Wass is a small village of approximately 130 inhabitants, overlooking its smaller neighbour Byland Abbey. Wass and Byland together form the Parish of Byland with Wass. This is a thriving community with many social and charitable gatherings. Events are held inside and outside the village hall and many people open their gardens for charity in summer.
The Church of St.Thomas is unusual. It began as a school for children and an institute for adult learning then it became a place of worship too. The school was closed in 1933, the Wass Institute was built in 1928 and now it is solely an attractive little church.
The old Wass Institute was rebuilt in 2009 and was renamed the Wass Village Hall. It is well equipped for sports, social and cultural activities. Sporting activities take place most evenings and the WI meets once a month.
At the crossroads in the centre of the village is the Stapylton Arms, one of the oldest buildings in Wass. The pub provides rooms and food for the many visitors and walkers visiting this beautiful area as well as for local people.
Above the village, but difficult to see against the hillside, lies Stanbrook Abbey. This is the newest monastery in England and home to a small number of nuns. It can be seen from some of the woodland walks around Wass.