A special Easter gathering with a traditional roast and all the trimmings.
Celebrate Easter in York with a classic roast—choose pork, chicken, beef or a trio—and relaxed, accessible Tea Room service. Ideal for families and travelers looking for a hearty holiday meal with local shop finds to take home.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Up to 90 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; accessible for guests with limited mobility
Wildlife
History
Easter roast is a long-standing British tradition and the Tea Room at the Visitor Centre serves as a local gathering spot during holiday weekends.
Conservation
The Tea Room supports regional producers in its shop; visitors can help by taking leftovers home, recycling, and choosing local products to reduce food miles.
Ampleforth Abbey
A special Easter gathering with a traditional roast and all the trimmings.
Ampleforth Abbey is a historic destination near York, England, offering a range of visitor experiences set around its church, grounds, and orchard. Visitors can book relaxed visits to the Tearoom Booking to enjoy homemade treats in a tranquil setting. The Afternoon Tea experience serves freshly made sandwiches, homemade cakes, and scones with cream and jam alongside Yorkshire Tea or filter coffee, set against Mouseman wooden panelling and views of the Ampleforth valley.
The Abbey Church Tour guides guests through the church’s architecture and history, including access to areas such as the Crypt and chapels. After a tour, visitors can use the Visitor Centre, shop at the Abbey Shop, and return to the Tea Room for home-cooked meals in a picturesque atmosphere.
Ampleforth’s historic orchard features approximately 1,500 apple trees and more than 60 varieties. The Pick Your Own Apples experience lets visitors collect fruit and observe traditional pressing of apple juice and cider at the Cider Mill. These outdoor activities highlight seasonal harvests and hands-on learning about orchard heritage.
For night-sky enthusiasts, the Astro Photography Workshop led by experienced astro-photographer Steve Bell offers a talk, refreshments, and practical low-light photography instruction during an outdoor session. Each experience is bookable and presented as a distinct activity for visitors to plan around opening times. Ampleforth Abbey combines food, heritage, landscape, and specialist workshops to create memorable day visits near York.
Booking information, opening hours, and ticket details are available through the Visitor Centre and the Abbey's published visitor information. Please check locally.
Experiences
5
Distinct bookable activities
Orchard Trees
1,500
Over 60 apple varieties
Workshops
Astro Photography
Led by Steve Bell
Tea Room
Afternoon Tea
Fresh sandwiches and homemade cakes
Reserve Afternoon Tea, book an Abbey Church Tour, pick apples in the orchard, or join the Astro Photography Workshop today.
Plan for arrival time
Seating is relaxed and informal; arrive early on busy holiday afternoons to secure a window or garden seat.
Tell staff about dietary needs
Flag vegetarian, gluten-free or other dietary requirements on arrival so the kitchen can adjust plates.
Use accessible parking
Disabled parking is located in the Visitor Car Park; level access leads directly into the Tea Room.
Bring small cash or card
The Tea Room and shop accept cards, but having a small amount of cash can speed small purchases at the shop.
Waterproof jacket
Light showers are common in spring; a waterproof layer keeps you comfortable between walks and the Tea Room.
spring
Sun hat and sunscreen
If you plan to sit outside after the meal, sun protection is useful during long summer afternoons.
summer
Sturdy shoes
Nearby walks use country lanes and grass paths—sturdy shoes make the approach and post-lunch strolls easier.
fall
Warm coat
Winter afternoons can be cold; a warm coat makes the walk to and from parking comfortable.
winter