Ampleforth

Before you go: the practical facts

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Parking

Ampleforth Abbey has a free visitor car park at Alban Roe House (YO62 4EN); follow the green "Visitor Parking" signs. The Abbey says walkers and cyclists are welcome to use it. We found no public car park in the village itself.

Toilets

public toilets in the Abbey visitor centre, reached by the rear entrance, 7am to 7pm.

Post office and cash

Ampleforth Post Office, West End (YO62 4DX), opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm, with cash withdrawals. The Abbey has a gift shop.

Buses

the 31X runs between York and Kirkbymoorside via Easingwold, Coxwold, Ampleforth and Helmsley, Monday to Saturday, a handful of journeys a day. No Sunday service.

Nearest railway station

Thirsk; the 31X also links to York station.

Dogs

welcome in the Abbey grounds on a short lead; no dogs in Abbey buildings except assistance dogs. Dogs can use the tea room's outside seating.

A short history

Domesday Book (1086) records the village as "Ambreford". St Hilda's Church on Station Road was rebuilt in 1868 but keeps a 12th century font, round-arched Norman doorways and an early 14th century effigy of a bearded man with a woman looking over his shoulder. The Abbey story begins in 1793, when the Benedictine chaplain at Gilling Castle moved into a house and chapel built for him at Ampleforth. In 1802 Benedictine monks driven out of their college at Dieulouard in France during the Revolution settled here and opened a school with two pupils. That community became Ampleforth Abbey and Ampleforth College.

Ampleforth Abbey, visiting

the grounds cover more than 1,200 acres of parkland, woodland and lakes. Alban Roe House, reopened in March 2024, holds the visitor centre, tea room, shop and toilets. The Abbey Church stays open every day of the year. The College campus, including its grounds and playing fields, is private.

Tea room and visitor centre, winter 2026 to 2027

From the Abbey's tea room page: to 1 November 2026 daily 10am to 5pm; 2 November to 20 December 2026 daily 10am to 3pm; 21 December 2026 to 15 January 2027 closed; 16 January to 12 February 2027 10am to 3pm; from 13 February 2027 10am to 5pm. Ring 01439 766099 to check before a special trip.

Walks

public footpaths cross the Ampleforth valley, with lakeside paths that the Abbey warns are narrow and uneven. The Abbey recommends the Ordnance Survey Howardian Hills and Malton map. Walkers and cyclists can use the free Abbey car park as a base.

Where to eat and drink

The White Swan, East End: open daily from noon; food Monday to Saturday noon to 9pm, Sunday noon to 6pm; dog friendly, garden, real fire (CAMRA). The White Horse, West End: 18th century inn; food Wednesday to Saturday noon to 3pm and 5.30pm to 8.30pm, Sunday noon to 4.30pm, no food Monday or Tuesday; dogs in the bar only (CAMRA). Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room: hours above.

Nearby

• Helmsley
• Coxwold
• Byland Abbey
• Rievaulx Abbey
• Sutton Bank and the White Horse
• Parking guide

Ampleforth FAQs

Can you visit Ampleforth Abbey?

Yes. The grounds are open all year to walkers and cyclists, the Abbey Church is open every day, and the visitor centre, tea room and shop open daily except from 21 December 2026 to 15 January 2027.

Is parking free at Ampleforth Abbey?

Yes. The visitor car park at Alban Roe House is free.

Are dogs allowed at Ampleforth Abbey?

Yes, in the grounds on a short lead, but not inside the buildings except assistance dogs.

Is there a pub in Ampleforth?

Two: the White Swan at East End and the White Horse at West End.

How do you get to Ampleforth by bus?

Take the 31X from York or Helmsley, Monday to Saturday.

Sources checked 29 October 2026: Ampleforth Abbey (visit, find us, grounds, tea room); Ampleforth Parish Council; British History Online; Historic England list entry 1149609; Post Office branch finder; Transdev 31X; CAMRA WhatPub.