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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site
Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
Important notice
Fountains Abbey is not taking part of any free promotions found in newspapers/magazines. Type 'free pass' into the search bar to find your nearest participating property.
Opening times for 20 August 2025
Asset Opening time Abbey and water garden admission 10:00 - 16:30 Gift shop & plant centre 10:30 - 17:30 Visitor centre restaurant 09:30 - 16:30 Studley tea-room 10:00 - 16:00 MTWTFSS2829303112345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedAdmission
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £23.10 £21.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £11.60 £10.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £57.80 £52.50 1 Adult, up to 3 children £34.70 £31.50 Group (Adult 18+) £19.95 Group (Child 5-17) £9.98 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
Find a big adventure playground less than two minutes from the visitor centre. There are things to wobble along, jump over and climb on. You'll find a wooden abbey, scrambling nets, posts, swings and a five point harness swing for younger visitors with additional access needs.
- Audio guide
An audio guide is available from the visitor centre admissions desk.
- Car park
Main car park at the visitor centre is free of charge. Studley car park is pay & display (free for NT members) £7 for 4 hours, £10 all day. West Gate for accessible parking and level access to the abbey and water garden. No overnight parking. Please don't park in the local village as this causes an obstruction for residents and emergency vehicles.
- Cycle parking
Cycle parking is located outside Visitor Centre Admissions and next to Fountains Hall, 100m from the West Gate entrance. There are water bottle filling stations in the visitor centre courtyard.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs very welcome in all outdoor spaces, but please keep them on a short lead at all times. They're also welcome in admissions, the shop, and visitor centre restaurant.
Dogs allowed - more information- Electric vehicle charging point
12 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in Car Park A. Chargers can be accessed using mobile app, RFID card, or contactless payment device. Visit our EV charging partner, RAW Charging's website to download the app before your visit. Chargers are only available to visitors during property opening hours. Drivers must bring their own cables.
Electric vehicle charging point - more information- Guided tour
Year-round tours of the abbey and water gardens. Tours are subject to volunteer availability.
Guided tour - more information- Kiosk
Refreshment kiosk in the Studley tea-room garden and Mill café. Check with the welcome team for daily opening times.
Kiosk - more information- Picnic area
Bring a picnic rug and enjoy a picnic with views of the abbey and water garden. Picnic tables can be found opposite the the play area all year round or on the grassy lawn at the Visitor Centre in summer.
- Plant shop
A large National Trust gift shop and plant centre is located at the visitor centre.
Plant shop - more information- Restaurant
Restaurant at the visitor centre serving hot and cold food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
Restaurant - more information- Shop
A large National Trust gift shop and plant centre is located at the visitor centre.
Shop - more information- Toilet
Toilets at each entrance to the estate and in the Studley car park.
There is a steep 15-20% gradient from the visitor centre to the abbey. This is not recommended for wheelchair or powered mobility vehicle users. Our accessible car park is located at our West Gate entrance (SatNav search - 'West Gate car park') which allows level access to the abbey and water gardens through which there are recommended routes. We want to make sure that as many people as possible can enjoy Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. If you'd like to discuss any arrangements we can make to meet your access needs please give us a call on (01765) 608888 and we'll do our best to help.
- Accessible route and/or map
There is a steep 15-20% gradient from the visitor centre to the estate. This is not recommended for wheelchair or powered mobility vehicle users. Our accessible car park is located at our West Gate entrance and allows level access to the grounds.
Accessible route and/or map - more information- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are located at the visitor centre, near the West Gate and Studley entrances, in the tea-room garden and in the Studley car park.
- Designated parking
Our accessible car park is located near our West Gate entrance (Sat Nav postcode HG4 3DZ). This provides level access to the abbey and water gardens.
- Induction loop
Induction loops are available at all till points. We also have a portable induction loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Pre-booking is essential, please call 01765 608888. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge.
