Directions to Ampleforth
Our Address
Ampleforth College
York YO62 4ER
Tel: 01439-766000
Fax: 01439-788330
Maps: Click here for route maps
Local hotels: Click here for list of local hotels *
Directions by Road
From the main roads coming from either the south or the north.
We recommend that you approach Ampleforth from the town of Thirsk - from the south via the A1(M) and A168, or from the north via the A19. From Thirsk there are two routes to Ampleforth which each take about 25 minutes.
First Route
From Thirsk take the A170 towards Scarborough. Go through Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe and climb Sutton Bank (not suitable in bad weather). Six miles after Sutton Bank at the village of Sproxton turn right towards York (B1257). Continue on this road for about two miles. Ignore the first two turnings signposted Ampleforth and take the third turning on the right towards York (B1363). You will enter the village of Oswaldkirk. In Oswaldkirk turn right at the bend on the steep hill. The entrances to the College and Abbey are on the left, approximately two miles along this road just after the Westminster Cross.
Alternative Route (use in bad weather)
From Thirsk take the A19 south towards York. After three miles turn left at the signpost for Thirkleby, Coxwold, Hemlsley. Follow this road for 4 ½ miles into the village of Coxwold. At the bottom of the hill in Coxwold turn left. Follow the road through Byland and Wass. After 1½ miles after Wass you come to Ampleforth Village. Continue beyond the village for about a mile keeping to the right. The entrances to the Abbey and College are on the right.
From York
If you are leaving the city centre (station) take the B1363 road towards Helmsley. Follow this road past the District Hospital and out of the city. Cross the northern ring-road and travel through the villages of Stillington, Sutton on the Forest, Brandsby and Gilling East until you reach Oswaldkirk. In Oswaldkirk turn left. The entrances to the College and Abbey are on the left, approximately two miles along this road just after the Westminster Cross.
It takes about 45 minutes to drive from York to Ampleforth.
The simplest route: From the A1 take the A168 to Thirsk and then the A170 towards Scarborough. Then as from the north in paragraph 5 below.
From the South: Join the A64 (from the M1 or A1), turn onto the York bypass (A1237) just before York, then after several roundabouts, onto the Helmsley Road (B1363) which takes you via Stillington, Sutton on the Forest, Brandsby, Gilling East and Oswaldkirk. At Oswaldkirk turn left and the College is approximately two miles along this road.
From the North: The easiest route to follow is the A19, then the A170 at Thirsk, towards Scarborough. A couple of turnings signposted 'York' bring you down into Oswaldkirk village. Turn right at the foot of the hill and the College is approximately two miles along this road.
In bad weather it might be advisable to avoid Sutton Bank.
Airports
Leeds/Bradford Airport is accessible by taxi. There is an hourly train service from Manchester Airport to York (about 2 hours). Teesside Airport is also nearby.
Train
At the end of each term and at the beginning of each half term coaches depart from Ampleforth at 9.00 am, for students to catch trains from York station after 10.00 am enabling them to take advantage of Super Saver fares. A few students may have to leave earlier to take trains to meet mid-morning flight times from Heathrow, or to make connections for long distance destinations, in the North of Scotland or the South-West. Travel to York in these cases will be by private arrangement.
Full details about travel arrangements are sent with end of term reports. Rail cards, enabling those over 16 years to travel at two-thirds the normal rate (currently £20.00), can be obtained through Ryedale Travel Agency, telephone: 01439 770771.
Taxis
ACE Taxis (01904 638888) offer special fares from York to the College (£28) ), and to/from Leeds Airport (£60), and Teesside Airport (£54) - figures correct at 1 September 2006.
Car Hire
The School has an arrangement with Hertz Car Hire (01904 612586) at York Station. To make a reservation parents should contact Hertz at least 24 hours in advance and they should quote Ampleforth College and the discount number CDP 712273. This arrangement is only available at the York branch of Hertz.