Day in the life of a monk family tour
Robes at the ready? Join us for a free day in the life of a monk family tour
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Robes at the ready? Join us for a free family tour
Step back in time and discover what life was really like as a monk 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? Put your skills to the test as you explore the abbey and find out what daily life was like hundreds of years ago.
Got your own monk's robe? Bring it along! If not, don't worry – we have robes available to borrow so everyone can look the part.
Grown-ups, you'll need to stay with your little monks throughout the tour. The good news? We have adult-sized robes too, so the whole family can join in the fun.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- 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.
- 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.
- Suitability for children
Children must be accompanied by an adult
- 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.
- 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
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
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest and most complete monastic ruins in the country.
Mass for the Feast of St. Benedict
Join us in the Abbey Cellarium at 12pm for the Mass for the Feast of St Benedict
Monastic 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.