    February 2, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    Wow! I can only imagine how Rievaulx Abbey must have looked in its days of glory. Seeing these grandiose ruins one can only wonder why hasn’t this abbey been reconstructed? Why did they let it disintegrate like this? Such a waste!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:47 pm

      It must have been spectacular in its glory.

      Reply
  15. Jim, Sydney, Australia

    February 2, 2017 at 10:21 am

    Brilliant shots.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 4, 2017 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks Jim

      Reply
  16. Photo(Geo)grapher

    February 2, 2017 at 4:50 am

    Wow! Really picturesque ruins. Great photos !

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:16 am

      Thanks 🙂

      Reply
  17. Dalene

    February 2, 2017 at 3:35 am

    Can’t wait to walk through castle ruins when I get to England … great photos!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:16 am

      Go slow and really enjoy. My imagination had a great time there.

      Reply
  18. Travelera

    February 2, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Not only the photos are amazing, you got a really gorgeous day when you went up there, I have been near but I have not seen this Abbey, after seeing this photos, I really want to visit it, I will wait for a weekend in summer and try to get a day as fabulous as yours! 🙂
    Have a great week! xxx

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:16 am

      The day deteriorated as we stayed, but we did get quite lucky for a while.

      Reply
  19. Deb Nance

    February 2, 2017 at 12:24 am

    The ruins give me a hint of the real beauty that was once this place.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:15 am

      It must have been truly magnificent.

      Reply
  20. Gattina

    February 1, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    This is a real coincidence, I just saw this Abbey recently on “Escape to the Country” it’s indeed very beautiful. Reminds me of the one we have here in Belgium in Villers la Ville, they look very similar ! (http://gattinatravels.blogspot.be/2008/09/abbey-of-villers-la-ville-belgium.html)

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:14 am

      That is quite the coincidence. I would love to see the one in Belgium some day.

      Reply
  21. Sanchie @ Living my Imperfect Life

    February 1, 2017 at 8:55 pm

    Wow…beautiful architecture. I love old building especially English ones…they always look like they have stories to tell. Awesome pictures! 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:12 am

      Can you imagine what this masterpiece would have looked like in its glory?

      Reply
  22. Carol

    February 1, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    Unfortunately, I’ve never been to England, but it I did go, I would definitely get the pass you mentioned. A tour of English Heritage sites would be heaven.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:11 am

      That pass was so worth the money for us. We used it quite a bit.

      Reply
  23. Alissa Apel

    February 1, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Now that’s a sight! I’d love to see that. I can see why they’d pick this spot for a Harry Potter film.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 2, 2017 at 8:11 am

      Sorry for the confusion. Rievaulx was our first stop. Harry Potter was partially filmed at Alnwick.

      Reply
  24. Susanne

    February 1, 2017 at 9:26 am

    Wow – fabulous photos. What a beautiful place!! I’ve never thought there were such ancient monuments still left in England, I thought most had been destroyed during WWII but maybe that was mainly in the cities?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:41 am

      The countryside seems to be dotted with amazing treasures like this.

      Reply
  25. Jesh StG

    February 1, 2017 at 9:10 am

    The Gothic arches are endless!! What I immediately thought was, if it were only these twelve monks who built it?? And why were they in England, and not in France? Not that you have to look it up for me, but ruins are so mysterious – there is a whole history behind it! Thanks for sharing:)

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:39 am

      They were in England to bring the religion. I added the website link above just for you (and anyone else who wants all the history.)

      Reply
      • jesh StG

        February 2, 2017 at 8:33 am

        Thank you Rhonda:):) Can’t remember if I ever told you that I’m Dutch, so England was closeby, But if one has friends living in another country, those are first:) But this is a nice way to get to know the UK too:) Have a great week!

        Reply
  26. Photo Cache

    February 1, 2017 at 8:06 am

    A dream destination!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:38 am

      True, and there are other nearby similar ones.

      Reply
  27. Comedy Plus

    February 1, 2017 at 5:25 am

    I would enjoy visiting these ruins. I love all things old. I’m a big of a history buff.

    I’m glad Melissa is doing so well too. Saw your post on Facebook.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:36 am

      Thanks. I am a big fan of things like this as well.

      Reply
  28. Stephanie (@Vaycarious)

    February 1, 2017 at 4:45 am

    Oh, Rhonda! These pictures are gorgeous! This reminds me of some ruins in the middle of Lisbon, but the vibrant grass makes this abbey look pretty instead of creepy. I pinned this post for my future UK trip!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:30 am

      LOL – we loved Portugal as well, but skipped Lisbon.

      Reply
  29. Nick Wilford

    February 1, 2017 at 1:57 am

    Great photos! I’ve seen these ruins, on one of our camping holidays in Yorkshire as a kid. They are definitely majestic and it’s amazing how much still stands too.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:28 am

      Did you get to camp amongst them? I know you can’t do that now, but I can imagine how incredible that would be.

      Reply
  30. Brenda

    February 1, 2017 at 1:35 am

    Wow, what an amazing article, I could picture myself being there.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:27 am

      The grandeur of it makes is so amazing to be there

      Reply
  31. David

    February 1, 2017 at 1:32 am

    Love it, must have had an amazing time!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:26 am

      We visited several ruins that day. This was my favourite.

      Reply
  32. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    February 1, 2017 at 1:28 am

    A lot of it still remains after almost nine hundred years, which is impressive. You got some great shots.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:18 am

      Also impressive that they could build like this so long ago.

      Reply
  33. Tanja (the Red phone box travels)

    February 1, 2017 at 12:07 am

    I’ve never heard of it. stunning!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:16 am

      It’s a treasure.

      Reply
  34. stevebethere

    January 31, 2017 at 11:34 pm

    Brilliant shots Rhonda love the different angles, I was thinking that’s unusual to have a blue sky here then noticed you said it deteriorated typical heheh!

    Have a tanfastic day 🙂

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:16 am

      LOL – the rare blue sky. We saw it in Scotland as well.

      Reply
  35. Rajesh

    January 31, 2017 at 10:51 pm

    You have captured the ruins beautifully.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Thanks. They are incredible.

      Reply
  36. Gemma Wiseman

    January 31, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    Spectacular views of the abbey ruins. Love all the different perspectives of this grand old wonder.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:16 am

      Thanks Gemma, I had debated whether or not is was too many photos.

      Reply
  37. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    January 31, 2017 at 9:20 pm

    Hi Rhonda – it is an incredible place … I could have visited back in 1976, but it was the very hot year and we stayed down at Alnmouth at the sea … with some sea breeze coming in. I need to take the car and do a tour sometime … wonderful collection of photos you’ve given us. Shows the magnificence of the Abbey and the incredible ability to build such structures back in the 1100s … cheers Hilary

    Reply
    • Rhonda Albom

      February 1, 2017 at 9:15 am

      Incredible is an understatement. I could have stayed there mesmerized for days.

      Reply

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