Directions to Ampleforth
Our Address:
Ampleforth Abbey York YO62 4EN Tel: 01439-766889/ 766486/ 766000
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Directions by Road
From the main roads coming from either the south or the north.
We recommend that you approach Ampleforth from the town of Thirsk - from the south via the A1(M) and A168, or from the north via the A19. From Thirsk there are two routes to Ampleforth which each take about 25 minutes.
First Route
From Thirsk take the A170 towards Scarborough. Go through Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe and climb Sutton Bank (not suitable in bad weather). Six miles after Sutton Bank at the village of Sproxton turn right towards York (B1257). Continue on this road for about two miles. Ignore the first two turnings signposted Ampleforth and take the third turning on the right towards York (B1363). You will enter the village of Oswaldkirk. In Oswaldkirk turn right at the bend on the steep hill. The entrances to the College and Abbey are on the left, approximately two miles along this road just after the Westminster Cross.
Alternative Route (use in bad weather)
From Thirsk take the A19 south towards York. After three miles turn left at the signpost for Thirkleby, Coxwold, Hemlsley. Follow this road for 4½ miles into the village of Coxwold. At the bottom of the hill in Coxwold turn left. Follow the road through Byland and Wass. After 1½ miles after Wass you come to Ampleforth Village. Continue beyond the village for about a mile keeping to the right. The entrances to the Abbey and College are on the right. Visitors should use the Visitor Entrance.
From York
If you are leaving the city centre (station) take the B1363 road towards Helmsley. Follow this road past the District Hospital and out of the city. Cross the northern ring-road and travel through the villages of Stillington, Sutton on the Forest, Brandsby and Gilling East until you reach Oswaldkirk. In Oswaldkirk turn left. The entrances to the College and Abbey are on the left, approximately two miles along this road just after the Westminster Cross. Please use the Visitor Entrance.
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from York to Ampleforth.
The simplest route: From the A1 take the A168 to Thirsk and then the A170 towards Scarborough. Then as from the north in paragraph 5 below. From the South: Join the A64 (from the M1 or A1), turn onto the York bypass (A1237) just before York, then after several roundabouts, onto the Helmsley Road (B1363) which takes you via Stillington, Sutton on the Forest, Brandsby, Gilling East and Oswaldkirk. At Oswaldkirk turn left and the College is approximately two miles along this road.
From the North: The easiest route to follow is the A19, then the A170 at Thirsk, towards Scarborough. A couple of turnings signposted 'York' bring you down into Oswaldkirk village. Turn right at the foot of the hill and the College is approximately two miles along this road.
In bad weather it might be advisable to avoid Sutton Bank.
Rail
Trains run regularly from King's Cross, London to York. The journey takes approximately two hours and trains run at half hourly intervals during the day. www.thetrainline.com
Bus
Stephenson's of Easingwold provide a bus service from York to Ampleforth. Download a copy of the current timetable here. To contact Stephenson's direct visit the website or ring 01347 838990. www.stephensonsofeasingwold.co.uk
Airports
Leeds/Bradford Airport is accessible by taxi. There is an hourly train service from Manchester Airport to York (about 2 hours). Teesside Airport is also nearby.
Taxi
D&P (01904 764764) offers special fares from York to the College (approximately £36 - £38), and to/from Leeds Airport (£69), and Teesside Airport (£55).
Other taxis:
KMS Executive Car Services 01751 431903 07794 815377
RED Taxis 07760 160244
JEB Taxis, Thirsk 01845 525105