Name: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Rating: 5.0

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Visitor Centre (Fountains Abbey), Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden for centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place. From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.

When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design. Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.

Prices starts from £23.10 for adults, £11.60 for Child and £34.70 for Family. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

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Host birthday parties: No

Features

A World Heritage Site: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a unique place made of two moments in history. Where medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
Ruins of Fountains Abbey: One of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Explore vaulted ceilings, grand columns and an imposing tower.
Studley Royal Water Garden: The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas.
Studley Royal Deer Park: Over 300 red, sika and fallow deer call this extensive parkland home. The deer park also includes St Mary's Church, one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges.
Family-friendly things to do at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal: There are acres of space where little legs can explore and imaginations run riot here at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Find out more about what to expect if you’re planning a visit with babies and children.
Things to do at Fountains Abbey: The ruins of Fountains Abbey are truly something to behold. Walk down the path from the visitor centre or along from West Gate car park and come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country. As well as the abbey itself, you can explore Porter's Lodge, Fountains Hall, Fountains Mill and learn about heritage crafts at Swanley Grange.
Things to do at Studley Royal: Discover Studley Royal, a landscaped 18th-century deer park in the Skell Valley near Ripon. Stroll alongside tranquil canals and ponds, visit the statues on the lawn and take to the High Ride path for views through the trees. Then see which species of deer you can spot at Studley Royal deer park.

Facilities

Parking: Free parking at the visitor centre. 12 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in Car Park A, drivers will require their own cables to charge. Studley Royal pay & display car park is first-come-first-served. For level access car park at West Gate use SatNav HG43DZ.
Food & Drinks: Restaurant at the visitor centre serving hot and cold food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
Toilet: Toilets at each entrance to the estate and in the Studley car park.
Dogs allowed: Dogs very welcome in all outdoor spaces, but please keep them on a short lead at all times. They're also welcome in admissions, the shop, and visitor centre restaurant.

What to see

Top trails:

The Seven Bridges Valley walk: Take this circular walk to see a more rustic and beautiful side of the estate. Starting at the Lake outfall, this walk follows the meandering Skell river along the steep-sided valley via a series of delightful arched bridges, of which only five remain.
Studley Royal deer park walk: Our deer ranger has picked this walk as one of his favourites within the Studley Royal deer park in Ripon, North Yorkshire. As you follow the circular route, look out for some of the 300 wild deer that live there.
Fountains Abbey Estate Boundary walk: This route will take you around the estate boundary of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, giving some of the best views of the estate to enjoy. After taking in the sights of the hall and deer park, walk through the 18th-century water garden and past the Abbey.
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk: On this circular walk you'll learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park and gain insights into 18th-century landscaping.
Studley Park, Water Gardens and Fountains Abbey walk: Learn more about the 18th-century landscape of the Deer Park and the Seven Bridges Valley on this 5-mile circular walk at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, a World Heritage Site.
The Fountains Way: A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park. The return stretch of this circular walk takes you through the Seven Bridges Valley.
Hell Wath Nature Trail: Wander down Hell Wath path in Ripon, along the River Skell, through woodland glade, meadows and hedgerows. Peer into ponds, scramble over woods and look out for the remains of a First World War camp in the woods too.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Admission:

Adult (18+): £23.10 with Gift Aid & £21.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17): £11.60 with Gift Aid & £10.50 without Gift Aid.
Under 5s: Free.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £57.80 with Gift Aid & £52.50 without Gift Aid.
1 adult, up to 3 children: £34.70 with Gift Aid & £31.50 without Gift Aid.
Group Adult (18+): £19.95.
Group Child (5–17): £9.98.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden#place-prices

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Abbey and water garden admission: 10:00 - 16:00
Gift shop & plant centre: 10:30 - 16:30
Visitor centre restaurant: 09:30 - 16:00

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden#place-opening-times

Address: Visitor Centre (Fountains Abbey), Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY, UK

Post Code: HG4 3DY

Council: North Yorkshire

County: North Yorkshire

By road: Off B6265 to Pateley Bridge from Ripon. Follow the brown signs for Fountains Abbey from A1. We're 12 miles north of Harrogate (A61).
On foot: Public footpaths and bridleways from Ripon and the surrounding countryside.
By bus: Daily connections to Ripon on Transdev bus service 36 from Leeds and Harrogate. DalesBus Service 139 runs from Ripon to Fountains Abbey on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays all year. From Sunday 20 April, DalesBus service 822 service runs from York to Fountains Abbey on Summer Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until 19 October. And from Sunday 20 April, Eastern DalesBus service 825 runs from York to Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks on Summer Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until 19 October.
Cycling: Cycle parking is available at the main visitor centre and outside Fountains Hall, 100m from the West Gate entrance. Locks and bike pumps can be borrowed from the Visitor Centre. The 'Way of the Roses' coast-to-coast route takes you through the deer park. Please note that there is no cycle route within the abbey and water garden although children under five can bring small balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers to help get around the site. Plan your route to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal using the CycleStreets journey planner via the by bicycle link below. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent by accuracy cannot be guaranteed – please respect road signs).
Parking: Free parking at the visitor centre. 12 11kW electric vehicle charging points are available in Car Park A, drivers will require their own cables to charge. Studley Royal pay & display car park is first-come-first-served. For level access car park at West Gate use SatNav HG43DZ.