Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Things to see & do
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Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey
In 1132, 13 monks came here to live a simpler life. Over 400 years later, when Henry VIII demanded the closure of the Abbey, the monks left behind what has now become the most complete Cistercian abbey remains in the country.
© Andrew Butler
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Studley Royal Water Garden
Studley Royal Water Garden
In the early 18th century, John Aislabie had great plans to impress visitors to his Yorkshire estate and turned the wild and wooded valley of the River Skell into one of England's most spectacular Georgian water gardens.
© Richard Jemison
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Fountains Hall
Fountains Hall
Sir Stephen Proctor built this elegant mansion as his country home in the early 17th century. It was built partly with stone from the ruined Abbey. Today you can stay in one of the flats in the hall - or even get married here.
© Kippa Matthews
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Fountains Mill
Fountains Mill
Built by the Cistercians in the 12th century to grind grain for the abbey, Fountains Mill survived the closure of the religious house and continued to mill up to 1927. Now you'll find a hands-on exhibition inside and be able to have a go at grinding corn.
© Kippa Matthews
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St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church
The religious fervour of the Victorians is displayed in the richly decorated high Gothic church designed by William Burges.
© Brian Hurst
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The Deer Park
The Deer Park
Studley Royal is ancient pasture woodland, dating back to the late Middle Ages, and today is home to over 500 red, fallow and Sika deer.
© Ainley Bisby
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Porter's Lodge
Porter's Lodge
Discover the history of the Abbey in the Porter's Lodge exhibition. Try on an itchy monk's robe and touch replicas of objects the monks would have used.
© Jen Taylor
What's on?
This summer we're making the most of the outdoors. We've got hands-on workshops with a medicinal herbalist, open air theatre and late night opening on six dates in July and August.
Activities
Explore over 800 acres of beautiful landscaped garden and parkland. Download one of our walking routes before you visit or discover your own perfect place to escape to.
Don't miss:
- Take a balmy summer walk through the tranquil water garden
- Walk up the high ride - you'll be rewarded with a great view
- Porter's Lodge, our interpretation centre hidden in the gatehouse
- A circular walk through the Deer Park to St Mary's Church
- Have a peep inside the Hermit's Grotto
- Indulge in a cream tea
- Ancient graffiti in Fountain's Mill
Family theatre in a spectacular setting
Watching theatre at Fountains Abbey
This year we're excited to be offering a varied programme of outdoor theatre, suitable for all ages. All performances take place in front of our dramatic ruins: what better setting to sit back and enjoy the show? In addition, this year you can leave the picnic at home, as we're putting on a great value barbecue for all theatre guests.