| The remains of Fountains Abbey and its surrounding land and property
have been combined with the Studley Royal Estate to make a wonderful property just west of
Ripon in North Yorkshire.
The abbey lies hidden away in the valley of the River Skell, the east end of the church dramatically framed by steep wooded slopes in the long vista upstream from the garden of Studley Royal. This 822 acre site attracts over a quarter of a million visitors each year. However, because of the huge size of the site it never seems crowded and the tranquil setting makes it a great place to relax and unwind. |
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The abbey was founded in 1132, following a dispute between the monks at
St Mary’s Abbey in York,
after which 13 monks were exiled and given the land on the banks of the River Skell.
As you now walk around the magnificent ruins you can appreciate how the order grew and the wealth generated by the monks was put back into the wonderful buildings. There are free guided tours around the abbey and I would really recommend that you try to join one of these tours as the graphic descriptions of life for the monks by the tour guides make you appreciate the ruins so much more. |
| Following the Dissolution
of the Monasteries by Henry
VIII in 1539 the buildings very quickly fell into disrepair as the lead and glass were
stolen from the roof and windows for other local buildings.
(Henry VIII encouraged the removal of lead from the roofs of monasteries.) However, the 172 ft high tower is still mostly intact and can be seen from far away peering over the rim of the valley. |
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After leaving the ruins of the abbey there is still so much more to see
on the estate.
There are some very impressive water gardens that were built in the 18th century by the Aislabie family, including the moon pond with its flanking crescent basins. The walk from the abbey ruins to these ponds follow a picturesque canal with small cascades along its route. On a clear bright morning this is a lovely walk and a few slices of bread for the ducks and swans makes you very popular. |
| All around the water gardens are small buildings and follies that have
been built over the past 800 years of the estates history.
Laid out in the steep-sided valley of the River Skell, the water garden is framed and contained by the foliage of beeches, yews and Scots pine on the slopes above. Every building has its own characteristics, from the Splendid Temple of Piety to the hidden Serpentine Tunnel. |
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Beyond the water gardens is the massive expanse of the deer park. So
much of this is often not seen by visitors as the area is so big.
Over 500 deer graze in this area, made up of Red, Sika and Fallow deer. Some of the huge deer with massive antlers are a very impressive sight. The deer do not run and hide and it is possible to wander quite close to the animals, although you must remember that these are wild animals and should not be approached too closely. |
| Away from all this fresh air there is a visitor centre, two shops, two
restaurants, and refreshment kiosks, so there is no need to go hungry or thirsty.
There is also plenty of car parking space and excellent facilities for any disabled visitors. |
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Throughout the year the estate also runs a full programme of events and
activities aimed at all age groups, with many different interests. Entrance to the abbey and deer park is £4.80 (children £2.50) with free parking, or you can visit just the deer park where there is just a £2 car parking charge. |
I can highly recommend a visit to
Fountains Abbey and it is certainly worth putting aside a full day for your day out. |
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