Activities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
What to expect on your visit to Fountains Abbey
You no longer have to pre-book to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. With over 800 acres to explore as well as places to eat, shop and rest, there's lots you might like to know ahead of your visit.
Bring your dog to Fountains Abbey
If you're visiting for your local walk you're welcome to bring your four-legged friend along to explore too! Find out more about visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with dogs here.
Walking at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
There are miles of footpaths and trails for you to explore in this beautiful landscape. Explore the woodland High Ride path through the estate or wander through Seven Bridges Valley. Wherever you choose to go, grab your boots now and stretch your legs!
Opening times between Boxing Day and New Year
Pull on your boots to come for a stroll in the fresh air, bring the kids to run wild in the play park or indulge in a nice cup of tea in the tea-rooms – we’re open all week.
The Seven Bridges Valley walk
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)
Deer park walk
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)
Studley Park, Water Gardens and Abbey
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)
The return of the Dying Gladiator
We're working towards restoring the water garden back to its 18th century heyday, including restoring a long lost statue…
The Lost Spa trail
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)
Walk on the wild side
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)
Boots, gaiters and vistas walk at Fountains Abbey
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 Monastic Working Landscape
Take a day to soak up wide views of the north Yorkshire countryside on this 9 mile loop starting at Fountains Abbey visitor centre. Pass former monastic granges and cross a monastic fish pond.
- Challenging
- 4 hours
- 9.0 miles (14.45km)
An 18th Century Woodland Wander
Walk some of the areas best footpaths on this woodland wander. Discover tree lined river paths, a medieval deer park and cross seven old stone bridges.
- Moderate
- 3 hours
- 8.0 miles (12.85km)
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
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)
A walk through the centuries at Fountains Abbey
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)
Ripon and Fountains Abbey walk
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)