Selby Abbey

At the Heart of the Community Since 1069

Welcome to Selby Abbey

Inspiring architecture; sacred space and a vibrant worshipping community make Selby Abbey the place it is today. Men, women and children have worshipped here and served the wider community for over 900 years. Selby is a small Yorkshire town, 12 miles South of York with one of the most superb Abbey churches to be found anywhere in England. The Abbey is not just a building it is a living and vibrant part of the local community yet provides space that allow the visitor and the worshipper alike to find peace, tranquillity and the very presence of God.

Throughout its long and turbulent history, the Abbey has undergone many changes and therefore never stands still. We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful building and hope you will enjoy it for its history, its architecture and its space but above all for an encounter with God.

Visiting: We are open for all visitors (including sightseeing) from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily and the Gift and Coffee Shop is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm (1.30 to 3.00pm on Sundays). Visiting may be restricted during service times.

Worship: There are two services of Holy Communion on Sunday and two more during the week and a service of Evensong every Sunday as well as other opportunities for worship at the Abbey from time to time. For more information, please see below under “Services of Public Worship” or for any additions to these, under “Sunday Sheet”.

The 10.00am Sunday Service is usually available to view online. Contact the Abbey Office for the Youtube link.

The “Sunday Sheet” contains a weekly reflection, bible readings and prayers as well as notices about forthcoming events.

Donations Welcome

With your donation, we will continue to provide a welcoming, inspiring visitor experience to Selby Abbey. Maintaining free entry to the building, we will be able to develop on our 950 years of spiritual, cultural and economic support to the local community and for those further afield. We receive no direct financial support from the state or central church to preserve our historic building, and are therefore grateful for any donation you may be able to give to keep this magnificent Abbey at the heart of Selby both now and for future generations. 

Guided Tours

Join one of our guided tours, free of charge, with donations welcome. They will last about 75 minutes and no booking is necessary, simply meet at the West Doors and one of our guides will show you the hidden gems of the Abbey. Dates and times can be found on the link below. Alternatively, you can contact us to book a bespoke tour at a time to suit you. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Upcoming Events

Selby Abbey Christmas Tree Festival

Click below to view poster of event;   Final Christmas Tree Festival        

FREE
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Advent Service – Veni Emmanuel

Join us for this beautiful service of carols, prayers, hymns and readings, as we mark the beginning of Advent: a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the Nativity of […]

FREE
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GUIDED TOURS OF SELBY ABBEY

GUIDED TOURS OF SELBY ABBEY November - December 2024 No booking required – just turn up! (Tours, which last about 75 minutes, are free but donations are invited) Meet your […]

Free
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