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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site
Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
Important notice
The Fountains Abbey estate including the deer park will be closed on Saturday 21 December due to the high winds forecast. We will be open as normal on Sunday 22 December.
Opening times for 22 December 2024
Asset Opening time Abbey and water garden admission 10:00 - 16:00 Gift shop & plant centre 10:30 - 16:30 Visitor centre restaurant 09:30 - 16:00 Studley tea-room 10:00 - 16:00 MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedAdmission
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £20.90 £19.00 Child £10.50 £9.50 Family £52.30 £47.50 1 Adult, up to 3 children £31.40 £28.50 Group Adult £18.05 Group Child £9.03 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Audio guide
An audio guide is available from the visitor centre admissions desk.
Kiosk
Refreshment kiosk in the Studley tea-room garden and Mill café. Check with the welcome team for daily opening times.
Car park
Main car park at the visitor centre is free of charge. Studley Car-park is pay & display (free for NT members) £6 for 4 hours, £9 all day. West Gate for accessible parking and level access to the abbey and water garden. Please don't park in the local village as this causes an obstruction for residents and emergency vehicles.
Plant shop
A large National Trust gift shop and plant centre is located at the visitor centre.
Dogs allowed
Dogs very welcome in all outdoor spaces, but please keep them on a short lead at all times. They're also welcome in admissions, the shop, and visitor centre restaurant.
Restaurant
Restaurant at the visitor centre serving hot and cold food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
Electric vehicle charging point
There are a limited number of charging points for electric vehicles in car park B. These are on a first come, first served basis and unfortunately we can't guarantee that one will be available when you visit. If you do use one of the charging points please help us to cover the cost by making a donation.
Shop
A large National Trust gift shop and plant centre is located at the visitor centre.
Guided tour
Year-round tours of the abbey and water gardens. Tours are subject to volunteer availability.
Toilet
Toilets at each entrance to the estate and in the Studley car park.
There is a steep 15-20% gradient from the visitor centre to the abbey. This is not recommended for wheelchair or powered mobility vehicle users. Our accessible car park is located at our West Gate entrance (SatNav search - 'West Gate car park') which allows level access to the abbey and water gardens through which there are recommended routes. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. If you'd like to discuss any arrangements we can make to meet your access needs please give us a call on (01765) 608888 and we'll do our best to help.
Accessible route and/or map
There is a steep 15-20% gradient from the visitor centre to the estate. This is not recommended for wheelchair or powered mobility vehicle users. Our accessible car park is located at our West Gate entrance and allows level access to the grounds.
Accessible route and/or map - more informationLift
There is a lift to the upper levels of Fountains Mill.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are located at the visitor centre, near the West Gate and Studley entrances, in the tea-room garden and in the Studley car park.
Powered mobility vehicle available
A limited number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire, free of charge. They can be collected between 10.30am - 2.30pm and must be return by 3.30pm. Pre-booking is essential, please call 01765 608888. Please collect from the West Gate entrance upon arrival.
Designated parking
Our accessible car park is located near our West Gate entrance (Sat Nav postcode HG4 3DZ). This provides level access to the abbey and water gardens.
Seating available
Induction loop
Induction loops are available at all till points. We also have a portable induction loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Pre-booking is essential, please call 01765 608888. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge.
Steps/uneven terrain
There are some gentle and steep slopes around the estate. Please be aware of uneven ground, height drops and deep running water. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes when you visit.
Level access to food outlet
There's level access to the visitor centre restaurant from the visitor centre car park. Studley Tea Rooms and Mill Kiosk are on level access from inside the estate.
Transfer available
There is a complimentary visitor transport service which operates between all three entrances to the estate from 10am-4:30pm. Please ask a member of staff to call this for you if you'd like to make use of it.
Level access to shop
Wheelchairs available
Level access/terrain
There are some slopes and cobbles on the accessible route. Access to the abbey is across a level grassy green. When the grass is particularly wet this can be impassable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. Some paths on site are surfaced with loose hardcore. Higher paths in the water garden and deer park are reached via steep slopes.
By road
Off B6265 to Pateley Bridge from Ripon. Follow the brown signs for Fountains Abbey from A1. We're 12 miles north of Harrogate (A61).
Parking: Free parking at the visitor centre. Studley Royal pay & display car park is first-come-first-served. For level access car park at West Gate use SatNav HG43DZ. What3Words - Visitor Centre: vanished.jobs.fights. Studley ticket office: hopefully.curiosity.mercy. West Gate ticket office: jams.overpower.flannel
Sat Nav: Use postcode HG43DY
On foot
Public footpaths and bridleways from Ripon and the surrounding countryside.
By bus
Daily connections to Ripon on service 36 from Leeds and Harrogate. DalesBus Service 139 runs from Ripon to Fountains Abbey on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays all year.
By bicycle
Signed on-road cycle loop. The 'Way of the Roses' coast-to-coast route takes you through the deer park. Cycling is not permitted inside the abbey and water garden although children under five can bring small balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers to help get around the site.
Planning your visit
Article
Christmas at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Christmas at Fountains Abbey continues until Sunday 5 January. Wrap up warm, grab a festive bake, see the abbey sparkle and as the afternoon light starts to fade, take a wander through the ruins aglow.
