Light up your evenings at Fountains by Floodlight 2021

Wander through glowing ruins, under shadowed archways and hear haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium this autumn. Join us every Saturday in October and Friday 22 & 29 to have an after-dark experience you won’t forget. You'll need to book a ticket this year so please read through all the information you'll need on this page. 

Fountains by Floodlight is a feast for all your senses...

Watch as the night sky falls over the abbey and ruins start to glow with light. 

Grab a torch and chase your shadows as you experince the abbey like never before. Between 7pm-8pm join us in the cellarium as the voices of choirs ring through the ruin as darkness falls. 

You'll need to book a ticket this year...

You'll need to pre-book a ticket for this event this year even if you're a National Trust member. Spaces are limited so we recommend booking early as we'd hate to disappoint anyone and once they're gone - they're gone.

Entry into the event is staggered so you'll need to select the date and time slot you'd like to arrive in.

Fill your tummy

Stop by Mill Yard across from the abbey and fill those rumbling tummies with some delicious local treats. You'll be able to choose from Pie and Tap, Toast of Harrogate, Posh Dogs plus lots more!

Frequently asked questions

Fountains by Floodlight is a really popular event so take a minute to read over these FAQs so you'll know what to expect this year.

What are the times and dates for Fountains by Floodlight this year?  

You can book tickets to Fountains by Floodlight 4:30pm - 9:00pm (last entry 8pm) on the following dates:

Saturday 2 October

Saturday 9 October *SOLD OUT*

Saturday 16 October *SOLD OUT*

Friday 22 October *SOLD OUT

Saturday 23 October *SOLD OUT*

Friday 29 October *SOLD OUT*

Saturday 30 October *SOLD OUT*

How much is it to get in?

Don't forget that you'll need to book a ticket even if you're a member this year. 

National Trust & English Heritage members: free

Adults: £10

Child (age 5-17): £5

Under 5: free - you won't need to book a ticket for under 5's. 

What time does it start?

When it gets dark! The lights will be on from 4:30pm and admission at the visitor centre is open until 8pm (car parks close at 9:30pm).

Can I visit earlier in the day and stay for the floodlighting?

If you want to visit the abbey and water garden earlier in the day and stay in the grounds for the evening then you're very welcome to. Admission will be at the normal prices before 4:30pm and you won't be able to leave the site and come back again on the same ticket. Please do be aware that weekends are our buisest times and our carparks have been known to be full by lunchtime. The only way to guarentee that you'll be able to attend Fountains by Floodlight is to pre-book a ticket. 

Will there be live choirs this year?

Yes! There will be choirs singing in the cellarium between 7pm-8pm each night. There's limited seating availible for the performances so be sure to arrive early if you're wanting to sit down. 

Saturday 2 October: Daytones Barbershop Harmony Chorus

Saturday 9 October: Fisher Singers *SOLD OUT*

Saturday 16 October: Benedict Biscop Gregorian Choir *SOLD OUT*

Friday 22 October: Ripon Trinity Singers *SOLD OUT

Saturday 23 October: The Cononley Singers *SOLD OUT*

Friday 29 October: Saddleworth Male Voice Choir *SOLD OUT*

Saturday 30 October: Cantabile Chamber Choir *SOLD OUT*

Where can I park?

Parking and admission is at the visitor centre only. 

Admission at west gate is availible for our visitors who require accessible/blue badge parking. You'll still need to book a ticket if using West Gate. 

You won't be able to enter or exit the site via Studley Royal.

What do I need to bring?

As well as yourselves and a sense of adventure you'll need to bring  along the following: 

•  a torch so you can see as you walk around.
•  sturdy footwear for exploring in the dark and uneven ground.
• warm clothing as the tempretures drop quickly as night falls

Can I get something to eat?

Yes. Toast of Harrogate, Posh Dogs, Pie & Tap plus more will be serving hot food to take away from Mill Yard.

Can I explore the whole site at Fountains by Floodlight?

You can explore the whole estate during day light hours but once darkness falls please stay by the abbey ruin. We won't be lighting the water garden this year. Please stick to the paths as there are steep slopes and bodies of water on the estate. 

Can I bring my dog?

You're very welcome to bring your dog. Please pick up after them and keep them on a short lead at all times. 

Is the shop open?

The visitor centre shop will be open until 9pm for you to pick up some early Christmas presents. 

Are there any other details that I may need to know?

Snap away and take as many photos as you'd like. We'd love to see them! - you can share them with us using the links at the bottom of this page. Please note that drones are strictly not allowed here.