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.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Join this free tour to find out how the monks fed themselves, clothed themselves and earned an income to support their community. Fountains Mill is the oldest building on the estate. Built by the Cistercians in the 12th century, the building has been adapted and modified over many years. Find out more about the food, drink and materials that were made in the mill and its surrounding buildings and how these products helped the inhabitants of the abbey and its economy.
Meet at Porter's Lodge at 2.30pm for an approximately 1 hour long tour.
If you’re interested in the history of the estate, join us on a daily tour of the garden and abbey. Or pop into Porter’s Lodge to see the free exhibition.
This tour is free but standard admission charges apply.
Unfortunately, sometimes our volunteer guides aren't available and we have to cancel tours. Please ask the admission staff on your arrival for the tour schedule on that day.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
There is lift access to the upper floors of the Mill. 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. You can use this with a hearing aid set to 'T' or with headphones.
- Meeting point
Meet at Porter's Lodge; a 15 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, down a steep 20% gradient, 5 minutes from the level access West Gate entrance and 30 minutes from the Studley Royal 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.
Upcoming events
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest and most complete monastic ruins in the country.
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
Medieval Medicines walk
Step into the world of medieval medicine at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Mass for the Feast of St. Benedict
Join us in the Abbey Cellarium at 12pm for the Mass for the Feast of St Benedict