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Summer of Play: Family tours

Robes at the ready? Join us for a free family tour as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Robes at the ready? Join us for a free family tour as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.

Discover what it was like to be a monk living at Fountains Abbey. Can you keep your vow of silence like the monks did? How many of the abbey rules could you stick to today?

You're welcome to bring you own monks robe but don't worry if it's in the wash, we have some you can borrow. Grown-ups, please stay with your little ones during the tour - don't worry, we have adult-sized robes available too. Robes are limited, so it's first come first serve.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide at Porter's lodge, just a 10-15 minute walk from the visitor centre, with a steep incline, or a 5 minute walk from the level access West Gate entrance.

What to bring and wear

We are an outdoor site so please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven in places.

Accessibility

We have a portable hearing loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Pre-booking is essential, please call 01765 608888. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge. You can use this with a hearing aid set to 'T' or with headphones. There are accessible concrete paths around the estate with an accessible route inside the abbey too.

Other

This tour will last approx. 1 hour. Unfortunately, sometimes our guides aren't available and we have to cancel tours at short notice. Please ask the admission staff on your arrival for the tour schedule on that day.

Upcoming events

Event

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
7 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 111 other dates or times
Event

Between Chaos and Light by Ed Kluz 

A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.

Event summary

on
7 Jul to 21 Dec 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 167 other dates or times
Event

Abbey tour 

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

Event summary

on
7 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
12:00 to 13:00
+ 111 other dates or times
Event

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.

Event summary

on
8 Jul to 28 Oct 2025
at
14:30 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times