Yorkshire is full of historic structures with some being thousands of years old. We are celebrating its illustrious history by taking a look at some of the best ruins in Yorkshire for you to visit. Because who doesn’t love looking at something old?
With such thought put into these architectural wonders, they make the perfect places to take in. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the towns and cities and take a walk through some of the prettiest parks and gardens that surround the Yorkshire ruins that were once an integral part of the running of a country.
1. Fountains Abbey, Ripon
Located near Ripon in North Yorkshire, Fountain’s Abbey is the largest and best preserved Yorkshire ruins in England. It combines two moments in history with medieval blending with 18th century landscapes full of little gems.
Expect vaulted ceilings, grand columns and an imposing tower when visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also home to the fantastic gardens at Studley Royal, which is the best example of a Georgian Water garden in England.
If that wasn’t enough the parkland is home to over 300 red, sika and fallow deer and a St Mary’s Church, which is one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England.
2 Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire Dales
Found near Skipton, Bolton Abbey sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales in the Wharfedale region in North Yorkshire. The 12th-century Augustinian monastery is known as Bolton Priory, but is also called Bolton Abbey by visitors.
Next to the priory are the popular stepping stones across the River Wharfe. You can follow the path around and enjoy the fantastic views along the hillsides and by the river. The Wharfe heads to The Strid, which is a series of rocky gorges known as the most dangerous stretch of water in the world/
After you’ve finished your walk you can visit the tea rooms for a cup of tea and some cake or something a little stronger depending on the weather.
3. Rievaulx Abbey, North York Moors
Located near Helmsley in the popular North York Moors National Park, the Rievaulx Abbey is set in a tranquil valley and is an impressive ruins of a once magnificent Cistercian monasteries.
You can explore the museum and enjoy the unseen artefacts which tell the rise and dramatic fell of the first Cistercian abbey in the North of England.
You can wander around the ruins and discover more about the stages of development whilst taking in the stunning views.
There is a tearoom as well so you can enjoy a lovely bit of food and drink.
4 Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
The inspiration for Bram Stocker’s Dracula novel, Whitby Abbey sits overlooking the seaside town of Whitby and out to see. Found at the top of the famous 199 steps its an awe-inspiring piece of architecture that has been inspiring visitors for nearly 1,500 years.
It’s unique position along the Yorkshire coast gives it a grand feel against the views of the sea. You can also enjoy the museum which has items from Viking raids and Saxon times paint and picture of the abbey’s past.
Next to the abbey, just outside the walls is the fantastic Whitby Brewery where you can enjoy fantastic beers and pizza with views of the abbey.
5. Byland Abbey, North York Moors
A short drive from the popular and more well known Rievaulx, Byland Abbey is a great day out in the North York Moors National Park.
The abbey was inspired by church buildings through the north of England and is a great example of early gothic architecture. It also inspired the famous York Minster rose windows.
6. Mount Grace Priory, North York Moors
Mount Grace Priory is located in North Yorkshire at the foot of the Cleveland Hills and house a stunning house and gardens attached.
It’s the best preserved Carthusian priory in England and is a great place to roam the ruins and learn all the history for the medieval monastery.
The gardens are recently renovated and is famous for stout spotting perfect for family day out looking out for wildlife.
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7. Jervaulx Abbey, Yorkshire Dales
One of North Yorkshire’s charming abbey’s, Jervaulx Abbey is rich in history, which is why it plays host to many visitors throughout the year. The abbey also holds. a license for weddings, so you can get married with. a dramatic and atmospheric backdrop.
The abbey as a great ambience with wildflowers, shrubs and trees freely explorin gthe nooks and crannies of the ancient monument.
8. Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds
One we’ve visited on a number of occasions, Kirkstall Abbey is located in the Kirkstall region of the cosmopolitan city of Leeds. It surrounded by a wonderful park where you can enjoy a picnic whilst taking in the wonderful abbey.
One of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country, founded over 800 years ago. You can explore the historic ruins and learn all about its history at the visitor centre. Enjoy a wander through the park and woodlands and take a stroll beside the River Aire.
9. St Mary’s Abbey, York
Located in Museum Gardens in York city centre, St Mary’s Abbey was first built in 1088 and are all that remains of one of the wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. It’s surround by an amazing curated botanic gardens in the centre of York, England, beside the River Ouse.
In medieval York, the abbey sat opposite and mirrored the Minster: two great buildings dedicated to worship. Visitors can enjoy the remains of he walls and nave and crossing of the abbey church. The stone walls surrounding the abbey were built in the 1260s and remain the most complete set of abbey walls int the country.
10. Easby Abbey, Richmond
Immortalised by a range of artists including JMW Turner, Easby Abbey is located along the River Swale, near Richmond in North Yorkshire and is one of the best preserve monasteries of the Premonstratensian ‘white canons’. It has an amazing refectory, gatehouse and canons’ dormitory remaining.
The abbey was founded in 1152 and suppressed along with the rest of the abbey’s in 1536 and had been tripped and demolished with two years.
11. Roche abbey, South Yorkshire
A more modest Cistercian monastery in Yorkshire compared to Rievaulx or Byland Abbey, it has one of. the most complete ground plans of the English relics.
It has some of the finest gothic architecture in Britain. and the ruins pose as a centrepiece of the beautifully designed landscape that surrounds it. You can picnic by the stream, enjoy the remaining section. of the gatehouse and explore its history grounds.
12. Monk Bretton Priory
Another Yorkshire ruins near Barnsley, Monk Bretton Priory is. a Cluniac monastery founded in the 12th century. The 15th century gatehouse is almost complete and you can see the well-marked ground plan of the once majestic building.
Amongst the architectural delights you can enjoy an example of some of the best medieval drainage in Europe along with fantastic arched windows and freestanding walls that are hundreds of years old.
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