Activities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

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)
The Dying Gladiator in Studley Royal water garden
Activity feature
Running

Run to help us bring back the Dying Gladiator

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Whether you're a keen runner or are just starting out come and join us for an after dark run around the grounds. Sign up to our NightRun and help us raise funds for restoring the water garden back to its 18th century heyday, including restoring a long lost statue…

dog walking at Fountains Abbey
Activity feature
Dog walking

Bring your dog to Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Bring your four-legged friend along to explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. There's lots to see!

Frost covered view to Abbey from Studley Royal water garden
Activity feature
Walking

Opening times between Boxing Day and New Year

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

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.

Three women in the distance taking an autumn walk in Studley Royal water garden
Activity feature
Walking

Walking at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

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!

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)
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)
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)
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)
Distant view of Fountains Abbey from Anne Boleyn's seat in Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
Running feature

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

There are 800 acres of countryside to explore at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire. Which route will you take?