Group and school visits to Fountains Abbey
Groups of all sizes are welcome at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, whether you’re planning a school trip or a group tour to explore this truly special UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find out about the benefits of booking a group visit, the educational activities on offer for all ages, and how to book.
The Fountains Abbey estate is closed on Fridays through November to January
As we change to our winter opening hours from Monday 28 October, the estate will be closed every Friday until 7 February 2025. We won't be able to take any group bookings on Fridays during this time but we'd be very happy to welcome you between 10am and 4pm from Saturdays to Thursdays.
Group visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Pre-book a group visit and find out what makes Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal so special. The estate is open all year and your visit can last from a few hours to a full day. Discounts apply to groups of 14+.
Group benefits
By making a group booking you’ll be able to take advantage of the following benefits:
- Complimentary admission voucher for your familiarisation visit
- Free entry for your tour leader and driver on the day of your group visit
- Reduced admission price for your group of more than 14 people when booked in advance
- Free parking at the visitor centre
- Refreshment voucher for your driver
Click to read more about bringing a group to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Why do group visits need to be pre-booked?
Fountains is a very busy property for groups and we want to do our best to make sure your visit runs as smoothly as possible. Without pre-booking, unfortunately we can't guarantee we'll be able to accommodate your group as we have limited coach parking and our admissions teams make special arrangements to allow for group visits before we open each day.
Guided tours
Our guided tours bring this remarkable place to life with fascinating facts and stories, taking you on a journey through 800 years of history. We can also arrange specialist tours. All guided tours come at an additioal cost and must be pre-booked.
Eating with your group
Our licensed visitor centre restaurant has seating for over 150 people. Seating cannot be reserved.
You can choose from a variety of refreshments including hot meals made using local seasonal produce. Please note that all food outlets close at 4pm and the visitor centre restaurant stops serving hot meals at 2.30pm.
Accessibility
Please take a look at the access guide for a vist to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. If anyone in your group has any accessibility requirements please let us know upon booking as we may have alternative options available for you.
Prices
For groups of up to 13 visitors standard admission applies.
For groups for 14+ visitors, adult entry price is £19.95 and child entry price is £9.98.
Get in touch
All group visits need to be pre-booked to receive group rates. To make a group booking, fill out the Group Bookings Form below.
If you would like to find out more about group visits please phone us on 01765 608888 or email fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Please find infomation about education visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal further down this page
Free familiarisation visits for group leaders
If you're planning a group visit you can request our free Travel Trade Pass and you and a friend or colleague will gain free entry to over 300 of our places throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 12 months. There’s nothing quite like seeing or experiencing somewhere for yourself to help you plan a successful visit. To receive your pass, call 0344 249 1895 or email us at traveltrade@nationaltrust.org.uk
Who is eligible for free entry?
Registered tourist board guides (on production of a valid badge), coach drivers and tour leaders escorting groups of 15 or more. National Trust members also receive free entry, so it is at your discretion whether to refund the entrance fee to members if you have included it in your package – this is not refunded by the National Trust.
Members must bring their current membership cards with them to avoid paying the full group rate. If any of your group would like to join the National Trust please direct them to our Membership page or call 0344 800 1895.
Education visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a perfect learning destination where you can inspire, explore and create. Book a self-led school, college or university visit and get stuck into history, science and art around the extensive grounds at this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Please note: booking is essential even with an Educational Group Access Pass.
What we offer primary schools
Let the wide-open spaces capture students’ imaginations as they learn about the estate’s rich history through art, acting and nature. By taking the classroom outdoors, students can explore in a friendly and inspirational environment.
Find out what it was like to be a monk at Fountains Abbey on this self-led tour.
What we offer secondary schools
Bring education to life at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Entice your pupils to learn about history, science and art on a site that's been influenced heavily by all three.
Eating with your group
Our licensed visitor centre restaurant has seating for over 150 people. Seating cannot be reserved.
You can choose from a variety of refreshments including hot meals made using local seasonal produce. Please note that all food outlets close at 4pm and the visitor centre restaurant stops serving hot meals at 2.30pm.
There are lots of benches and open spaces to picnic too.
Accessibility
Please take a look at the access guide for a vist to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. If anyone in your group has any accessibility requirements please let us know upon booking as we may have alternative options available for you.
Get in touch about bringing a school, college, or university group to Fountains Abbey
To make a group booking, fill out the School Group Booking Form here.
If you'd like to know more about educational visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, call us on 01765 608888 or email fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss the options available to you.
Schools can benefit from an Educational Group Access Pass, which gives the whole group free admission and parking at most of the places in our care for a year.
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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal group booking information
Find out more about bringing your group to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Things to do at Fountains Abbey
The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold. Discover what to see when you come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country.
Things to do at Studley Royal
The evocative ruins of the abbey are set beside the grounds of Studley Royal, a medieval deer park in Yorkshire. It was declared Yorkshire’s first World Heritage Site in 1986.
Eating and shopping at Fountains Abbey
Break up your adventures at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal with some tasty refreshments. Afterwards, look for the perfect gift or a treat for yourself in the National Trust shop and plant centre.
Education Group Access Pass
If you’re planning educational group visits to National Trust places, then you could benefit from an Education Group Access Pass, which gives you free admission for a year.
Explorer Pass
If you're planning a trip in England, Wales or Northern Ireland this year, buy a National Trust Explorer Pass for entry to most of the places in our care. With 4-, 8- and 14-day options available, the pass can be tailored to fit your trip. Discover where you can visit with the Explorer Pass and how to buy yours.
Group visits frequently asked questions
Visiting a National Trust place with a group? Then our answers to your frequently asked questions might help with any question you may have.