Rievaulx Abbey

School Visits

Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and explore the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries.

Discover Rievaulx Abbey's fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called Rievaulx Abbey their home in our museum, displaying previously unseen artefacts which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.

Many schools combine their visit with a trip to nearby Helmsley Castle - find out more here.

Curriculum links

  • KS1-3 History: A local history study
  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS2 History: Study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
  • KS3 History: The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1066-1509 and 1509-1745

Self-led visits

By booking a self-led education visit you can lead your visit in your own way. Explore the beautiful abbey ruins and learn more about the Cistercian monks who lived there, in the museum. 

Enquire now

Plan Your Trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip. We also offer free planning visits once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: No coach parking available. Coaches can drop off and park up in Helmsley Car park (about 15 mins away. Chargesd apply).
    • TOILETS: Toilets, including accessible toilets are available.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds. There is a small patio area looking onto the site with a number of picnic tables, and a grass area.
    • SHOP: The shop remains open as usual with limits on number of people at any given time. Please bring your students in supervised small groups.
    • MUSEUM: The museum features artefacts from the abbey including elaborate medieval stone carvings, chess pieces and gold coins which tell the story of the rise and dramatic fall of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group
  • Education Site Opening Times

    We offer self-led education visits during school term time*. 

    *Education visits are not offered on UK public holidays or during the operation of additional fee paying public events at English Heritage sites.

    • April-October: Monday-Sunday 10-4pm
    • November-March: Wednesday-Sunday 10-3pm

Learning Resources

  • Rievaulx Abbey Activity Trail (KS2-KS3)

    Discover the key features and stories at Rievaulx Abbey with our self-led activity trail.

  • Teaching Medieval History

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of medieval history.

  • Out of the Box

    We've been working with Out of the Box, supporting people to access their local heritage and find meaningful ways to connect with it through talk. Learn more about all the different opportunities on offer to explore place-based, object-based learning through this project, with support from Arts Council England and North Yorkshire Council. 

  • Taskmaster Education at English Heritage

    We’ve teamed up with Taskmaster Education to bring an extra layer of fun to school visits to our sites. Find out more about how we can help you create a Taskmaster-style experience during your trip.

  • Meet a Medieval Monk

    Join Aelred at Rievaulx Abbey to find out more about the life of a medieval monk. 

  • A Mini Guide to Medieval Monks

    Find out more about different medieval monastic orders with our short animation.

  • Postcard from Rievaulx Abbey

    Take to the skies above Rievaulx Abbey to discover the site and its surroundings.

  • Enquire now

    0370 333 1181

  • We’re upgrading our booking system between 2-10 February 2026 and won’t be able to take bookings during this time. Please contact bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk for any queries about existing bookings. If you’ve already got in touch with us, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, but please note that we may take slightly longer than usual to respond.