Abbeys Ruins & Reformation : Byland, Rievaulx & lunch in Helmsley

What sets this tour apart is the chance to explore some of Yorkshire’s most impressive medieval abbeys in one private day from York, while also seeing the villages, landscapes and historic towns that connect them. Rather than joining a coach tour, you travel as your own private group of up to four guests, with hotel pickup, a local driver-guide and a route that can adapt to the day. The focus is not simply on seeing ruins, but on understanding the monasteries, the communities around them and the dramatic changes brought by the Reformation. The route combines major historic sites such as Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey with places including Coxwold, Kilburn and Helmsley, giving the day a much broader sense of Yorkshire’s history and landscape. As an English Heritage travel trade partner, we can also make pre-booked arrangements at participating English Heritage sites where available, helping admissions run more smoothly and giving our guests access to any applicable benefits.