THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Step into Ampleforth Abbey’s historic orchard, home to 1,500 apple trees across 60+ varieties. Pick your own apples and watch traditional cider pressing in action for a memorable day outdoors.
Step into Ampleforth Abbey’s historic orchard, home to 1,500 apple trees across 60+ varieties. Pick your own apples and watch traditional cider pressing in action for a memorable day outdoors.
Book with Ampleforth Abbey
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ampleforth Abbey · York, England
Ampleforth Abbey, located just outside York in North Yorkshire, England, invites visitors to engage directly with one of the North of England’s largest heritage orchards. This 200-year-old site features around 1,500 apple trees spread across gently rolling grounds, boasting over 60 distinct apple varieties. It’s not just the sheer scale or variety that makes the Abbey’s orchard special; it’s the opportunity to step into a living piece of agricultural history and participate in the annual apple harvest firsthand.
Visitors to Ampleforth Abbey’s orchard can book the “Pick Your Own Apples” experience, a hands-on day immersed in nature and tradition. The event offers more than just fresh fruit; participants learn about the traditional pressing process used to produce the Abbey’s signature apple juice and full juice cider in their on-site Cider Mill. This blend of outdoor activity and cultural heritage education creates a distinct experience that stands out in a region renowned for its pastoral charm.
The orchard’s undulating terrain and tree-lined rows provide a peaceful escape from urban life, making it an ideal destination for families and groups who appreciate slow-paced outdoor adventure combined with the tangible reward of harvesting their own fruit. Though the number of apples available varies each year, the setting remains consistently memorable, with crisp orchard air and the satisfying challenge of selecting the perfect apples.
Ampleforth Abbey also emphasizes sustainability through sustainable orchard management and preservation of native apple varieties, contributing to the broader conservation efforts in the region. Practical visitor tips include wearing sturdy footwear to navigate uneven ground and bringing weather-appropriate clothing. This experience is a rare blend of outdoor recreation, local history, and gastronomic delight, perfect for those looking to connect with the land and a centuries-old tradition near York.
easy.
30 minutes to 2 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking on uneven terrain
There are a limited number of parking spaces at the orchard entrance, with additional free parking at Ampleforth Abbey nearby.
Yes, booking is required to manage group sizes and ensure a quality experience.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for safety reasons.
You pay only for the apples you pick, making it a flexible and interactive purchase.
Due to the undulating terrain, this activity may not be suitable for visitors with accessibility needs.
Visitors get insight into the traditional pressing process that creates Ampleforth Abbey’s apple juice and cider.
Ampleforth Abbey’s orchard has been cultivated for over 200 years, preserving many rare and local apple varieties.
The Abbey emphasizes sustainable orchard management, protecting heritage apple cultivars and supporting local biodiversity.
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.
Book with Ampleforth Abbey