The Hidden Yorkshire Village Rievaulx With A Famous Abbey And A Michelin Star Pub

Rievaulx is a hidden village in Yorkshire, located on the edge of the North York Moors. The village is home to the famous ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, the first Cistercian monastery in northern England. Just ten minutes away, The Star Inn at Harome is a pub holding a coveted Michelin Star.

Ever feel like you just need to escape the noise? Find a place where the clock seems to tick just a little bit slower, and you can actually hear yourself think? Well, tucked away on the edge of the North York Moors is a spot that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of a history book.

This enchanting hidden village is called Rievaulx, and it’s more than just a pretty picture. The village is steeped in history, is home to one of the most incredible abbey ruins in the country, and, to top it all off, it’s just a ten-minute drive from a pub with a Michelin Star. It represents the perfect blend of peaceful countryside walks and seriously good food, a true gem in the heart of Yorkshire that's an easy trip from places like Darlington.

A village where time stands still

Rievaulx, near the market town of Helmsley, is one of those rare places that feels almost untouched by modern life. It’s the kind of village you stumble upon and wonder if you’ve somehow travelled back in time. The sense of peace is immediate. As the folks at Welcome to Yorkshire put it, “Rievaulx is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.” This isn’t just an old village; it's a complete escape.

The travel experts at Secret Yorkshire seem to agree, describing it as a place that feels untouched by time. They noted: “Nestled beneath the ruins of the magnificent Rievaulx Abbey, this tiny village is as peaceful as it is beautiful.” The real star of the show is, of course, the Abbey itself, but the surrounding area is just as magical. Welcome to Yorkshire explains: “The surrounding landscape is a paradise for nature lovers, with countless walking trails that meander through lush forests, rolling hills, and along the banks of the River Rye." Whether you're a history buff looking to explore a historic site or someone just wanting to wander through beautiful countryside, this Yorkshire destination has it all. It’s a truly enchanting place to spend some quality time.

The story of Rievaulx Abbey

You can't talk about Rievaulx without talking about its magnificent abbey. The astonishing Rievaulx Abbey is the heart of the village, a spectacular abbey ruin that tells a story spanning nearly 900 years. Founded way back in 1132, this was the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England. What’s a Cistercian monastery? Basically, it was home to a community of monks who chose a simple life of prayer and hard work, often setting up their homes in remote, quiet locations. Rievaulx, with its secluded valley, was the perfect spot.

According to English Heritage, this place became a real powerhouse. “It quickly became one of the most powerful and spiritually renowned centres of monasticism in Britain, housing a 650-strong community at its peak in the 1160s under its most famous abbot, Aelred.” Imagine that, a bustling community of 650 people living and working here centuries ago. But, like many abbeys, its time came to an end. The monastery was closed down in 1538 during the reign of Henry VIII. The spectacular abbey ruins, however, went on to have a second life, becoming a popular subject for famous artists in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today, visitors on Tripadvisor are still blown away by the abbey. One visitor recently shared their experience on 14th December, saying: “Rieveaux is an astonishing destination. One of many ruined abbeys in the area, it has a beautiful and unique setting that highlights the ingenuity understanding and craftsmanship of the order and allows an insight into how important they must have been as a community.” Another review praised the site: “This really is a beautiful place to visit. The ruins are great to walk around and there are information boards & audio guides to inform you about the history of the abbey.” The incredible history of the Rievaulx Abbey is truly palpable when you walk among its stones.

Fancy a pint and a michelin star meal?

After a day of soaking up all that history and wandering through the countryside, what could be better than a fantastic meal in a cosy pub? Just a ten-minute drive from the quiet village of Rievaulx is The Star Inn at Harome. And this isn't just any pub. Back in October, it was crowned one of the best 100 pubs in Britain by The Good Food Guide for 2025. It also currently holds a coveted Michelin Star for its incredible food.

The Star Inn is a gorgeous 14th-century thatched building, so it has plenty of history of its own. It’s famous for its menus, which are all about seasonal, local Yorkshire produce. As its website says: “Our menus change seasonally to take advantage of the best available ingredients. The feathered game season is now upon us and, whilst the days grow shorter and a little cooler, flavours of hedgerow berries and the autumn harvest offer more than adequate compensation.” The pub’s Sunday roast is legendary, featuring roast sirloin of beef with all the trimmings, including duck fat roast potatoes.

Visitors on Tripadvisor absolutely rave about it, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 rating. One guest wrote: “Wow! Just amazing! Loved it from start to finish….. the food was out of this world, the staff exceptional and accommodation was gorgeous and all in the most gorgeous setting.” Another praised their special meal: “Excellent meal at the Star... We had the Sunday lunch menu and the team went out of their way to ensure that everything was perfect. Very enjoyable. We are looking forward to coming back.” Whether you're staying in a local lodge or just visiting for the day, a trip to Rievaulx followed by a meal at The Star Inn sounds like a perfect Yorkshire experience, combining ancient history with modern culinary craftsmanship.