The impressive ruins of Easy Abbey lie in picturesque surroundings by the River Swale in North Yorkshire. Easby is one of the best preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian 'white canons', with the magnificent refectory, gatehouse and canons' dormitory remaining. The parish church within the precinct, which is still in use, contains rare 13th century wall paintings.

Founded in 1152, Easby Abbey was suppressed in 1536 and within two years most of its buildings had been stripped and demolished. The ruins later became a favourite subject for artists, including JMW Turner.