Ampleforth Abbey is set in over 1,600 acres of land in the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the North York Moors National Park to the north. The estate boasts an array of parkland, woodland and lakeside walks in a tranquil and relaxed environment.
Walking
We welcome walkers and ramblers to our grounds throughout the year. Public footpaths weave across the Ampleforth Valley and can be followed using an OS Howardian Hills and Malton map. Please be aware that routes includes some uneven and narrow footpath along the lake sides, so do take care.
Dogs are very welcome on the Ampleforth Abbey grounds, but please make sure that they stay close by you on a lead at all times. There is a vast amount of space beyond the stream in the middle of the valley, where your dog can exercise in complete freedom. When you come in to any of the buildings on site, please leave your dog to enjoy the fresh air, as unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs indoors, with the exception of dogs to assist deaf and blind guests.
Please be sure to observe signs demarcating campus boundaries of Ampleforth College, the grounds and playing fields of which are closed to the public.
Marian Garden
We recently celebrated the opening of our new Marian Garden - a place of peace dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The garden is located below Alban Roe House, and you are welcome to spend time here on your next visit.
The Our Lady statue stands proudly at the head of the garden, with a central courtyard providing semi-closed seating for peace and privacy orientated towards the statue.
We hope this garden of tranquillity, made possible by a generous donation, inspires a deeper devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Hope.
Cycling
Cyclists are very welcome to visit Ampleforth Abbey and mountain bikers can enjoy the forest trails around our three lakes. Our location on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors means we are perfectly located to receive groups and individual cyclists either returning from a day on the Moors or out enjoying the rolling countryside of the Howardian Hills. Our Tea Room (temporarily closed for refurbishment, reopening spring 2024) is cyclist friendly with an outdoor eating area for cooling off in the summer months and warming hot meals and drinks perfect for the winter time.
Read more about cycling in the on the Howardian Hills National Park's website.
Golf
Visitors are welcome to enjoy the local Golf Course which is located in the nearby village of Gilling East. It is a picturesque nine hole 'pay and play' course which is open to the public. Enjoy a full day for £15 or £10 after 5pm. Find out more about the course at the Golf Club website.
Your support makes a valuable contribution to our work.
You can support the Abbey in many ways, from making a donation, to volunteering.