The abbey at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

The dramatic abbey ruins at Fountains are the largest monastic ruins in the country. Step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here all those years ago.

Fountains Abbey in the olden time, drawn in 1841 by John Richard Walbran

The history of Fountains Abbey 

The dramatic abbey ruins at Fountains are the largest monastic ruins in the country. Step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here all those years ago.

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Learn more at Porter's Lodge 

Find out more about the history of the Abbey in the Porter’s Lodge exhibition. Tucked inside the original gatehouse is the contemporary structure which houses the interpretation centre.

All the different coloured wool from natural dyeing hung out to dry at Swanley Grange

Explore Swanley Grange  

Discover more about Fountains Abbey’s agricultural past. Try your hand at heritage crafts, venture into the medieval veg garden and meet the feathered and woolly residents of this special grange.

A school group learning in Fountains Abbey cellarium

Learning at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal 

Experience a day in the life of a monk, go pond dipping to discover what lurks beneath the water's surface, build a den as a team or get crafty with heritage crafts in Swanley Grange. There's plenty to do here for every educational group in this special place.

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Group visits to Fountains Abbey 

Groups of visitors have been coming to our special place since the 18th-century. With guided tours, self-led visits and a discount on admission prices come and find out what makes this World Heritage Site so special.

Explore the estate

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What can you do at Fountains Abbey? 

Planning your day out? Start here to find out what you get on your visit to Fountains Abbey. We warn you though - you'll need a full day to soak up the full experience, starting with the abbey...

Woman looking over a wintery Studley Royal water garden

What can you do in the water garden? 

You've explored the abbey and now it's time for the water garden. Designed in the 18th century these gardens hold a place on the world stage, granted World Heritage Status in 1986. Find out what you can do on your visit here.

Girls climbing on tree in Studley Royal deer park

So much more than just an abbey... 

Discover hidden gems including the oldest building in the National Trust, Fountains Mill. You can also explore acres of the medieval deer park, soak up the opulent interior of the church and visit Fountains Hall. There's plenty here for a whole day out.

Warm up with a hearty venison tagine

Enjoy a tasty treat 

After an energetic walk or a short stroll why not enjoy a bite to eat with us. Our food hasn't traveled far and tastes all the better for it. Tuck into a scone, indulge in some cake or warm up with a hearty meal in the visitor centre restaurant.

Childrens toys for Christmas from the National Trust shop

Treat yourself in the shop 

Taste delicious chutneys, sample teas and find fresh blooms in the plant centre as well as gifts and seasonal products in our shop.

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The exterior of West Gate Lodge, Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

West Gate Lodge  

An elegant Victorian cottage with views over the 12th century Cistercian Fountains Abbey.

The sitting room at Abbey Stores, nr Ripon, Yorkshire

Abbey Stores 

Guests staying at either cottage have free, after-hours access to the medieval ruins and water gardens of Fountains Abbey. Explore the grounds of the site at your leisure, even when all the other visitors have gone home. Further afield, the city of York makes for a great day out.

Timed entry to Fountains Abbey (14 Sept - 20 Sept)

Book your timed entry to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

Sun 20 Sep 2020

10:00-10:30

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Timed entry to Fountains Abbey (21 Sept - 27 Sept)

Book your timed entry to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

Mon 21 Sep 2020

+ 6 other dates

10:00-10:30

+ other times