Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Abbey in autumn with kids throwing leaves

Important notice -

Visitor Centre and Studley admissions open 10am-4:30pm. West Gate open 11am-3pm. Fountains by floodlight is now SOLD OUT. Please don't arrive without a ticket as unfortunately you'll be turned away. Advance notice: Estate closed Fridays from 5 Nov.

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

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden   North Yorkshire

What to expect on your visit to Fountains Abbey

You no longer have to pre-book to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. We're following government guidelines and adapting our ways of working, so your visit to the site may still be a little different than you're used to. Please have a read through the information here and help us keep Fountains Abbey open safely for everyone to enjoy.

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

What's on

Autumn adventures at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Family throwing leaves in front of Fountains Abbey

Things to do with the kids at Fountains Abbey 

There's acres of space where little legs can explore and imaginations can run riot here this autumn. The trees are dressed in their best reds and golds providing a beautiful backdrop for the water garden and abbey. It’s a little chilly now autumn has arrived but don’t let that stop you crunching through leaves and exploring the colourful landscape.

'Bridged' by Steve Messam These Passing Things at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

'These Passing Things' at Studley Royal water garden 

Walk through the water garden this autumn to discover unexpected large scale landscape artworks. Inspired by the history of Studley Royal, these colourful and distinctive installations bring to life the spirit of the garden as the original designers intended it – playful, extraordinary and controversial. What will you make of them?

Fountains by Floodlight at Fountains Abbey

Light up your evenings at Fountains by Floodlight 2021 

*This event is now SOLD OUT* October means one thing at Fountains Abbey: Fountains by Floodlight. See the ruins glowing against the night sky and tuck into a range of tasty hot food. Enjoy a spectacular after-dark experience with friends and family.

Upcoming events

See all events

These Passing Things

Mon 25 Oct 2021
10:00-16:30
Discover unexpected large scale landscape artworks by Steve Messam in the garden this summer.

Garden and abbey tour

Mon 25 Oct 2021
11:00-12:30
Fountains Abbey became the greatest folly of all when John Aislabie created his water garden at Studley Royal. See the abbey as the Georgians did on this guided tour; incorporated into the dramatic designed landscape. Numbers are limited so...

Abbey tour

Mon 25 Oct 2021
14:00-15:00
If these walls could talk...unearth the monastic secrets of a great abbey and the daily routines of the monks who lived here on this guided tour. Numbers are limited so please speak to a member of the welcome team on your arrival.

Any Questions?

Mon 25 Oct 2021
15:00-16:00
If you don't fancy a guided tour but have something you'd like to ask, drop into the cloister in the centre of the abbey.

Fountains by Floodlight

Fri 29 Oct 2021
16:30-17:00
Wander through glowing ruins, under shadowed archways and hear haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium this autumn. Join us every Saturday in October and Friday 22 & 29 to have an after-dark experience you won’t forget.

Deer park walk

Sat 30 Oct 2021
14:00-16:00
Spot the red, fallow and sika deer on a guided walk through the deer park.
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

What's on

Girls drinking hot chocolate Christmas Fountains Abbey

What's happening this Christmas at Fountains 2021 

Christmas is seeing the abbey glow. As the afternoon light starts to fade, make your way to the abbey and wander through the ruins aglow with bright and colourful lights. You can sing along to your favourite carols as festive music fills the air.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Our work

Conservation in action

River Skell runs alongside 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 are now in the delivery phase of the Skell Valley Project. The £2.5 million scheme will start later in 2021 and run to 2024.

The ruins of Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire

Tracing Fountains Abbey’s past, present and future 

Discover the past, present and future of Fountains Abbey, as archaeologist Mark Newman takes us on a journey of his discoveries. From ancient floor tiles to monks graves and the new visitor centre at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden in North Yorkshire.

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Eating and shopping

Couple tucking into a burger at Fountains by Floodlight

Enjoy a tasty treat 

After an energetic walk or a short stroll why not enjoy a bite to eat with us. Our food hasn't travelled far and tastes all the better for it. Tuck into a scone, indulge in some cake or revive yourself with a hearty meal in the visitor centre restaurant.

A variety of autumn products including a throw, toiletries and a mug

Treat yourself in the shop 

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

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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.

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