Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

  • Address | Yorkshire HolidaysFountains Abbey & Studley Royal Estate Office, Studley Park, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
  • Phone | Yorkshire Holidays01765 608 888

Wander through the 900 year old abbey & Georgian water gardens at this World Heritage Site. 800 acres to explore, an Elizabethan hall, Cistercian mill & medieval deer park there's a lot to do. Discover how to make the most of your day here.

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Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site

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.

One-of-a-kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Facilities and Access

General

Restaurant - serving estate venison when in season.
Tea-room - with lakeside views.
Shop and plant centre.
Free parking at visitor centre.
Pay and display parking at Studley Royal deer park.
Coach parking at visitor centre only. Access off B6265.
Suitable for school groups - education room.
Dogs - we welcome responsible dog owners. Please keep dogs on a short lead and 'scoop their poop'. Help us take care of buildings by not taking dogs inside.
Sorry no BBQs.
There is a charging point available for electric cars in car park B.
Please be aware there is steep and uneven ground and therefore sensible shoes are recommended. There is also deep running water throughout the estate.

Family

Baby-changing and feeding facilities
Pushchairs and baby back-carriers admitted
Play area near visitor centre
Children's activities
Children's quiz/trail in school holidays
Children up to the age of seven are welcome to bring scooters or small bikes

Access

Designated mobility parking at visitor centre and West Gate. West Gate car park is reserved for mobility parking only on bank holidays and busy days. Access vehicle to all admission points
No wheelchair access from visitor centre to abbey; use West Gate car park or access vehicle from visitor centre
Level access into abbey and mill. NB some access over lawn. Many steps with handrails to Fountains Hall. Ramp into St Mary's Church
Adapted toilets at visitor centre, tea-room, near Fountains Hall and Studley Royal car park
Partly accessible grounds, steep slopes, some cobbles. Map of accessible route. Main areas on level ground. Upper footpaths restricted preventing full circular tour. Six wheelchairs - booking essential
Three mobility scooters available on a first come first served basis, booking essential. Call the estate office on 01765 608888.
Sighted guides are available to pre-book. Please call 01765 608888

Reviews

  • A good day out

    We really enjoyed our day here, two of us and the dog strolled through the estate, there was plenty to see and a couple of Cafés to rest a while. (Highly recommend the sausage bap from the café at Studley Royal). The abbey is impressive even though it is a ruin, the scale and majesty in its day, must have been something. If you have time go see the nave at St Marys church, it is very impressive. Not to mention the view down the avenue towards the cathedral at Ripon.
    It is very dog friendly, a couple of toilet stops enroute and a minibus service linking key areas if you feel less energetic.
    Johnnie C, Ipswich
    12th Jun 2018
  • Lovely holiday visit

    We had looked this place up on line and wanted to visit. Wasn’t disappointed beautiful place. Lots of lovely places to walk around and see. Would definitely visit again.
    d0nna47
    12th Jun 2018
  • Beautiful location lots of memories

    Heading there again tomorrow. Can’t wait - here’s to hoping the hot weather continues. Lots of great memories
    Yottabites, Brighton and Hove
    8th Jun 2018
  • Blew me away

    Went on a coach trip expecting to park near the Abbey short walk to the water gardens and home.
    Wow how wrong can you be. From the main entrance it is a mile or so through lovely paths and a steep downhill incline to the Abbey the ruins are immense this place must have been some sight in its prime. It is then a further walk maybe half a mile to studley royal water gardens which are very beautiful well worth the further walk. On reaching the studley entrance you can return uphill via the huge deer park if this is to much for you there is a courtesy bus back to the main car park.
    There are nice restaurants near each entrance main visitor centre has a gift shop and plant outlet.
    You need to be fairly fit to visit here if not good on steep inclines I suggest you use Studley entrance you can get to both sites on relatively flat ground.
    Donald R, Skelmersdale
    6th Jun 2018
  • Beautiful on a sunny day

    I would recommend spending a full day as the site is vast. Not being national trust members the entrance fee was £41.25 for a family entry which is pricey if you don’t spend a full day.
    A sunny day is a must to enjoy the beautiful scenery, we enjoyed sitting by the water with a picnic. The children loved climbing on the ruins and there is a great park.
    jro387, Warrington
    6th Jun 2018
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