Discover Rosedale Abbey

Rosedale Abbey lies on the valley floor beside the River Seven; from here, views open across a valley with a U-shaped moorland ridge and a patchwork of fields. The history of the priory, several walking routes, glassmaking and seasonal events also contribute to the area’s appeal. If you are looking for a hotel in Rosedale Abbey, these themes can shape the focus of your trip planning, whether that means historic buildings, a particular route length or a visit timed around the annual show. Details about the area can help you choose activities and dates to suit your interests.

Priory, Church and Glassmaking

The priory was founded before 1158 by Cistercians under the patronage of William of Rosedale. The Priory Remains consist of a 13th-century buttress with a staircase. The Church of St Mary and St Laurence was built in 1839 to replace the 14th-century priory chapel. This makes it possible to distinguish the priory’s foundation, the medieval remains and the later church building by period.

Contemporary glass is also part of local culture: Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones have been making glass in Rosedale Abbey since 1995. At the Gillies Jones Studio, visitors can buy work and sometimes watch Stephen Gillies blowing glass in the hot glass studio. Visiting details are seasonal and may change; check before visiting.

Walking Routes and Choosing a Distance

The Rosedale Walk is a 7½-mile (12 km) circular route that starts and ends at the village green. On the return leg, it follows the old railway trackbed past the ruins of the historic kilns. Check route conditions before setting out. The Rosedale Mineral Railway Easy Access Walk is a 1¼-mile (2 km) linear route; both the start and finish are at Chimney Bank car park in Rosedale Abbey. The two routes therefore differ not only in distance but also in format: the circular route begins and ends at the village green, while the linear route starts and finishes at Chimney Bank car park.

Landscape and Mining Heritage

From Rosedale Abbey, the view takes in a valley enclosed by a U-shaped moorland ridge and containing fields. The area’s natural and industrial history also includes the rare Ring Ouzel, associated with the ironstone mining remains at Rosedale that have been reclaimed by nature. These landscape and nature themes offer a different perspective on the area’s history from its buildings and walking routes.

Events and Seasonal Activities

The annual Rosedale Show takes place at Milburn Arms Field in Rosedale Abbey. The programme includes livestock, local produce, arts and crafts, and vintage tractors; details can vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the show, check the dates and programme for that year’s event.

Previous cheesemaking courses at Abbey Farm Cottage used raw milk from the farm’s own goats. A full-day cheesemaking course offered in the past included three types of cheese, yoghurt and a tasting of Rosedale cheese. Before making plans, confirm directly with Abbey Farm Cottage whether the course is available. Visitors can also get a full- or half-day introduction to goat keeping there, including milking, feeding and general care. These visits are offered on an ad hoc basis; ask the farm about availability.

Golf, Getting There and Parking

Rosedale Abbey Golf Course is a relaxed 9-hole pay-and-play golf course. No membership is required; visitors are welcome during the season. If golf is part of your trip, take this seasonal restriction into account when planning.

On Mondays, bus 173 connects Rosedale Abbey with Pickering via Ryedale Community Transport. Check operating days before travelling. Parking is available around the village green and at Bank Top; arrangements may change, so check before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Bainbridge, Airton, Lealholm, Gristhorpe, Draughton, Carnforth, Commondale, Bentham.

For the wider travel overview: North Yorkshire.