15% off summer breaks
Make the most of summer's long days and create new memories with your loved ones with an unforgettable stay at one of our historic cottages. Book your staycation at one of our historic cottages between 1 July and 30 August 2024 to enjoy 15% off, using code SUMMER2024 at STEP 3 of the booking process. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Refectory Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey
Refectory Cottage s a two-bedroom holiday cottage that comfortably sleeps four people. The cottage is sat within the grounds of Rievaulx Abbey amidst the rolling North Yorkshire countryside and in the valley of the ancient River Rye. The cottage was bullt using reclaimed abbey stone and close inspection reveals the medieval masons' marks on many of the blocks used in its construction. The interior of the cottage is spacious and comfortable for a family holiday so you may be tempted to simply stay at home and catch glimpses of the abbey through the cottage windows. Access to the abbey is through a gate from the cottage's private garden. It is adjacent to a cottage belonging to a local working estate. Included in your booking is a luxury hamper, as well as entry to all English Heritage sites and most events, 10% off in our shops and cafés during your stay. To view the floorplan of this holiday cottage and to discover the full list of available facilities, view the layout and facilities.
Kitchen, ground floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Kitchen and dining space
Kitchen, ground floor
Kitchen, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Lounge, ground floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Master bedroom, first floor
Bathroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Twin bedroom, first floor
Toilet, ground floor
Outdoor private dining area
Outdoor private garden
Outdoor private dining area
Access to Refectory Cottage
Access to site from Refectory Cottage
Take a Virtual tour
To get better feel for the space at Refectory Cottage holiday cottage, take the below virtual 360° 'walk-around’ to discover all rooms. See where steps and level-changes are in the property and discover features and fittings to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable. Click on the hotspots and spin around to see right into each room.
Discover Rievaulx Abbey
Step out of the cottage and you're in the abbey grounds, where the Cistercians were part of the greatest ecclesiastical organisation ever seen and where Rievaulx Abbey owned lands all over Yorkshire. So, it's no wonder Henry VIII wanted to get his hands on it. The abbey was founded in 1132 and when St Aelred became abbot 15 years later, there were 140 male choir monks and 500 lay brothers. And what a life they led - rising at 1.30am in summer (an extra hour in bed was allowed in winter) they would work and pray for 10 hours before enjoying their first meal. The walk from Rievaulx to Helmsley Castle, another English Heritage property, can be done in less than an hour and taking your time is the best way to walk along the three-mile trek. Author James Herriot lived near Rievaulx and described the view over the Vale of York as: "the finest in England".
Find out more-
Book Now
Discover England's rich history and book your holiday now.
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General Enquiries
Have a question about your booking? Email us at holidaycottages@english-heritage.org.uk or call our bookings team on 0370 333 1181.
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