Places to visit whilst staying at The Black Swan

Byland Abbey (1 mile)

The Cistercians who built the Abbey at Byland in the 12th century were not only monks, but had a large farming and commercial empire. The immensity of their prosperity is indicated by the fact that the nave is the largest of any church in England. The surrounding countryside displays numerous archaeological remains including mill races, bleach ponds, dye works and fish ponds.

The mixture of rounded Romanesque and pointed Gothic arches shows how architectural styles changed, and reveals that Byland was one of the earliest Gothic buildings in the north. Its great circular rose window, now surviving only in part, was probably the model for the rose window of York Minster.

Byland is an ideal stop off on many of the lovely walking routes radiating from the Black Swan. Detailed walking notes are available in the bar.

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