- Level access to food outlet
There's level access to the visitor centre restaurant from the visitor centre car park. Studley Tea Rooms and Mill Kiosk are on level access from inside the estate.
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
There are some slopes and cobbles on the accessible route. Access to the abbey is across a level grassy green. When the grass is particularly wet this can be impassable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams. Some paths on site are surfaced with loose hardcore. Higher paths in the water garden and deer park are reached via steep slopes.
- Lift
There is a lift to the upper levels of Fountains Mill. This isn't working at the moment but an engineer is working on it.
- Powered mobility vehicle available
A limited number of wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to hire, free of charge. They can be collected between 10.30am - 2.30pm and must be return by 4pm. Pre-booking is essential, please call 01765 608888. Please collect from the West Gate entrance upon arrival.
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
There are some gentle and steep slopes around the estate. Please be aware of uneven ground, height drops and deep running water. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes when you visit.
- Transfer available
There is a complimentary visitor transport service which operates between all three entrances to the estate from 10am-4pm. Please ask a member of staff to call this for you if you'd like to make use of it.
- Wheelchairs available
Visitor Centre Car Park A entrance - what3words: ///subsets.parsnip.panther
- By road
Off B6265 to Pateley Bridge from Ripon. Follow the brown signs for Fountains Abbey from A1. We're 12 miles north of Harrogate (A61).
Parking: Free parking at the visitor centre. 12 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in Car Park A, drivers will require their own cables to charge. Studley Royal pay & display car park is first-come-first-served. For level access car park at West Gate use SatNav HG43DZ. What3Words - Visitor Centre car park A: ///subsets.parsnip.panther. Studley car park: ///leader.important.tallest. West Gate car park: ///humid.twitches.watch.
Sat Nav: Please enter 'Fountains Abbey' into your satnav. Please do not use the postcode as this will take you to the wrong side of the estate. Follow brown signs from A61 and A1 to B6265.
- On foot
Public footpaths and bridleways from Ripon and the surrounding countryside.
- By bus
Daily connections to Ripon on Transdev bus service 36 from Leeds and Harrogate. DalesBus Service 139 runs from Ripon to Fountains Abbey on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays all year. From Sunday 20 April, DalesBus service 822 service runs from York to Fountains Abbey on Summer Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until 19 October. And from Sunday 20 April, Eastern DalesBus service 825 runs from York to Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks on Summer Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until 19 October.
- Cycling
Cycle parking is available at the main visitor centre and outside Fountains Hall, 100m from the West Gate entrance. Locks and bike pumps can be borrowed from the Visitor Centre. The 'Way of the Roses' coast-to-coast route takes you through the deer park. Please note that there is no cycle route within the abbey and water garden although children under five can bring small balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers to help get around the site. Plan your route to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal using the CycleStreets journey planner via the by bicycle link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent by accuracy cannot be guaranteed – please respect road signs).
Planning your visit
Article
Summer of Play
Join us for an entire summer jam-packed full of fun and games for tiny ones up to teens.
Article
Your accessible visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
We want to make sure that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is accessible for all visitors. Discover how we can help you make the most of your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Helios at Fountains Abbey
See the sun like never before as Luke Jerram's iconic sculpture shines inside the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey. For two weekends only this October. Tickets go on sale 5 September.
Article
Visiting Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with your dog
Fountains Abbey is a three pawprint rated place. Discover why it's such a great place to bring your dog and take a look at our top tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Group and school visits to Fountains Abbey
Discover the benefits of group visits to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, the huge programme of educational activities available for school groups, how to book and more.
Upcoming events at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Find out all about our special events. From guided tours and exhibitions to school holiday fun!
Highlights
A World Heritage Site
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
Ruins of Fountains Abbey
One of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore vaulted ceilings, grand columns and an imposing tower.
Studley Royal Water Garden
The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas.
Studley Royal Deer Park
Over 300 red, sika and fallow deer call this extensive parkland home. The deer park also includes St Mary's Church, one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges.
