Rievaulx is a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1132 and sits in a Valley on the North York Moors. I called in there the other day after having visited Byland Abbey just a few miles away. Even after the ravages of Henry VIII’s “disolution” in 1538 it really is still a magnificent structure. Owned by English Heritage it is really well looked after and maintained. The best views of the Abbey, in my opinion, are from Rievaulx Terrace which is high up on the hill adjacent. The terrace is owned and operated by the National Trust.
Anyway I couldn’t resist taking this picture of a gentleman taking a picture, not sure if anyone was behind me taking a picture of me taking a picture of . . . . enough!
Rievaulx Abbey
athyfotographic 
It’s a magificent structure, one I very much hope to visit some day. Have you explored any of the smaller Cistercian ruins in the north?
Hi Vicky, thanks for the comment. I have been to Byland Abbey, Jervaulx Abbey, Fountains Abbey which I think are the only three Cistercian Abbeys in North Yorkshire, Jervaulx being my favourite one. I have yet to visit Kirkstead Abbey in West Yorkshire and Meaux Abbey in the East Riding. Nationwide there is quite a long list of them. It could be a project to visit them all but I don’t think that I have the stamina for that! I really like Sweetheart Abbey near the Solway Firth in the Dumfries and Galloway district of Scotland which has a very nice story behind it – http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresultsold/propertyabout.htm?PropID=PL_283&PropName=A%20place%20of%20personal%20devotion#1