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.
Click to download the “Sunday Sheet”, which contains a weekly reflection, bible readings and prayers as well as notices about forthcoming events.
Current Recruitment
We are currently advertising for a part time staff role in our Verger team.
Please see below for more details.
Verger
We are recruiting for a Verger.
Part time, 15 hours (2 days a week)
Looking after the building and those who come through its doors in this busy town centre church that is open daily.
You can request the job description and an application form by emailing: op********@************rg.uk
Closing date for applications is 04/05/2026 at 12pm.
An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this role.
Choral Scholar/Section Leader
We invite applications for an ALTO, a TENOR, and BASS Choral Scholar/Section Leader roles at Selby Abbey to begin in September 2026, or as soon as possible afterwards.
This is a paid opportunity (with a modest time-commitment) for a skilled and dedicated musician to play a key role in helping develop the musical life of the Abbey and its choir, whilst gaining valuable experience and training in an inspirational setting.
Closing date for applications: 29th May 2026
Download the application documents below:
Choral Scholarships Details 2026
Upcoming events in the Abbey
Click the links below to book a ticket or for information one of our exciting events or a special service coming up:
Early Show
Pink Floyd By Candlelight comes to Selby Abbey! Sat 25th Apr at 18:15 / 20:30 Join us on the Dark Side of the Moon for the ultimate tribute […]
Later Show
Pink Floyd By Candlelight comes to Selby Abbey! Sat 25th Apr at 18:15 / 20:30 Join us on the Dark Side of the Moon for the ultimate tribute […]
A Night at the Opera
A NIGHT AT THE OPERA BY CANDLELIGHT SELBY ABBEY SATURDAY 2ND MAY 18:45 – Doors open 19:30 – Concert begins Duration 2 hours including a short interval Click the link […]
Special events at the Abbey
Take a look below for any special events happening at the Abbey soon:
Sail Away this Half Term! Stories, Crafting and Exploring in Selby Abbey!
Have you ever wondered why the Abbey was built here? Join our storyteller on a voyage of discovery as you follow in the footsteps of a monk from France on […]
Selby Abbey: The Origin Stories
Selby Abbey: The Origin Stories is a £1.4 million National Lottery Heritage Fund project to deliver essential repairs to this Grade I listed building, with a public engagement programme centred around the Abbey’s spectacular St Germain window and a new Monastic Garden.
The delivery phase of the project got under way in late summer 2025, and is due to run until autumn 2027.
Project updates and announcements will appear on the Selby Abbey website, along with listings for the many free-to-participate opportunities being offered as part of the project programme.
To view the latest, visit the dedicated page by clicking here.
Selby Abbey: The Origin Stories is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
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 of Selby Abbey
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.
Don’t miss one out on attending one of our Tours with our knowledgeable Guides, see the next dates below:
Selby Abbey Tower Tours
Explore Selby Abbey’s tower. See the Abbey Bells, Clock and Bell-ringing Chamber. In fine weather see the splendid views from the rooftop. Come and enjoy a special tour of the […]
Selby Abbey Tower Tours
Explore Selby Abbey’s tower. See the Abbey Bells, Clock and Bell-ringing Chamber. In fine weather see the splendid views from the rooftop Come and enjoy a special tour of the […]
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Shop At Selby Abbey Gift Shop
