North Yorkshire is full of amazing historical sites, why not visit some of the beautiful Abbeys and Castles, pack a picnic and set forth to discover some of these amazing places.

Rievaulx Abbey
Distance 12 miles from Low Costa Mill
Escape to this peaceful corner of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Previously Rievaulx Abbey was one of the largest and wealthiest monastic settlements in Britain.  Additionally, there is a scenic walk from Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey.  The recently enhanced visitor experience shares secrets of the Abbey.   Plenty of space to play and picnic within the grounds. 
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Rievaulx Abbey - Abbeys and Castle Low Costa Mill

Whitby Abbey
Distance 17 miles from Low Costa Mill
Located high above the seaside town with stunning cliff top views sits Whitby Abbey.  Bram Stoker was inspired by its gothic splendour when writing Dracula. Dating back to the 7th century the Abbey provides a long history of monastic life. Stunning views are a fine reward if you tackle the steps from Whitby town centre.  While in Whitby, why not take a trip around the cobbled streets for a spot of shopping and don't forget to taste the fish and chips. 
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Whitby Abbey - Abbeys and Castle Low Costa Mill

Kirkham Priory
Distance 13 miles from Low Costa Mill
Set in the peaceful Derwent Valley between Pickering and York the riverside ruins of Kirkham Priory are set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Enjoy a picnic by the river, discover the story of a monk’s life or why Winston Churchill secretly visited here in World War II
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Byland Abbey
Distance 19 miles from Low Costa Mill
Inspiration for the York Minster rose Window, Byland Abbey is a truly outstanding example of early Gothic architecture. Once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Byland Abbey inspired the design of church buildings throughout the North.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Pickering Castle
Distance 1.6 miles from Low Costa Mill
Our very own local castle located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Pickering; discover how this splendid 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries. Pickering Castle has a varied history, having been a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings.  Climb up the old stone steps to the top of the Keep to be rewarded with stunning views over the Vale of Pickering. 
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Pickering Castle - Abbeys and Castle Low Costa Mill

Helmsley Castle
Distance 10 miles from Low Costa Mill
Helmsley Castle has towered over the picturesque market town of Helmsley for over 900 years. Originally a Medieval Castle, a Tudor mansion was added in the 1600s, before Cromwell’s men, in a show of power, blew up the great keep, slicing it in half and leaving the dismembered remains to look down on the town as a permanent reminder.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ampleforth Abbey
Distance 11 miles from Low Costa Mill
A home for over 200 years to Benedictine monks, visitors are welcome to explore the extensive grounds and research the history in the visitor centre.  The Abbey church is impressive, visitors are invited to join the monks in their regular services.  With over 2000 apple trees, the fruit from the Orchard is picked, pressed and bottled on-site to produce Ampleforth Abbey cider, which is of course available with many other local products in the Abbey shop.
www.ampleforth.org.uk/abbey

 

Scarborough Castle
Distance 17 miles from Low Costa Mill.
With its stunning location and panoramic views over the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, the castle will be the pinnacle of your visit to Scarborough. Come and see objects from its 3,000 years of history, play on the grassy headland, and make time to relax with a coffee and a cake in the Master Gunner's house.
www.english-heritage.org.uk