Visiting
At any time of the year, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal provides a wonderfully interesting, inspiring and memorable day out for all the family.
With a wealth of activities for the young and not so young to enjoy, see and do.
Whether you’re keen on organised entertainment or simply want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this stunning World Heritage Site, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the abbey or laze the day away reading a book in a secluded part of the water garden.
With over 800 acres of beautiful and safe countryside to explore you’re bound to discover new favourite places with each visit.
- View our Interactive Map and plan your visit to get the most from Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate
800 Years of History
The Abbey, Britain's largest monastic ruin, was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine
monks seeking a simpler life. They later became Cistercian monks.
Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by Henry VIII, the Abbey
buildings and over 500 acres (202ha) of land were sold by the Crown to Sir Richard
Gresham, a merchant. The property was passed down through several generations
of Sir Richard's family, finally being sold to Stephen Proctor who built Fountains
Hall, probably between 1598 and 1604.
A remarkable Elizabethan mansion, Fountains Hall was built partly with stone from the Abbey ruins, today there are two rooms
open to the public.
The Studley Royal Estate, a separate estate from Fountains Abbey until 1767,
was inherited by John Aislabie in 1693. After his expulsion from Parliament in
1721 (following the South Sea Bubble scandal) he devoted himself until his death
in 1742 to creating the Water Garden.
His visionary scheme to transform what had been a wild, wooded valley was completed
by his son William, who purchased the Abbey ruins in 1767 and landscaped the Seven
Bridges Valley and Abbey grounds.
