How you can visit Jane Austen-style gardens in North Yorkshire offering spectacular views of medieval abbey
Rievaulx is most famous for its imposing Abbey, once home to around 600 monks before the dissolution of the monasteries.
But for those walking in the countryside around Rievaulx in North Yorkshire, a tantalising glimpse of the village’s Terrace might bring to mind something more from a Jane Austen novel.
Created in the 1750s for Thomas Duncombe II to give him unparalleled views of the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, the landscaped gardens, complete with temple follies, are some of the loveliest in the region.
And visitors to the famous abbey a short walk away can now see for themselves the viewpoint from the Terrace as part of a joint ticket in a new scheme from English Heritage, after the charity came to an agreement to take over management from the National Trust.
Reportedly taking eight years to level the broad promenade, Rievaulx Terrace was completed in 1757 and was part of Duncombe Park, home of Thomas Duncombe II whose ancestors had previously lived in Helmsley Castle (now also in the care of English Heritage).
The terraced walk was designed to take in the stunning views of Rievaulx Abbey in the valley, a leading example of the ‘Picturesque’ fashion adopted by many of the landed gentry across the North of England at the time, each trying to outdo the last, including Duncombe’s Father.
The Abbey was founded in 1132 by Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux Abbey in Northeastern France.
Rievaulx’s views fully exploit being the natural beauty of the valley, whose thickly wooded slopes monks once exploited to build their monastery and fuel their iron-making furnaces.
Inspired by Duncombe’s experience of the Grand Tour, his father’s work at Duncombe Park house, and the ornamental landscape designed by his wife’s grandfather at Castle Howard, the temples built on either end of the parkland were intended to impress yet further.
As well as a feature for guests to admire whilst strolling the grounds, the larger Ionic temple with its small basement kitchen was used by the family for hosting summer dinner parties.
Inside, visitors will be able to take in the richly decorated ceiling and walls, and see original furniture made for the building as well as two internationally significant gilt settees by William Kent, a leading Yorkshire-born designer.
Tuukka Laakso Rievaulx Abbey Cluster Manager at English Heritage said: "We are delighted to now offer visitors access to both the Abbey and the Terraces with a single ticket, with the opportunity to enjoy a memorable day out in one of North Yorkshire’s most beautiful locations.
“While each attraction offers its own unique character and appeal, both promise breathtaking scenery, a sense of wonder, and an unforgettable visitor experience.”