Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Surprise View

Cistercian abbey, elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park

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.

A father giving his son a shoulder ride with the ruins of Fountains Abbey in the distance

Family Fun 

Start your summer adventure here. There are acres of space where little legs can explore and imaginations can run riot. Spend time in the play area, pick up an explorer map and let your imagination run wild.

A couple walking up a bluebell covered banking at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

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

Upcoming events

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Sighted tours

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

Summer Explorer Map

Mon 24 Jul 2017
10:00-17:00
Pick up this map to discover what's the buzz around nature this summer.

Abbey & water garden tour

Mon 24 Jul 2017
13:00-14:30
A tale of two parts, revisit the abbey's monastic past before experiencing the Georgian splendour of the water garden.

Today's story - looking after this landscape garden

Mon 24 Jul 2017
15:00-15:30
Discover more about how this water garden, a masterpiece of human creative genius, is looked after.

Weaving nature

Thu 27 Jul 2017
11:00-16:00
Make your own stick loom and weave in little nature findings as your explore the estate.

World Heritage Youth Ambassador Open Day

Fri 28 Jul 2017
11:00-14:00
Are you interested in heritage and history? Want to get real hands-on experience with World Heritage projects? If you're aged between 14-25 come along to learn all about being a World Heritage Youth Ambassador.
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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.

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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