About Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Step back in time at this UNESCO World Heritage Site where magnificent medieval ruins meet stunning Georgian water gardens, perfect for family picnics and wildlife spotting adventures.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Lovely Deer park, walks and brilliant scenery. Tea rooms were very nice, reasonably priced and surprisingly a good selection of Vegan options. We had the chocolate chip cookie and mixed berry flapjack both were yummy and they don't charge extra for oat milk!
· via Google
Amazing scenery and you can easily spend a whole day here. Some areas have a steep incline but these are signposted. The resturant has the typical selection of sandwiches, drinks and hot food to buy and there are 3 different car parks to pick from.
· via Google
Studley Royal Park and Fountains Abbey is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Yorkshire. The combination of landscaped 18th-century water gardens and the dramatic ruins of the 12th-century abbey makes it truly unique. The grounds are vast and beautifully maintained, with sweeping views, ornamental lakes, classical statues, and hidden follies that feel like stepping back in time. The abbey ruins are stunning, grandiose, and and atmospheric. You can easily spend hours exploring the stonework and imagining the lives of the monks who once lived there. The surrounding deer park adds even more charm – spotting the deer roaming freely is a highlight in itself, but be careful if it’s the rutting season - now! Facilities are excellent, with a good visitor centre, café, and plenty of walks of varying lengths to suit all abilities. It’s a place that rewards both a leisurely stroll and a full-day adventure. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, landscape design, or simply want a peaceful day in beautiful surroundings, Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey is a must-see. It’s no surprise that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a National Trust venue so free parking and entry and if you are a member.
· via Google
Absolutely stunning park to walk around, plus the ruins of the Foundations abbey. I easily spent 4 hours here in awe of the beauty! Dog friendly but must be on lead as many deer and pheasants. Cafe and toilets on two ends of the area.
· via Google
Visitors say this park offers stunning scenery, including well-maintained water gardens, dramatic abbey ruins, and a deer park with free-roaming deer. They also highlight the extensive walking trails suitable for all abilities, with some paths being wheelchair friendly. Guests mention the excellent facilities, including cafes with reasonably priced food and vegan options, and convenient parking.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY Get directions
- Category
- Parks & Play Areas
- Guest rating
- 4.8 / 5 (282 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Ripon