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

a lady walks past hubys tower at fountains abbey and studley royal. — Explore the magnificent abbey ruins.

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.

A grandmother and granddaughter touching the herbs in the garden at Swanley Grange — Use touch and smell to explore the vegetable garden

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.

National Trust Education Officer and a school group at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire — Our Learning Officer runs our varied education programme

Learning at Fountains Abbey

Experience a day in the life of a monk, go pond dipping, den building or even camp out under the stars when you bring your educational group to our special place.

National Trust Images / Paul Harris — Come and find out what makes this World Heritage Site so special

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

Two ladies walk towards the abbey ruin on an autumnal day at fountains abbey and studley royal

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...

Two women strolling amongst the moon ponds and statues of 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.

An autumnal view of Jacobean mansion Fountains Hall

Exploring further...

Discover our hidden gems including Fountains Mill built by the Cistercians in the 12th-century, it's one of the oldest buildings on the estate. We're also home to a deer park, church and grand hall.

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. Whether you're wanting an ice-cream in summer or a Christmas lunch in December, come together over some tasty food on a good days exploring.

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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folly! Art in the garden trail

Pick up a map to explore the follies and let your creativity run wild!

Tue 23 Oct 2018

+ 12 other dates

10:00-17:00

folly! 2018

Surprising, intriguing and extraordinary... See the lost follies of the water garden re-imagined by artists and architects.

Tue 23 Oct 2018

+ 12 other dates

10:00-17:00

Abbey & water garden tour

A tale of two parts, delve deeper into this World Heritage Site on a guided tour.

Tue 23 Oct 2018

+ 8 other dates

11:00-15:00

Fountains by Floodlight

Experience something truly special as you explore the illuminated ruins of Fountains Abbey and marvel at the water garden follies aglow. There are extra Friday dates for you to enjoy, too!

Fri 26 Oct 2018

+ 3 other dates

17:00-21:00

Apple juicing

Watch our heritage English apple harvest being turned into juice, and sample the delicious results.

Sat 27 Oct 2018

11:00-15:00

Children's craft at Swanley Grange

Be inspired by the bright colours and illustrations used in medieval illuminated manuscripts to create your own decorated bookmark.

Sat 27 Oct 2018

+ 7 other dates

11:00-16:00

Illuminated writing workshop

Drop in this led workshop to have a go using a quill and ink to create colourful and vibrant illuminated writing.

Tue 30 Oct 2018

+ 2 other dates

11:00-15:00

Natural dye at Swanley Grange

Come along to watch this natural wool dyeing process, which has more than a hint of magic and alchemy about it.

Sat 03 Nov 2018

+ 1 other date

11:00-16:00

Autumn deer watch

Come and experience one of the season's most spectacular sights on this guided walk through the medieval deer park.

Sat 03 Nov 2018

13:00-15:00

Autumn drive through

Experience the spectacular views of the abbey and water gardens lit up against the night sky from the comfort of your car.

Sun 04 Nov 2018

18:00-20:00

Winter bird walk

Discover which feathered friends are calling Fountains Abbey their home this winter.

Sat 17 Nov 2018

11:00-12:30

Preserving at Swanley Grange

Come and experience the medieval way of preserving food and taste the results.

Sat 17 Nov 2018

11:00-15:00

The Nativity trail

Follow the stars to discover scenes of the nativity by the abbey and in the garden.

Sat 24 Nov 2018

+ 39 other dates

10:00-16:00

1930s Christmas at Fountains Hall

Discover what Christmas would be like in the 1930s at Fountains Hall this festive season.

Sat 24 Nov 2018

+ 37 other dates

10:00-16:00

Father Christmas Grotto

What’s that sound? It’s the jingle of reindeer bells – Father Christmas is touching down at Fountains Abbey this year and he comes bearing gifts.

Sat 24 Nov 2018

+ 9 other dates

11:00-15:00

Children's craft at Swanley Grange

Get in the festive spirit making your own wonderfully woolly star decoration.

Sat 24 Nov 2018

+ 21 other dates

11:00-16:00

Music and Lights

Here at Fountains we're getting into the Christmas spirit and have just the thing to enjoy on a chilly winter weekend: glowing lights, festive music and delicious food and drink. Come and join us!

Sat 24 Nov 2018

+ 8 other dates

14:00-15:00