Set above the River Rye, Rievaulx Terrace encompasses 12 carefully contrived views of the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in the valley below. It is one of the earliest triumphs of the Picturesque movement which sought to recreate in nature the idealised paintings of artists like Claude and Poussin, while still appearing natural. Created by Thomas Duncombe II, son-in-law of the 4th Earl of Carlisle and owner of Castle Howard, the Terrace was constructed in 1749-56. Duncombe, who made the Grand Tour in 1747, referenced his travels by placing classical temples at either end of the Terrace. The Tuscan Temple contains rich plasterwork, perhaps by Giuseppe Cortese, decorating the inside of the dome. The Ionic Temple has a magnificent ceiling fresco by Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis. The designer of the temples is unidentified but may be Sir Thomas Robinson, the architect who rebuilt the west wing of Castle Howard.
The half-mile long grass terrace is graced by two mid 18th century temples including the Ionic Temple, intended as a banqueting house, with elaborate ceiling paintings and fine 18th century furniture.
