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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.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Fountains Abbey became the greatest folly of all when John Aislabie created his water garden at Studley Royal. See the abbey as the Georgians did on this guided tour; incorporated into the dramatic designed landscape and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The abbey and garden tour lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and will be run twice a day, seven days a week.

Unfortunately, sometimes our volunteer guides aren't available and we have to cancel tours. Please ask the admission staff on your arrival for the tour schedule on that day.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

Meet at the Porter's Lodge; a 15 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, down a steep 20% gradient, 5 minutes from the level access West Gate entrance and 30 minutes from the Studley Royal entrance.

What to bring and wear

We are an outdoor site so please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven in places.

Accessibility

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. We have a portable hearing loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Please call 01765 608888 to book. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge. You can use this with a hearing aid set to 'T' or with headphones.

Other

This tour will last approx. 1 hour 30 minutes. Unfortunately, sometimes our guides aren't available and we have to cancel tours. Please ask the admission staff on your arrival for the tour schedule that day.

Upcoming events

Event

Abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.

Event summary

on
28 Apr to 20 Sep 2024
at
12:00 to 13:00
+ 291 other dates or times
Event

Medieval Industry: Mill tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to find out more about the oldest building on the estate.

Event summary

on
30 Apr to 4 Jun 2024
at
14:30 to 15:30
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Wow! Wildlife walk 

Discover unusual facts about the trees and wildflowers found at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, from the humble dandelion to a great old oak.

Event summary

on
1 May to 4 Sep 2024
at
14:00 to 15:30
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Blossom tree craft 

Create your own blossom tree this May bank holiday weekend.

Event summary

on
4 May to 6 May 2024
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 2 other dates or times