Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Important notice -

We're working hard to reopen many of our places where it is safe to do so. However, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is closed.

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

More about this place

Family walking dogs

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

We're reopening the places you love, gradually, safely and in step with government advice. Our houses, gardens and parklands remain closed for now. But we're opening some of our coast and countryside car parks in England, so you can get out into green spaces. You'll need to book for some of them. Some coast and countryside car parks in Northern Ireland will start to reopen from 27 May. For now, all car parks in Wales have to remain closed on government advice. Read this article to find out what's open, how you can visit, and what to expect from your visit.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Things to see and do 

Sunrise over Fountains Abbey Play Video
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A full day of exploring...

Your ticket or National Trust membership gives you a full day out of exploring. We're more than just another abbey. Discover the ancient Fountains Mill, wander through the sweeping World Heritage Site water garden and the medieval deer park of Studley Royal. There's a large play park for families, too.

Couple walking at Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire

Explore the abbey 

The dramatic abbey ruins at Fountains are the largest monastic ruins in the country. Step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here all those years ago. Keep your eyes out for events held in the abbey throughout the year, whether it's an auntumal visit for Fountains by Floodlight or to celebrate Christmas at Carols by Candlelight and Music and Lights.

The abbey
Woman looking over a wintery Studley Royal water garden

What can you do in the water garden? 

You've explored the abbey and now it's time for the water garden. Designed in the 18th century these gardens hold a place on the world stage, granted World Heritage Status in 1986. Find out what you can do on your visit here.

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Girls climbing on tree in Studley Royal deer park

So much more than just an abbey... 

Discover hidden gems including the oldest building in the National Trust, Fountains Mill. You can also explore acres of the medieval deer park, soak up the opulent interior of the church and visit Fountains Hall. There's plenty here for a whole day out.

Exploring further
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Our work

Mother and daughter in front of Fountains Abbey

Dedicate a donation 

Support Fountains Abbey by dedicating a donation to someone special and add your precious memories to our interactive map. A unique way to remember a loved one or celebrate a special occasion, your donation will help us care for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal water garden (including Studley Royal deer park) for years to come.

Laying the facing stone over the concrete supporting blocks

Our Conservation Work 

Managing the impact of flooding, adapting to climate change, conservation work, sharing the stories of this amazing place are all key priorities in the work we do. Here are some of the projects that have been going on.

The Dying Gladiator statue in place at Studley Royal water garden

We're a World Heritage Site 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal sits on the world stage. The 18th-century water garden, incorporating some of the largest Cistercian abbey ruins in Europe achieved the status of a World Heritage Site. Find out what exactly a World Heritage Site is and how that impacts the work we do.

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.

Diagram of the proposed Studley renovation

Changing Studley 

This year we're excited to announce our vision for new project 'Studley' where we're aiming to improve the Studley Royal entry to this World Heritage Site.

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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.

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