Where to Stay for Selby Abbey and Its Ghostly Stories

Selby's abbey has a turbulent history and a few resident spirits — here's where to base yourself for the ruins and the rumours.

Selby Abbey: The Ruins and the Wraiths

Selby Abbey dominates the town centre, its Norman nave and 14th-century east window visible from the market place. The abbey was founded in 1069 by Benedict of Auxerre, and despite the Dissolution and a devastating fire in 1906, it survives as a parish church. Entry is free, though donations are welcome. The ruins of the monastic buildings are scattered around the churchyard; look for the remains of the cloister and the old infirmary. The abbey is open daily, and volunteer guides lead tours on Saturdays — check the noticeboard for times.

Ghost stories cling to the abbey. A monk in a brown habit is said to pace the north aisle, and the sound of chanting has been reported from the empty choir. The most famous tale is of a weeping woman in grey, thought to be a former abbess, seen near the Lady Chapel. These are local legends, not verified hauntings, but they add atmosphere to an evening stroll. The abbey grounds are open until dusk; after that, the floodlit exterior is best viewed from the market place.

Staying in Selby: Practical Bases

Selby has a handful of hotels clustered around the town centre. The most convenient is the 3-star Selby Lodge on New Street, a two-minute walk from the abbey; rooms are simple but clean, and doubles typically range from £70 to £90 per night. For a bit more comfort, the 4-star Abbey View Hotel on Park Street (a five-minute walk) has larger rooms and a small car park, with doubles from £100 to £130. Both are within easy reach of the train station, which has direct services to York (20 minutes) and Leeds (30 minutes).

If you prefer self-catering, there are several holiday cottages in the villages around Selby. A popular option is a converted barn in Thorpe Willoughby, three miles west, sleeping four, with weekly rates from £400 to £600 depending on the season. These are ideal for families or those wanting a quieter base, but you'll need a car to reach the abbey and local pubs. Book well ahead for the Selby Town Council's annual beer festival in July, when rooms fill up.

Beyond the Abbey: What to See Nearby

The Selby Canal, completed in 1778, offers a pleasant towpath walk towards the village of Brayton, about two miles away. The canal is popular with walkers and cyclists, and you can spot herons and kingfishers if you're quiet. For a longer outing, head to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's Skipwith Common, a heathland reserve six miles north-east, where you can walk among ancient oaks and look for adders. Entry is free, and there's a small car park; best visited between April and September.

History buffs should not miss the battlefield at Towton, 12 miles west, site of the bloodiest battle of the Wars of the Roses in 1461. The battlefield is open access, with an information board and a memorial cross; a self-guided trail leaflet is available from the Selby tourist information centre. Combine this with a visit to the pretty village of Cawood, five miles north, where the moated Cawood Castle (a ruin) and the 14th-century St Mary's Church are worth a stop. The castle grounds are privately owned but viewable from the lane.

When to Go and What to Book

Late spring and early autumn are the best times to visit Selby. The weather is mild, the abbey gardens are in bloom, and the crowds are manageable. July and August bring school holidays and higher prices — expect hotel rates to rise by 20–30% — but the long evenings make the ghost stories more atmospheric. Winter is quiet, and some smaller B&Bs close, but you'll have the abbey almost to yourself. If you're set on a specific ghost tour, check dates with the abbey office, as they are irregular.

For most travellers, I'd book the Abbey View Hotel for its proximity and comfort, especially if you're arriving by train. The extra £20–£30 per night over the Selby Lodge buys you a quieter street and a better breakfast. If you're driving and staying longer, the Thorpe Willoughby cottage is the better value. Avoid the chain hotels on the bypass if you want to walk to the abbey — they're a 25-minute walk with no pavement for part of the route. Book directly with the hotel for the best rates.

Questions, answered

Is Selby Abbey free to visit?

Yes, entry to Selby Abbey is free, though donations are appreciated. The abbey is open daily, and volunteer-led tours run on Saturdays for a small fee. Check the abbey website for seasonal opening times.

What is the best way to get to Selby?

Selby has a railway station with direct trains from York (20 minutes) and Leeds (30 minutes). By car, it's about 15 miles south of York via the A19. Parking in the town centre is limited, so check with your hotel.

Are there any ghost tours in Selby?

Ghost tours are occasional and usually organised around Halloween or by local history groups. The abbey doesn't run regular tours, so ask at the tourist information centre on Micklegate for upcoming events.

← North Yorkshire's page