Visit Byland Abbey in North Yorkshire. Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of this 12th-century Cistercian monastery, once one of the greatest in England.

A Cistercian Masterpiece

Byland Abbey, near Coxwold in North Yorkshire, was founded in 1135 and became one of the largest and most powerful Cistercian monasteries in medieval England. At its height, it rivalled nearby Rievaulx Abbey and Fountains Abbey, boasting a magnificent church built in the Gothic style.

Though reduced to ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, Byland still inspires visitors with its scale and atmosphere.

The Abbey Church

Byland’s church, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, was one of the first truly Gothic churches in England. It featured a huge rose window in its west front, later inspiring the design of York Minster’s famous Rose Window.

Although much of the church has fallen, its foundations and towering west front remain awe-inspiring reminders of its grandeur.

Life at the Abbey

The Cistercians of Byland lived by the order’s principles of simplicity, prayer, and manual work. The abbey was wealthy, owning sheep flocks and farmland across Yorkshire, and it played a key role in the region’s religious and economic life.

After the Dissolution, the buildings were stripped of valuable stone and lead, leaving only ruins behind.

Learn more about the Cistercian order on Britannica

Exploring Byland Abbey

Visitors today can explore the extensive remains, including:

The Gothic west front – With its striking rose window arch.

Chapter house ruins – Where monks gathered for daily meetings.

Cloisters and domestic buildings – Traces of monastic life.

Peaceful setting – Nestled in the North York Moors National Park.

Interpretation panels help bring the site’s history to life.

Things to Do Nearby

Byland Abbey lies in a region rich with monastic heritage. Nearby attractions include:

Rievaulx Abbey – Another great Cistercian monastery in the same valley.

Ampleforth Abbey – A modern Benedictine community with a college and visitor centre.

Helmsley Castle – A medieval fortress and Tudor mansion.

Why Visit Byland Abbey?

Byland Abbey is one of England’s most atmospheric ruins. With its towering Gothic arch, sweeping moorland views, and rich monastic history, it offers an unforgettable experience for walkers, history lovers, and anyone exploring Yorkshire’s abbey trail.