Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
General View (c) English Heritage

Fountains Abbey has been described as the 'crown and glory of all that monasticism has left us in England'. There are 800 years of history to be explored in the 320-hectare (790-acre) estate, a World Heritage Site combining architecture and landscape of outstanding historical and aesthetic importance. The ruins of the Cistercian abbey, which was founded in 1132, are the largest such remains in Europe: they provide a dramatic focal point for the landscape garden, which was laid out during the first half of the 18th century by William and John Aislabie.

Fountains Mill, one of Europe's oldest surviving mills, once supplied the monks of Fountains Abbey with flour for baking. It has now been in continuous use for more than 800 years. Today, visitors can see the working water wheel turning as it has for centuries, and explore the life and times of the mill through displays and ancient artefacts.

Other features within the estate include St Mary's Church (owned by English Heritage), a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic design, and the Elizabethan mansion, Fountains Hall, built partly with stone from the abbey. St Mary's Church also provides a focus for the medieval deer park.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are owned and managed by The National Trust. English Heritage works in partnership with The National Trust to protect this World Heritage Site.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
Abbey and Water Garden: Mar-Oct 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Abbey and Water Garden: Nov-Feb* 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
*Closed Fridays Nov-Jan    
Deer Park During daylight hours Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 24-25 Dec    
     
Details:
EH and NT members admitted free. Deer Park free of charge. Parking œ3.00 at Deer Park, Free at Visitor Centre

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£7.90
Children:
£4.20
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £20.90
Details:
Deer Park: free of charge. English Heritage and National Trust members are admitted free (English Heritage works in partnership with the National Trust to protect this site); Reduction for groups if booked in advance. Guided tours available.

How do I get there?

Address:
Ripon, North Yorkshire - HG4 3DY
Road Access:
4 miles W of Ripon, off B6265
Bus Access:
Traveline 0870 6082608. Bus services from Leeds, York, Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate. 'Ripon Roweller' runs daily except Sundays. Tel 01423 526655
Map Location:
Telephone:
01765 608888

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Baby changing facilities Exhibition Museum Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Hazardous Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Parking:
Parking £3.00 at Deer Park, Free at Visitor Centre

Further Info

Disabled access (not suitable for three-wheel battery cars).