Byland Abbey
Atmospheric medieval abbey ruins with scale, silence and one of Yorkshire’s strongest monastic stories.
Private driven tour from York
Abbeys, Ruins & Reformation: Rievaulx Abbey, Byland Abbey & Helmsley
A six-hour private day through ruined abbeys, peaceful villages, dramatic viewpoints and the stories that shaped Yorkshire’s religious past.
Sacred Yorkshire without the coach trip
Abbey ruins, village character and Reformation history.
This is a private driven tour for guests who want ruined abbeys, quiet Yorkshire villages, dramatic viewpoints and the story of how religious power shaped the county.
Travel from York with Kes as your driver-guide on a six-hour route including York Minster context, Byland Abbey, Coxwold, Kilburn White Horse, Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley and Clifford’s Tower.
The tour works out at £78.18 per person when four guests share. The full online price is £312.70 for your private group of up to four, including the FareHarbor booking fee. Breaks for lunch, comfort stops and photos are built into the day.
What you will see
Ruins, villages and historic Yorkshire views.
A compact private tour focused on the places and stories behind medieval faith, monastic power and the Reformation in Yorkshire.
Rievaulx Abbey
One of England’s great abbey ruins, set in a secluded valley and closely tied to the story of the Dissolution.
Coxwold, Kilburn & Helmsley
Village streets, the Kilburn White Horse, Helmsley market town and a return to York via Clifford’s Tower.
Common questions
Before you book.
How much is Abbeys, Ruins & Reformation: Rievaulx Abbey, Byland Abbey & Helmsley?
Based on four guests sharing, the tour works out at £78.18 per person. The full price is £312.70 for your private group of up to four, including the FareHarbor booking fee.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours from York.
Where does the tour go?
The standard route includes York Minster context, Byland Abbey, Coxwold, Kilburn White Horse, Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley and Clifford’s Tower.
Are abbey admission tickets included?
No. Entry fees, food and drink are not included unless clearly stated.
Where does the tour start?
Pick up and drop off are included. You just have to let us know where you are.
Book your private abbeys tour
Spend a day in Yorkshire’s older stories.
£78.18 per person · based on 4 guests sharing £312.70 total for your private group of up to 4 · FareHarbor booking fee includedUse the secure FareHarbor booking button below to check availability and book this private driven tour from York. Not sure if it is the right route for you? Ask first — there is no pressure to book before you have the answers you need.
keswebster@highwaymantours.com · +44 7345 588905 · Open 10AM–Midnight
Highwayman Tours Journal
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Add a little extra atmosphere before your Abbeys, Ruins & Reformation tour with this BBC Sounds listen.
Open on BBC Sounds