Spotlight events
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Family-friendly things to do at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Helpful tips if you’re planning a visit to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal with babies and children
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Helios at Fountains Abbey
See the sun like never before as Luke Jerram's iconic sculpture shines inside the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey. Experience Helios on 4-5 October and 11-12 October 2025.
Article
Light up your evening at Fountains by Floodlight
Make memories this autumn racing through the abbey glow in the quiet of the autumn night. Create shapes in the shadows and hear the crunch of your footsteps echo through the ruins on a late-night adventure you won’t forget!
Things to see and do
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength sits side by side with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breath-taking views.
Article
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.
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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
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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.
Top trails
Trail
The Seven Bridges Valley walk
On this circular walk, you'll cross delightful arched bridges as you follow the meandering Skell river.
Trail
Studley Royal deer park walk
Follow this circular route trail to marvel at the 300 wild deer that live within the Studley Royal deer park in North Yorkshire.
Trail
Fountains Abbey Estate Boundary walk
See all the highlights of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on a circular walk, taking in the Abbey ruins, hall, deer park and 18th-century water garden.
Trail
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
Explore the highlights of the park on this circular walk and learn more about the ancient trees in the deer park and insights into the 18th-century landscape.
Trail
Studley Park, Water Gardens and Fountains Abbey walk
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.
Trail
The Fountains Way
Walk to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal from Ripon, taking in cathedral views from the lime avenue through the deer park, then explore the Seven Bridges Valley on your return.
Trail
Hell Wath Nature Trail
Head into Ripon, search for wildlife and follow in the footsteps of soldiers on the Hell Wath Nature Trail.
Places to stay
Choristers' House
A large house located on the Fountains Abbey estate designed by a famous name, with a unique style.
Fountains Cottage
Three spacious floors to explore, an ivy-clad exterior and Fountains Abbey just moments away.
Abbey Stores
Moments away from Fountains Abbey, this characterful cottage has lots of original features.
Abbey Cottage
An eclectic history and stylish interiors with walks along the river to Fountains Abbey.
Lark
A former cow shed that’s now a stylish holiday home less than a mile from Fountains Abbey.
Proctor
A stylish third-floor apartment in the beautiful Fountains Hall with views of the river Skell.
Vyner
A fine period apartment based in a grand hall that has played host to some very royal guests…
Whitefields Cottage
Discover the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey from this large cottage with a farmhouse air.
Upcoming events
Event
Summer of Play: the circus
Join us for an entire summer jam-packed full of fun and games here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Event
Garden and abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover the secrets and surprises of Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Event
Summer of Play: Smoking Apples Theatre
Join the award-winning puppetry and theatre company, Smoking Apples, as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.
Event
Between Chaos and Light by Ed Kluz
A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.
Event
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
Event
Mass for the Feast of St Bernard
Join us in the Abbey Cellarium at 12pm for the Mass for the Feast of St Bernard.
Event
Summer of Play: Harrogate Town AFC
Get active with Harrogate Town AFC Community Foundation, as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play
Event
Summer of Play: Storytelling with Ripon Library
Chill out with Ripon Library, as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.
About Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
For centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place.
From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.
When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design.
Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.
One-of-a-kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.
History
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History of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Step back into a dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks lived here, and learn how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became one.
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World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Find out how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and how we're preserving its unique features for future generations to enjoy.
Our work
Studley Revealed
Follow our progress as we undertake a £4.6 million project to improve the experience at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal for everyone.
Skell Valley Project
The Skell Valley Project concluded in May 2025. Working with 16 partners including farmers, landowners and local communities, read more about how the scheme delivered a series of projects over the last four years to help create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley.
Past conservation projects at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Dive into some of the past conservation projects at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Yorkshire, aimed at restoring the vision of John and William Aislabie.
Our work with wildlife at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is home to many species of wildlife, including birds and deer. Find out how we support the wildlife living across the estate.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Find out how you can join the volunteering team at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal and play an important role in the smooth running of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.