Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Have you ever wondered that stories these ruins could tell if these walls could talk? Unearth the monastic secrets of a great abbey, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the daily routines of the monks who lived here on this guided tour.
The abbey tour lasts one hour and will be run twice a day, seven days a week.
If you'd like to find out more, you can meet a guide in the abbey cloister, at 1pm and 3pm, where they'll be able to answer any of your questions and discuss the history of the ruins in more detail.
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 pricesThe 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. 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 on that day.
Upcoming events
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.
Medieval Industry: Mill tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to find out more about the oldest building on the estate.
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.