Helios by sunset
See the sun like never before as Luke Jerram's iconic sculpture shines inside the spectacular ruins of Fountains Abbey.
- Booking essential
See Helios as the sun sets within the floodlit ruins of Fountains Abbey. Chase shadows and crunch leaves before grabbing a tasty dinner from the food market in Mill Yard.
You'll need to pre-book a ticket for Helios at sunset even if you're a National Trust member. The site will close to day visitors at 4pm and you won't be able to use a day ticket to stay on for the evening event, even if you're a member.
Entry for this event will be staggered and each ticket will have an allocated time slot for your arrival. Admission will open from 5pm with last entry 8pm. There will be no access to the estate before your ticketed time slot. We recommend allowing 15 minutes to find a parking space and make your way through admissions.
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, we'll try to give you as much notice possible via email and you will receive a full refund.
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 is at the Visitor Centre only. Parking at West Gate will be stewarded for blue badge holders and those who need level access. Studley Royal car park and entrance 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 and warm clothing. Bring a torch as the grounds get very dark.
- Accessibility
Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer mobility scooter hire for this event. Wheelchairs are available to hire - please ring the office on 01765 608888. 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. Access to Mill Café and the Mill Yard Food Market is along hardstanding paths.
- 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, we'll try to give you as much notice possible via email and you will receive a full refund.
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.
Heritage Open Day: the masons' story
Discover how the stone masons have influenced the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate from the moment the first piece of abbey stone was laid.