October at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Apples in the heritage apple orchard at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal — The apples are ripe and ready for the picking.

October is full of delights! Colour is filling the estate with feel-good reds, yellows and golds and the chilly air is giving us an excuse to wrap up cosy and warm to go outside and explore. Whether you're after a relaxing autumnal stroll through the estate or some half term fun, you'll come away happy.

Discover the heritage English apple orchard

The small heritage orchard by Fountains Mill is full to the brim with apples this October. You’ll find lots of different apples varieties in there and they're all northern! The gardeners have collected lots of Mrs Lakeman’s Seedling apples to go to the kitchen for some tasty autumn cakes. They're a popular cooking apple. Originally from Stocksfield, County Durham, in the 1900s it’s crisp, firm, and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for cooking.

Gardeners are picking Mrs Lakemans seedling apples for catering — These ripe Mrs Lakeman's Seedlings are going to the kitchen for some delicious apple recipes.

Autumn colour

a stunning autumn view through the trees looking down on the abbey ruins of fountains abbey — Explore the estate and find your new favourite view.

The grounds are full of trees looking their best, dressed in reds, yellows and golds. Bring your walking boots, wrap up warm and marvel at this splendid seasonal show as you stroll around the estate. Taking in the scenery from Surprise view at this time of year is particularly special.

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

Walking on the estate

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!

The deer rut

What is the deer rut?

It’s the time of year when the males start to clash antlers to win their right to mate. It’s a fierce and fiery competition to decide the hierarchy of the herd so the bigger and tougher the buck, the more likely it will be the one to father the next year’s offspring.

In the lead up to the rut the male deer have a nice restful time, as their energy goes into growing their antlers ready for the rut. Their antlers are covered in velvet-like skin during the summer months as they grow but as August comes along, the blood flow cuts off and they shed this skin, which is why you may see bits hanging off them in the lead up to the rut.

Fallow deer buck prepares for rut at Charlecote Park in autumn — A fallow deer buck prepares to take on the other bucks in the autumn rut

Can I see the rut at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal?

If you visit the deer park it’s highly likely that you will see or hear the rut going on. Don’t try to get close though as the battling stags/bucks are so focused on the fight that they’re not aware of anything else around them. When the fight comes to an end the loser will make a break for it in any direction, with the winner close on their tail.

If you're here to photograph the deer, please keep your distance and use a long lens to capture your shots. Please do not wear camoflauge and stick to the main paths.

Deer rut walks

There are two guide-led deer walks this autumn. You can join this walk free of charge on the Saturday 7 October and Saturday 21 October. You’ll meet at the visitor centre before following our knowledgeable guides to try to find the rut.

Learn about the deer at Studley Royal

Do you know your bucks from your stags and your does from your hinds? Find out more about the three types of deer that are living on the Studley Royal estate.

Fountains by Floodlight

See the abbey ruins glow golden every Saturday evening throughout October. Pack your torch to come and explore the abbey after dark, join a guided tour and tuck into a tasty pulled pork or roast chicken sandwich.

Discover Fountains by Floodlight

Experience something truly special this autumn as you explore the illuminated ruins of Fountains Abbey.

Dissolution

Throughout October carver Joseph Hayton is displaying his new exhibition: dissolution. Having delved into the abbey’s past his sculptures in bronze and marble tell a tale about life as a monk at Fountains Abbey. You’ll find his work in Fountains Mill throughout October and make sure to drop by to have a go stone carving for yourself.

Joseph Haytons Dissoultion sculpture exhibition

Dissolution: a sculpture exhibition

Inspired by the ruins of Fountains Abbey, Joseph Hayton delves into the history, culture and texture of 'Nidderdale Marble' in this exhibition on display in Fountains Mill.

October half-term

You've been counting down the days and now it's finally here! Holidays! Make the most of being away from school with a visit to Fountains Abbey. Join one of our children's architecture workshops, bring the family to build a bird feeder and have a go at some awesome autumn weaving in Swanley Grange.

A little girl giggling as she explores the play area

October half-term at Fountains

School is out, which means one thing – time for fun! Bring the family along to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal to make the most of your time off this October half-term.

A group of adults walking along De Greys walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

November at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

The air is fresh and invigorating at this time of year, giving us the perfect excuse to wrap up cosy and warm and indulge in rich hot chocolates and mulled wines. Breathe in deeply and revel in autumn’s colourful last stand.