Light up your evening at Fountains by Floodlight

Fountains Abbey is aglow with lights from the East Green — See the abbey ruins aglow this October at Fountains by Floodlight | © J Shepherd

Wander through glowing ruins, under shadowed archways and hear haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium this autumn. Join us this October and November to have an after-dark experience you won’t forget.

We're busy working on Fountains by Floodlight 2024...

This special event is open to members and non-members of the National Trust and everyone will need to book a ticket to attend. Tickets will be available on our website in September 2024. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the most up to date information.

Fountains by Floodlight is a feast for all your senses...

Watch as the night sky falls over the abbey and the ruins start to glow with light.

Bring a torch and chase your shadows as you experience the abbey like never before. Join us in the cellarium between 7pm - 8pm and hear the voices of choirs ring through the ruin as darkness continues to fall.

Tickets will be available to buy on our website in September 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Fountains by Floodlight is a really popular event so we recommend taking a minute to read over these FAQs so you'll know what to expect this year.

Will I need to book a ticket?

Yes. You'll need to pre-book a ticket for Fountains by Floodlight even if you're a National Trust member. Spaces are limited so we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

This year entry for this event will be staggered and each ticket will have an allocated time slot for your arrival. Please note there is no access to the estate before your ticketed time slot and we recommend allowing 15 minutes to find a parking space and make your way through admissions.

Last entry to the estate for daytime visitors will close, as usual, at 4pm. Admission for visitors with floodlighting tickets will open at 5:30pm. Promotional passes are only valid for admission during our standard opening hours 10am-4pm.

You won't be able to book tickets or visit this event using a promotional pass.

Tickets will be available to buy on our website in September 2024.

What are the times and dates for Fountains by Floodlight this year?

Dates for Fountains by Floodlight 2024 will be confirmed closer to the time.

Admission for this event will open from 5:30pm with last entry 8pm. Car parks will close at 9:30pm.

How much is it to get in?

Don't forget that you'll need to book a ticket even if you're a member this year.

National Trust & English Heritage members*: Free

Adults: TBC

Child (age 5-17): TBC

Under 5: Free - you won't need to book a ticket for under 5's.

*Please remember to bring your membership cards with you.

**Maxcard holders should book a members' ticket and bring their Maxcard with them on the day

What time does it start?

Admission for Fountains by Floodlight will open from 5.30pm, with last admission at 8.00pm. Car parks close at 9:30pm.

Our Mill Yard street food market will start serving from 5:30pm.

There will be choirs singing in the cellarium between 7pm - 8pm each night.

Can I visit earlier in the day and stay for Fountains by Floodlight?

If you want to visit the abbey and water garden earlier in the day and stay in the abbey grounds for the evening then you're very welcome to. Admission will be charged at the standard prices before 4pm however you won't be able to leave the site and come back again on the same ticket. Please do be aware that weekends are our busiest times and our car parks have been known to be full by lunchtime on event days. The only way to guarantee that you'll be able to attend Fountains by Floodlight is to pre-book a ticket and arrive in time for your pre-booked time slot.

Street Food vendors in mill yard for an evening event at Fountains Abbey — Tummy grumbling? Head to Mill Yard each evening for yummy treats and drinks | © J Shepherd

Will there be live choirs this year?

Yes! There will be choirs singing in the cellarium between 7pm - 8pm each night.

There's limited seating available for the performances so be sure to arrive early if you're wanting to sit down.

Where can I park?

Parking and admission is at the visitor centre only.

Admission at west gate will be stewarded and is for visitors who require blue badge parking. You'll still need to book a ticket if using West Gate car park and entrance.

Visitor Transport service will be running throughout the evening for visitors who require a lift from the Visitor Centre to the level access West Gate entrance.

You won't be able to enter or exit the site via Studley Royal.

Please arrive by car and car share when possible.

What do I need to bring?

As well as yourselves and a sense of adventure you'll need to bring along the following:

a torch so you can see as you walk around
sturdy footwear for exploring in the dark and on uneven ground
warm clothing suitable for wet weather as the temperatures drop quickly as night falls and the event will still go ahead even in the rain

Can I get something to eat?

Yes! Hot food will be available in the Mill Yard street food market, from 5:30pm, with a selection of local caterers on hand to fill those grumbling tummies.

There will be no refreshments available at the Visitor Centre Restaurant or Studley Tea Rooms.

Can I explore the whole site at Fountains by Floodlight?

You can explore the whole estate during day light hours but once darkness falls please stay by the abbey ruins, Mill Yard street food market and Visitor Centre or West Gate ticket office. We won't be lighting the water garden this year. Please stick to the paths as there are steep slopes and bodies of water on the estate.

Dogs welcome at fountains by floodlight — Dogs on short leads are very welcome to fountains by floodlight | © J Shepherd

Can I bring my dog?

You're very welcome to bring your dog. Please keep them on a short lead at all times and pick up after your pet.

Take a moment to read our Canine Code if you're planning to bring your dog.

Is the shop open during the event?

The visitor centre shop will be open until 9pm on event days so you can pick up some treats to take home or even some early Christmas presents.

Will you be doing the drive through event this year?

Yes! Details for the Fountains by Floodlight drive through event will be released next year.

Are there any other details that I may need to know?

Snap away and take as many photos as you'd like. We'd love to see them! - you can share them with us using the links at the bottom of this page. Please note that drones are strictly not allowed here.

Exploring safely

Don't forget to bring a torch or headlamp with you to help you light the way. Please stay within the abbey ruins once darkness falls. The abbey ruin is nearly 900 years old and while it looks tempting to climb on, it's much safer to have fun discovering all the secret doorways and staircases in the shadows instead.