Discover the perfect complement to the abbey, a once wild and wooded valley transformed into one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.
Whet your appetite with these five highlights from the Water Garden:
The Banqueting House
© National Trust
Studley Royal Water Garden was the breathtaking vision of John Aislabie and his son William. The eminently talented Aislabie wasn't a man to ask for professional advice but he does appear to have turned to the distinguished Palladian architect, Colen Campbell, on the design of the Banqueting House.
Originally intended as an orangery, it was later embellished, deliberately rusticated and fitted out for fine dining. Today the Banqueting House offers a romantic and secluded venue for civil ceremonies and private functions.
The Temple of Piety
© National Trust
John Aislabie was probably thinking of his own herculean labours when he dedicated this temple, one of the last features of his water garden, to Hercules. A perfect example of Neo-classicism, it offered a cool garden retreat on the shady side of the valley.
The temple took on a new guise soon after John's death in 1742 when his son William re-designed it as the Temple of Piety. The view of the photogenic temple is one of the most photographed in the garden.
Classical acts
© National Trust
The middle of the Moon Pond is as tranquil a setting as the Roman god of the sea could hope to find himself. Look for Neptune atop his watery perch with trident in hand. He has good company in two other lead statues of Bacchus (above) and Galen, who grace the edges of the two flanking crescent ponds.
A mammoth power struggle is taking place nearby, alongside the Formal Canal. The garden's only stone statue captures Hercules and Antaeus mid-wrestle. Mythology has it that Antaeus was so powerful he could wrestle any challenger to death - until he bumped into Hercules.
Exquisite follies
© NTPL / Charlie Waite / National Trust
Few Georgian gardens were complete without their follies, and Studley Royal is no exception. You can reach the Gothic style Octagon Tower on foot in dramatic style by plunging into the twisting Serpentine Tunnel, to emerge by the tower which sits on a high rocky outcrop.
From here, it's a meander along the top of the valley through beeches, yews and Scots pine to the Temple of Fame. Once you arrive at this rotunda you'll understand why it was a favourite picnicking spot for the Georgians. The views across the garden are simply wonderful.
Save the best view until last
© NTPL / Andrew Butler
You should always save the best for last. To experience the ultimate wow factor of the garden, end your tour at The Surprise View. The sudden, unforgettable panorama of the far-off abbey ruins from this Gothic alcove was designed to cause a sharp intake of breath, so listen out for yours.
It's easy to lose your head in such dazzling surroundings, just ask the decapitated statue who stands here. She became known as Anne Boleyn during the late 18th century as a neat link to Henry VIII's second queen and the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Hence the View's other name, Anne Boleyn's Seat.
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