If you’re looking for an escape from the football this Friday 18 June then why not bring the family to Fountains Abbey and enjoy the unique opportunity of a free bike ride around the estate between 6pm – 8pm.

Fountains Abbey would like to invite the wider Ripon community to enjoy the estate from a different perspective, and as such there is free admission to the estate on the evening. The bike ride begins at Studley Lakeside with two routes around the grounds, one longer than the other, and Studley tea room will be open selling light refreshments.

Chris Fowler, General Manager at Fountains Abbey said, ‘This is the first time we have held a community bike ride around the estate and I hope the wider Ripon community will help us make the event a great success. The Fountains estate on a summer evening is a magical place, made even more exciting by the prospect of discovering it on two wheels!’

There is another chance to enjoy the estate in the evening sunshine on Friday 25 June as Fountains Abbey will be remaining open until 8pm. Why not bring a picnic to enjoy by the Abbey, or let somebody treat you to dinner with some great tasting Yorkshire food in our restaurant or tea room.

There is a new temporary sculpture in the Water Garden and on the evening it’s creator, the sculptor Fiona Bowley, will be working on a smaller version in the Temple of Piety and taking questions from visitors about the inspiration for her design.

Also on the evening there will be guided tours and the shop will be open until 8pm selling a great range of local crafts and gifts. There is half price admission to the estate after 5pm and anybody who has visited the estate during the day can access in the evening on the same ticket. Last admission is at 8pm.

Notes to editors

Admission to the bike ride on Friday 18 June is free.

Event begins at 6pm and ends at 8pm.
Adults may accompany children on bikes, however walkers will not be granted access.

Admission to the estate on Friday 25 June is half price.

Adult   £4.25
Children  £2.25
Last admission is at 8pm. All the estate will be open except Fountains Hall and Fountains Mill.