Winter abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Have you ever wondered that stories these ruins could tell if these walls could talk? Unearth the monastic secrets of a great abbey, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the daily routines of the monks who lived here on this guided tour.
The abbey tour lasts one hour and will run once a day during the week and twice on a weekend.
If you'd like to find out more, you can meet a guide in the abbey cloister at 12pm where they'll be able to answer any of your questions and discuss the history of the ruins in more detail.
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.
Please note the estate is closed on Fridays from November to January (inclusive)
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
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. We have a portable hearing loop available to hire, free of charge, for guided tours. Please call 01765 608888 to book. Please collect from your tour guide at Porter's Lodge. You can use this with a hearing aid set to 'T' or with headphones.
- Meeting point
Meet at the Porter's Lodge; a 15 minute walk from the Visitor Centre, down a steep 20% gradient and 5 minutes 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.
- Other
This tour will last approx. 1 hour. Unfortunately, sometimes our 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.
Upcoming events
The Pikachu Art Adventure at Fountains Abbey
Think you know art at the National Trust? Think again. Discover a unique art adventure at Fountains Abbey this autumn - with Pikachu as the star.
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.
Fountains by Floodlight
Explore glowing ruins and shadowed archways and hear choral music echoing through the abbey this autumn. Tickets are available to buy now.