Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Looking over the half moon pond from Surprise view at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Important notice -

The abbey and garden at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal have reopened. You will need to book in advance. Check What's On for the latest information and to book. You will be turned away if you arrive without a booking.

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’ve opened more than 100 gardens and parks in England and Northern Ireland through advanced booking. From Monday 6 July, we’re gradually opening gardens and parklands in Wales. Tickets are released on Friday for the following week. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are open across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. All National Trust houses remain closed for now. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

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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, visitor centre car park and toilet facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are open and you’ll need to book tickets before you visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking. We'll be releasing tickets every Friday from 5 June. Please note we’ll be turning people away who arrive and haven't booked. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

Book now

Upcoming events

See all events

Timed entry to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (6 July - 12 July)

Wed 08 Jul 2020
10:00-10:30
Book your timed entry to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Things to see and do

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.

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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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 and will initially be serving a limited range of takeaway hot and cold drinks and some light snacks. The restaurant will be open 10am – 4pm every day. 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.

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

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