Activities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

a group of deer in studley royal deerpark hiding beneath the trees.
Walking trail

Walk on the wild side

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Fun for all the family on this circular walk spotting the creatures that make their home in Studley Royal Deer Park, Seven Bridges Valley and surrounding countryside.

  • Easy
  • 2 hours 3 mins
  • 5.0 miles (8.0km)
The view over the Half Moon Pond and weir of Studley Royal Water Garden towards Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
Walking trail

Boots, gaiters and vistas walk at Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

This route will take you around the boundary of the estate with fantastic views of the Abbey, deer park and water garden to enjoy.

  • Moderate
  • 2 hours 30 mins
  • 5.0 miles (8.0km)
A family group walking at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Walking trail

The Seven Bridges Valley walk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

See a rustic and beautiful side of the estate on this circular walk starting at the Lake outfall and following the meandering Skell river.

  • Easy
  • 1 hour 30 mins
  • 3.8 miles (6.1km)
Enjoying a stroll down Seven Bridges Valley
Walking trail

The Lost Spa trail

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Take in some of the best countryside around Ripon with a walk through woodland, a high sided valley and medieval deer park on this walk to explore the ruins of a lost spa.

  • Moderate
  • 2 hours 30 mins
  • 7.0 miles (11.25km)
Visitors walking in the deer park at Fountains Abbey
Walking trail

Deer park walk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Our deer ranger has picked this walk as one of his favourites within the park for looking out for some of the 500 wild deer that live here.

  • Moderate
  • 1 hour
  • 3.0 miles (4.8km)
Family walking along De Grey's walk to Fountains Abbey near Ripon, North Yorkshire
Walking trail

Studley Park, Water Gardens and Abbey

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Learn more about the 18th-century landscape of the Deer Park and the Seven Bridges Valley on this 5-mile circular walk at Fountains Abbey.

  • Moderate
  • 2 hours 30 mins
  • 5.0 miles (8.0km)
Couple walking along De Grey's path to the abbey
Walking trail

Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

On this circular walk you'll learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park and gain insights into 18th-century landscaping.

  • Easy
  • 50 mins
  • 2.5 miles (4.0km)
Couple walking by the moon ponds in Studley Royal water garden
Walking trail

A walk through the centuries at Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

An easy walk through the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Estate, exploring the significant stages in the estate's history from 1132 to 1987.

  • Easy
  • 3 hours
  • 4.5 miles (7.2km)
View of Ripon Cathedral from the Deer Park at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Walking trail

Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

This walk allows visitors to reach Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden via footpaths, roadways, bridleways and Studley Royal Deer Park.

  • Moderate
  • 4 hours
  • 8.0 miles (12.85km)