Skip to content
Skip to content

Boxing Day Pilgrimage

Join the service in Ripon Cathedral at 9.30am before setting off on this ancient pilgrimage to the abbey where the service continues in the Cellarium from approx. 12 noon.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

In 1132, thirteen monks walked from Ripon to a completely deserted valley by the River Skell. There they started their own community and Fountains Abbey was born.

Follow in the monk's footsteps in this annual pilgrimage. The service will begin at Ripon Cathedral with a celebration of Eucharist at 9.30am. The Pilgrimage will begin from Ripon Cathedral at 10.15am and end with a service of carols and prayers in the abbey Cellarium at 12pm.

Please note that this year's route will take a diversion past St Mary's Church in the deer park due to construction work onsite.

Times

The basics

Accessibility

Approximately 4 mile walk. Access to the abbey is across a level grassy green. When the grass is particularly wet this can be impassable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and prams.

Meeting point

Meet for a service at Ripon Cathedral at 9:30am and follow the pilgrimage to the abbey.

Suitability for children

Children are welcome

What to bring and wear

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.

Other

Please note that this year's route will take a diversion past St Mary's Church in the deer park due to construction work onsite.

Upcoming events

​Pokémon joins Fountains Abbey’s Summer of Play 

Planning your summer holidays? Discover a Summer of Play supported by Pokémon. Plus, don't miss the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution play zones... ​

Event summary

on
31 Aug to 6 Sep 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 6 other dates or times

Summer of Play: crafty Mondays 

Join us every Monday for a crafting workshop as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.

Event summary

on
31 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00

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

Event summary

on
31 Aug to 6 Sep 2026
at 13:00 to 14:30+ 12 other dates or times

Abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest and most complete monastic ruins in the country.

Event summary

on
31 Aug to 6 Sep 2026
at 14:00 to 15:00+ 12 other dates or times