Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

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.