Fountains Abbey

Address: Fountains Abbey, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY

Phone: 01765 608888

Email: fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

Discovering Fountains Abbey: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Yorkshire

Fountains Abbey, located near Ripon in North Yorkshire, is one of the largest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, set within Studley Royal Water Garden, offers a remarkable blend of medieval monastic ruins and stunning Georgian water gardens. The estate also includes the medieval Fountains Mill, the 18th-century Studley Royal Deer Park, and St Mary’s Church, designed by renowned architect William Burges.

The serene and picturesque setting makes Fountains Abbey a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike!

Prices

The admission prices for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are as follows:

Adults: £18.00
Children (aged 5-17): £6.50
Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): £45.00 (with two adults) or £27.00 (with one adult)
National Trust and English Heritage Members: Free

Tickets provide access to both the abbey and the water gardens. Booking online in advance is recommended.

Features/Things To Do

At Fountains Abbey, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions:

Explore the Abbey Ruins: Wander through the impressive ruins of the Cistercian monastery, including the grand columns, vaulted ceilings, and imposing tower.
Studley Royal Water Garden: Stroll through the elegant Georgian water garden, featuring ornamental lakes, canals, and classical temples.
Studley Royal Deer Park: Discover over 300 deer in the extensive parkland, home to red, sika, and fallow deer.
Visitor Centre and Museum: Learn about the history of the abbey and the water gardens through informative exhibits and displays.
Special Events: Participate in events such as Fountains by Floodlight and Christmas at Fountains Abbey, which offer unique experiences of the site after dark.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides: Enhance your visit with a guided tour or an audio guide available from the visitor centre.
Cafés and Picnicking: Enjoy refreshments at one of the on-site cafés or bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings.

Fountains Abbey On The Map

Directions

Fountains Abbey is accessible by car, public transport, and bicycle:

By Car:

Address: Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY. Free parking is available at the visitor centre, with additional pay-and-display parking at Studley Royal.

By Public Transport:

Bus: Daily bus services run to Ripon from Leeds and Harrogate. From Ripon, DalesBus services 139 and 822 run to Fountains Abbey on certain days.
Train: The nearest railway station is in Harrogate. From Harrogate, take the #36 bus to Ripon and then the #139 bus to Fountains Abbey.