UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Fountains Abbey
One of the largest and best-preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England, set in a spectacular valley 12 miles from Pateley Bridge.
Nine centuries of history in a single valley
Founded in 1132 by a group of Benedictine monks who were expelled from the Abbey of St Mary in York, Fountains Abbey grew to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in medieval England. Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539, the ruins stand much as they fell.
The abbey sits within the Studley Royal Water Garden, laid out in the early 18th century and considered one of the finest examples of a Georgian water garden in the world. Together they were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
The whole estate covers over 800 acres and is managed by the National Trust. Allow a full half-day at minimum, and bring good walking shoes.
Plan your visit
- Address
- Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY
- From Pateley Bridge
- 12 miles south-east via B6265 (approx 25 min)
- Open
- Daily - check National Trust website for seasonal hours
- Admission
- Free for National Trust members; day tickets available
- Dogs
- Welcome on leads in most of the estate
In pictures
Studley Royal water gardens
Spring at the ruins
Huby's Tower
The nave arches
What to see
The Abbey Ruins
The roofless nave, soaring Norman arches and Marmaduke Huby's 160-foot tower are the centrepiece. Wander through rooms that once housed over 60 monks and their lay servants.
Studley Royal Water Garden
Formal canals, a moon pond, cascades and classical temples set in a sweeping landscape. The garden was designed by John Aislabie from 1718 and took decades to complete.
St Mary's Church
A Victorian Gothic church by William Burges at the heart of the estate, built for the Marquess of Ripon. Exceptional interior with painted ceilings and stained glass.
More to explore near Pateley Bridge
Brimham Rocks, Nidderdale Museum, Gouthwaite Reservoir and the full Nidderdale Way are all within easy reach.