Helios by sunrise
See the sun like never before as Luke Jerram's iconic sculpture shines at sunrise inside the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey.
- Booking essential
Watch the sun rise over the floodlit abbey ruins as Helios shines from within.
We'll be opening the abbey ruins early for you to enjoy Helios in the silence of the early morning and as the dawn chorus of nature starts to wake up. Breakfast sandwiches and hot drinks will be available for purchase.
Parking and admission will be at West Gate only. The Visitor Centre and Studley Royal entrances and car parks will be closed until standard admission opens at 10am. Toilets are located approximately 300m from the West Gate Ticket Office.
You'll need to pre-book a ticket for Helios at sunrise even if you're a National Trust member.
Please note: The artwork is made from a delicate material and even mild wind speeds might mean that we have to take it down. We're hoping for gentle weather while Helios is on display, however, if the winds pick up Helios will be temporarily brought down and the event will be cancelled to ensure the safety of the artwork and visitors. We won't take the decision lightly as we hate to disappoint you. If we do have to cancel, unfortunately we will not be able to reschedule the event. We'll try and give you as much notice possible.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £12.00 |
| Child | £6.00 |
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| English Heritage Member | £0.00 |
| Max card holders | £0.00 |
| National Trust Member | £0.00 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Children are welcome and under 5's do not need a ticket.
- Meeting point
Parking and admission will be at West Gate only (HG4 3DZ). The Visitor Centre and Studley Royal entrances and car parks will be closed.
- What to bring and wear
If you've booked a members ticket, don't forget to bring your cards with you. Please wear sturdy footwear, warm clothing and torches to make your way to the ruin.
- Accessibility
Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer mobility scooter or wheelchair hire for this event. Access to the abbey ruins is across a level grassy green. When the grass is wet this can be impassable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Other
The artwork is made from a delicate material and even mild wind speeds might mean that we have to take it down. We're hoping for gentle weather while Helios is on display, however, if the winds pick up Helios will be temporarily brought down and the event will be cancelled to ensure the safety of the artwork and visitors. We won't take the decision lightly as we hate to disappoint you. If we do have to cancel, unfortunately we will not be able to reschedule the event. We'll try and give you as much notice possible via email. In the event of a cancellation tour tickets will be refunded.
Upcoming events
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
Between Chaos and Light by Ed Kluz
A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
Medieval Industry: bread, beer and wool tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the people who lived and worked on the Fountains Abbey estate.