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 (1.30pm 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.
🎵 Organ Recital Series 2025
Free lunchtime organ recitals every Tuesday at 12.30pm from 22 July to 26 August, featuring acclaimed cathedral organists.
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.
What’s New on Our Website
Shop At Selby Abbey Gift Shop
Upcoming Events
Emergence Exhibition – Helen Brook & Mandy Keating
Now Then! artists Helen Brook and Mandy Keaton are coming to the end of their Selby-based residency Emergence, focusing on environment, sustainability and our impact on the natural world, with an exhibition […]
The Music Of Fleetwood Mac – Early show
The Music Of Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight comes to Selby Abbey! Friday 25th April 2025 at 6:15pm & 8:30pm 1st Sitting: Doors 5:30pm / Show 6:15pm - 7:30pm 2nd Sitting: […]
The Music Of Fleetwood Mac -Later show
The Music Of Fleetwood Mac By Candlelight comes to Selby Abbey! Friday 25th April 2025 at 6:15pm & 8:30pm 1st Sitting: Doors 5:30pm / Show 6:15pm - 7:30pm 2nd Sitting: […]
