Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Two women strolling amongst the moon ponds and statues of Studley Royal water garden

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

More about this place

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Things to see and do 

The ruins of Fountains Abbey

The abbey 

In 1132, 13 monks came here to start a simpler life. Over 400 years later, when Henry VIII demanded the closure of the Abbey, the monks left behind the most complete Cistercian abbey remains in the country.

A newly restored statue in the foreground with the Octagon Tower in the background.

The water garden 

During the 18th-century John Aislabie had great plans to impress visitors to his Yorkshire estate and so turned the surrounding woods and valleys into the Georgian water gardens we see today.

A glimpse of St Mary's Church through the trees in Studley Royal deer park

Exploring further... 

Discover our hidden gems including Fountains Mill built by the Cistercians in the 12th-century, it's one of the oldest buildings on the estate. We're also home to a deer park, church and grand hall.

Children playing in the autumn leaves near the abbey ruins

Explore this autumn 

With a back drop of reds, yellows and golds, autumn is a beautiful time of year to come and explore the abbey, gardens and deer park.

Couple walking along the avenue in the deer park

Bring your dog with you 

Bring your four-legged friend along to explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. There's lots to see!

Three women in the distance taking an autumn walk in Studley Royal water garden

Walking on the estate 

We've miles of footpaths and trails to explore in this beautiful landscape. Get your boots on and stretch your legs!

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

What's on

Fountains Abbey lit by floodlights

Enjoy an evening at Fountains by Floodlight 

Wrap up warm to see the abbey all aglow, hear a live choral performance and tuck into some scrummy food.

Upcoming events

See all events

Autumn Explorer Map

Sun 24 Sep 2017
10:00-17:00
Pick up an autumn explorer map to make the most of crunchy, crackly and colourful nature.

Sighted tours

Sun 24 Sep 2017
10:00-17:00
Experience this World Heritage Site in a way that suits you with one of our RNIB trained sighted guides.

Abbey & water garden tour

Sun 24 Sep 2017
11:00-12:30
A tale of two parts, revisit the abbey's monastic past before experiencing the Georgian splendour of the water garden.

Walk on the monks' way

Sun 24 Sep 2017
12:00-17:00
Step back in time and journey along the 7.5 mile historic route between Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks.

Abbey tour

Mon 25 Sep 2017
11:00-12:00
If these walls could talk... join one of our knowledgeable guides as they bring to life the dramatic history of this fascinating building.

Dissolution: a sculpture exhibition

Sat 30 Sep 2017
10:30-16:00
Come and marvel at Joseph Hayton's new works in marble and bronze.
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Eating and shopping

A couple eating at the visitor centre restaurant

Enjoy a treat 

After an energetic walk or a short stroll why not enjoy a bite to eat with us. Choose from the Visitor Centre Restaurant, Studley Tearoom or Abbey Tearoom.

Visitor in the garden shop at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, north Yorkshire

Relax with Retail 

Taste delicious chutneys, sample teas and find fresh blooms in the plant centre as well as gifts and seasonal products in our shop.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Our work

Working in Studley Royal deer park at Fountains Abbey

Our Conservation Work 

Together with our partners, it’s our role to ensure this exceptional landscape is looked after now and in the future. Find out about some of the projects we're working on at the moment.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Surprise View

We're a World Heritage Site 

Our 18th-century water garden, incorporating some of the largest Cistercian abbey ruins in Europe, helped us to achieve the status of a World Heritage Site. Find out how that impacts the work we do.

a view across studley lake towards the fishing tabernacles

Looking to the future 

Just like a vulnerable work of art, the years have taken their toll on the extensive eighteenth century garden at Studley Royal. Support our big ambition to restore it to the way it looked when it was first created.

Volunteers helping to install Folly at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Get involved 

Our volunteers are so important in helping us look after Fountains Abbey. From mucking in at the bird hide to leading tours for visitors, we'll match your skills to our available roles so you can get involved.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Learning

National Trust Education Officer and a school group at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

A new way to learn 

Experience a day in the life of a monk, go pond dipping, den building or even camp out under the stars when you bring your educational group to our special place.

Find out more
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Groups

National Trust Images / Paul Harris

Visit with your group 

Groups of visitors have been coming to our special place since the 18th-century. With guided tours, self-led visits and a discount on admission prices come and find out what makes this World Heritage Site so special.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Places to stay

A view of Fountains Hall in summer

Holiday with us 

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.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Weddings

Wedding couple at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

Say 'I do' 

Say 'I do' at this World Heritage Site then have celebratory drinks and canapés in the private walled garden overlooking the River Skell.

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