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 — 'Fountains Abbey in the olden time'

The history of Fountains Abbey

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 — See natural dyeing demonstrations at Swanley Grange on the first Saturday of every month

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 — Learn all about the monks of Fountains Abbey with your school

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.

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

Let the kids run wild around Fountains Abbey

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.

A group of girls climbing on the rope bridge

The play area at Fountains Abbey

Wondering how to burn off some energy with the kids? Keep them entertained for hours at the large play area at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. There’s a huge area bursting with fun and challenges for all abilities and room for plenty of imagination too. Find out what you can do at the play area and more about the facilities available here.

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 travelled far and tastes all the better for it. Tuck into a scone, indulge in some cake or revive yourself with a hearty meal in the visitor centre restaurant.

Childrens toys for Christmas from the National Trust shop

Treat yourself in the shop

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

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West Gate Lodge

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

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.

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