PDF
PDF
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal map
A map for visitors to find their way around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Article
Visiting Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with your dog
Fountains Abbey is a three pawprint rated place. Discover why it's such a great place to bring your dog and take a look at our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Photography and filming at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
From engagement shoots to blockbuster movies, and everything in between - read on for some helpful guidance about photography and filming at Fountains Abbey.
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Group and school visits to Fountains Abbey
Discover the benefits of group visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, the huge programme of educational activities available for school groups, how to book and more.
Highlights
A World Heritage Site
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
Ruins of Fountains Abbey
One of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore vaulted ceilings, grand columns and an imposing tower.
Studley Royal Water Garden
The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas.
Studley Royal Deer Park
Over 300 red, sika and fallow deer call this extensive parkland home. The deer park also includes St Mary's Church, one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges.
Spotlight events
Article
Christmas at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Discover Christmas 2024 at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Wrap up warm and grab a mulled drink or a festive bake. Immerse yourself in the 'Winter Tales' and as the afternoon light starts to fade, wander through the glowing abbey ruins.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Helpful tips if you’re planning a visit to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with babies and children
Things to see and do
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength sits side by side with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breath-taking views.
Article
Things to do at Fountains Abbey
The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold. Discover what to see when you come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country.
Article
Things to do at Studley Royal
The evocative ruins of the abbey are set beside the grounds of Studley Royal, a medieval deer park in Yorkshire. It was declared Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site in 1986.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Fountains Abbey
Break up your adventures at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with some tasty refreshments. Afterwards, look for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself in the National Trust shop and plant centre.
Top trails
Trail
The Seven Bridges Valley walk
On this circular walk, you'll cross delightful arched bridges as you follow the meandering Skell river.
Trail
Studley Royal deer park walk
Follow this circular route trail to marvel at the 300 wild deer that live within the Studley Royal deer park in North Yorkshire.
Trail
Ripon to Fountains Abbey walk
Walk to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Ripon, taking in cathedral views from the lime avenue through the deer park, then explore the Seven Bridges Valley on your return.
Trail
Fountains Abbey Estate Boundary walk
See all the highlights of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on a circular walk, taking in the Abbey ruins, hall, deer park and 18th-century water garden.
Trail
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
Explore the highlights of the park on this circular walk and learn more about the ancient trees in the deer park and insights into the 18th-century landscape.
Trail
Studley Park, Water Gardens and Fountains Abbey walk
Learn more about the 18th-century landscape of the Deer Park and the Seven Bridges Valley on this 5-mile circular walk at Fountains Abbey.
Trail
The lost spa trail at Fountains Abbey
This walk will take you along the tranquil banks of the River Skell and into the site of a former spa. On the way back, you'll pass through the Studley Royal deer park and the Seven Bridges Valley.
Places to stay
Choristers' House
A large house located on the Fountains Abbey estate designed by a famous name, with a unique style.
Fountains Cottage
Three spacious floors to explore, an ivy-clad exterior and Fountains Abbey just moments away.
Abbey Stores
Moments away from Fountains Abbey, this characterful cottage has lots of original features.
Abbey Cottage
An eclectic history and stylish interiors with walks along the river to Fountains Abbey.
Lark
A former cow shed that’s now a stylish holiday home less than a mile from Fountains Abbey.
Proctor
A stylish third-floor apartment in the beautiful Fountains Hall with views of the river Skell.
Vyner
A fine period apartment based in a grand hall that has played host to some very royal guests…
Whitefields Cottage
Discover the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey from this large cottage with a farmhouse air.
Upcoming events
Event
Winter Tales trail
Explore frozen lands and follow heroes and heroines on epic journeys on the Winter Tales trail.
Event
Boxing Day Pilgrimage
Join the service in Ripon Cathedral at 9.30am before setting off on this ancient pilgrimage to the abbey where the service continues in the Cellarium from approx. 12 noon.
Event
Winter Tales: live storytelling
Get into the festive spirit with a group story telling session of Winter Tales written by author Dawn Casey, led by one of our volunteers.
Event
Winter abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
Event
Winter garden and abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to see the abbey as the Georgians once did; incorporated into the dramatic designed landscape.
Event
Live festive music
Get into the festive spirit with seasonal music and colourful lighting in the cellarium.
About Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
For centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place.
From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.
When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design.
Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.
One-of-a-kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.
History
Article
History of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Step back into a dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks lived here, and learn how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became one.
Article
World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Find out how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and how we're preserving its unique features for future generations to enjoy.
Our work
Studley Revealed
Follow our progress as we undertake a £3.5 million project to improve the experience at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal for everyone.
Skell Valley Project
Keep up with the latest updates as the Skell Valley Project takes place, looking to create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley in North Yorkshire.
Past conservation projects at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Dive into some of the past conservation projects at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Yorkshire, aimed at restoring the vision of John and William Aislabie.
Our work with wildlife at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is home to many species of wildlife, including birds and deer. Find out how we support the wildlife living across the estate.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Find out how you can join the volunteering team at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and play an important role in the smooth running of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.