Photography and filming at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Close-up of a visitor with a camera to his eye, taking photographs in the garden at Cragside, Northumberland — Fountains Abbey is a top destination for shutterbugs and film crews. | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold. It's no surprise that this special place is one of the most 'instagrammed' places in the region. From engagement shoots to blockbuster movies, and everything in between - read on for some helpful guidance about photography and filming here at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.

Flying a drone

Flying a drone is not allowed here at Fountains Abbey unless arranged through our filming office for a specific project. Our members and visitors value the peace and tranquillity of this special place. The presence of drones can spoil the quiet enjoyment by other visitors. We're also home to wildlife, such as deer and birds which are sensitive to disturbance and become alarmed and stressed by the presence of drones, especially at breeding and fawning times.

Visitor photography at Fountains Abbey

Snap away! All visitors to National Trust properties are very welcome to take photographs for their own private use. We'd love to see them too - please tag us in on social media.

If you're capturing images which include our staff members or volunteers we ask that you seek permission from them at the time.

If you, as an individual want to sell or publish photographs please seek permission from our image team by contacting images@nationaltrust.org.uk

A member of the Netflix special effects team sets lighting levels on the set of 'The Witcher' at Fountains | © Netflix

Professional photographic & filming access

Press photography

If you're a member of the press who would like to take photos here please contact our office: fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk or (01765) 608888

Professional photographers

If you'd like to take photographs here for commercial use or for reproduction in any form, you'll need the consent from our central team at National Trust Images. Images taken at NT properties may not be submitted to photo libraries, agencies or on-line providers or provided directly to image buyers.

Commercial photography and filming

Music videos, documentaries, and feature films - we've filmed it all here.

All requests for permission to undertake commercial photography or filming of any kind at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal should in the first instance be referred to filmoffice@nationaltrust.org.uk

Photographing special occasions

Fountains Abbey is a beautiful backdrop for engagement, pre/post wedding* photographs and professional family photo shoots, and we’d be delighted to welcome you here for your photos.

Please ensure you get in touch with us in advance to book. We always like to make sure that your day goes to plan and is special for you by only booking one photo-shoot on any one day. Only pre-booked photo-shoots will be able to enter the estate.

There is a charge to bringing a professional photographer to capture images here.

To find out more about prices and to book please contact the Fountains Abbey office on (01765) 608888 or email fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

*We no longer host weddings here at Fountains Abbey but are happy to help with photo shoots in full wedding attire - this is such a special place after all!