If you're looking for a place of calm and tranquility then Ampleforth Abbey in Yorkshire is the ideal place to visit. Whether it's just a day out or you arrange an overnight stop – or a full-scale retreat. Set within 1,200 acres of lush green Yorkshire countryside, the Abbey is situated in the foothills of the North York Moors National Park, just 19 miles from York with all its attractions.
Ampleforth Abbey has been home to a community of Benedictine monks since 1802 and an ideal place for long leisurely walks or cycling as there are a number of tracks and nature trails to explore. You can also visit the Orchard and Cider Mill; this is one of the largest commercial orchards in the North of England with more than 1,500 apple trees and 60 varieties of apples.
The Monastery, the Abbey Church, Ampleforth College, the Alban Roe House and Visitor's Centre make for an impressive sight. The Abbey Church is at its heart, a Grade I Listed Building designed and built by 20th century architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, although the history of the monastery goes back to the days of King Henry VIII.
The style of the Abbey Church is a blend of Gothic and modern and has many beautiful features within its walls. Instantly catching your eye is the impressive Triumphal Arch carved from Blue Hornton stone that rises over the tabernacle, double altar and crucifix. There are many stained-glass windows, statues and smaller chapels to discover. The church plays an important part in the everyday life of the monks, and visitors are more than welcome to join them in prayers throughout the day.
For those who know their antiques, Ampleforth has a wonderful collection of wooden furniture and carvings made by Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson, whose signature 'mouse' carvings adorn his work. See how many mice you can spot around the church and visitor's centre. Nearby in the village of Kilburn you can visit the workshop where he produced his beautiful pieces.
So, history, architecture, nature and more await you at Ampleforth Abbey. Enjoy a day visit or a longer stay. Ampleforth is open all years round. Enjoy the Visitor's Centre, shop and Tea Rooms or book a longer stay to relax and reflect. There is fully accessible accommodation across three purpose-built retreat buildings, with single, double and twin rooms, most of which have an en-suite or shared bathroom. Ampleforth can accommodate groups of up to 60 comfortably. Guests also have access to welcoming communal areas across the site, a library, and of course, the beautiful valley.
Further details: www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk
Discover Yorkshire: https://visityork.org/