Winter Tales trail
Explore frozen lands and follow heroes and heroines on epic journeys on the Winter Tales trail.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Wrap up warm and join us for Winter Tales at Fountains Abbey. Visit three different locations through the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate and immerse yourself in four different Winter Tales
Discover The Mitten in Swanley Grange. Explore The Silver Pinecones in Fountains Mill. Get festive with The Nutcracker in Fountains Hall. Visit The Children and The Sun in Fountains Hall.
Swanley Grange, Fountains Mill and Fountains Hall will be dressed and decorated using inspiration taken from Winter Tales by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Zanna Goldhawk.
Dawn Casey’s work is inspired by her deep love of nature, her respect for the tales of old, and her delight in the wonder of the world. Her collection The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales won the Gold Nautilus Award for books that 'support conscious living, green values, spiritual growth and positive social change.' Dawn published Winter Tales in 2020 and Nature Tales in 2024. She lives with her family, on the South Downs of Sussex.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
Head in to the estate through any admissions point: the Visitor Centre, West Gate or Studley Royal. There is level access from the West Gate entrance.
- What to bring and wear
There are slopes and areas of uneven ground on the estate so please wear sturdy footwear. We are an outdoor site, so dress for the weather.
- Accessibility
There are hard-standing paths around the estate and level access from the West Gate entrance. There are some slopes, including a hill with 15-20% gradient between the Visitor Centre and the abbey.
Upcoming events
Winter Tales: live storytelling
Get into the festive spirit with a group story telling session of Winter Tales written by author Dawn Casey, led by one of our volunteers.
On the hoof
Trot along to St Mary's Church to watch the wild deer munching through their winter feed. See some antlers up close and chat to the wildlife team.
Winter abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
Winter garden and abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to see the abbey as the Georgians once did; incorporated into the dramatic designed landscape.