Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Family throwing leaves in front of Fountains Abbey

Important notice -

Admission for today (Sun 29) is sold out. Unfortunately won’t be able to welcome those without a ticket.The Studley car park is first-come-first served. All events have been postponed until 5 Dec.

Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site

Please book ahead before visiting Check availability

More about this place

Family walking in the woodland at Castle Ward, County Down

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Following the latest government guidance, all houses in England and Northern Ireland are closed. We're reopening our places in Wales from Monday 9 November for visitors who live in Wales in line with Welsh government guidelines following the firebreak lockdown. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

Back to top
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

What's on

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden   North Yorkshire

Please book ahead before visiting

The abbey, water garden, play area, and visitor centre car park, restaurant and toilet facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are open. We've introduced a booking system to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends, school holidays and bank holidays. However, where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary.

Book now
A view along the river Skell towards the ruins of Fountains Abbey
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden   North Yorkshire

What to Expect on your visit to Fountains Abbey

Keeping our visitors, staff, and volunteers safe is our priority. If we can't do that, we won't be able to keep Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal open. Before you set off to see us, there are some things you’ll need to know. Find out more here.

What do I need to know before I visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden (23 Nov-29 Nov)

Sun 29 Nov 2020
11:30-12:00
Book your timed entry to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

Timed entry to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (30 Nov - 6 Dec)

Mon 30 Nov 2020
10:00-10:30
Book your timed entry to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

A Peter Rabbit winter adventure activity trail at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Sat 09 Jan 2021
10:00-16:00
This winter, treat your little ones to the magic of a Peter Rabbit™ winter adventure activity trail
Back to top
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Things to see and do

Walk down to the abbey and enjoy the Christmas lights

Things to do with your family this Christmas at Fountains Abbey 

Join us for a very Yorkshire family day out this Christmas holidays. Wrap up warm for a wander through wintery abbey ruins and get stuck into the Christmas shopping on a full day out at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Walk through a colourfully lit abbey and Music and Lights this Christmas

Festive feelings at Fountains 

Slow down and revel in a moment's break from life's never ending hustle and bustle. Breathe in the fresh Yorkshire air and experience Christmas how it's meant to be; a time to make memories with your loved ones.

Bring your family along to see the colourful Music and Lights this Christmas at Fountains Abbey

Music & Lights at Fountains Abbey 

Each weekend in December and every day from Boxing Day to 1 Jan. Brighten up your weekend with a wander down to the abbey to enjoy the warming sight of the ruins illuminated with all the colours of the rainbow. Explore amongst the grand columns of the nave all aglow and walk beneath the vaulted ceilings of the cellarium, filled with light.

Back to top
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Eating

A member of staff serving a cup of coffee

Grab a bite to eat

Our visitor centre restaurant is open every day, serving a limited range of takeaway hot and cold drinks, and snacks. The Mill Café kiosk is also open 12 – 3.30pm daily, serving ice creams and cold drinks. We’ve introduced new safety measures including closure of our seating areas, screens at our till and collection points, and waymarked routes. We’ll also only be accepting card payment. We look forward to welcoming you back and know that you’ll support us to make this a safe experience for everyone.

Back to top
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Our work

A view along the river Skell towards the ruins of Fountains Abbey

The Skell Valley Project 

Following a successful bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have now submitted the second-round application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding to deliver the Skell Valley Scheme. We’ll find out if we’re successful in the new year.

Back to top
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Places to stay

A view of Fountains Hall in summer

Holiday at Fountains Abbey 

From a mini-break to a family holiday or a group getaway in the great outdoors with the best of Yorkshire on your doorstep, stay in a Fountains Abbey holiday home this year.

Cyclists in summer

Spend a weekend in North Yorkshire 

It's not surprising if you've felt the lure of North Yorkshire's charms for it's truly God's own country. It's a walker's haven with rambling trails crossing the countryside, and the undulated roads are simply made for cycling.

Back to top
Close

For everyone, for ever

Download the app

© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.