Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Deer Park is a National Trust site. There are several car parks around the site. Pay as you park at the deer park. Turn in at the War Memorial pointing towards Studley and drive carefully through the small picturesque village, the entrance is on the right. You can park here and it is lovely just for a walk around the park (you get your parking money back if you go into the Abbey from the deer park entrance) Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times due to the deer herds roaming free throughout the park. There are some steep hills throughout both deer park and the Abbey but there are ways around for disabled or less mobile people to enjoy the most of both areas. There is also disabled parking for Fountains Abbey (blue badge holders only) if you follow the signs from the Fountains Abbey entrance. In the deer park situated at the top is a beautiful church (you can see it on the straight road before you turn left down to the car park) which you can go in when open (try and find the parrots if you go into the church!) Further past the church to the right you can still see more roaming herds and a private Manor House. Down on the bottom near the car park is a lovely walk across stone bridges along the valley, for more able bodied there is a circular walk if you continue up past the bridges up a steep bank. You can spend most of the day just in deer park without going into the Abbey grounds, there are toilets and beautiful cafe on the edge of the lake, tables inside and out who serve some beautiful delights such as a cream tea and lots of different flavour ice creams. We have also often just gone with a picnic blanket and a car full of goodies if we plan on just staying at the deer park. Fountains Abbey is a must see (free for National Trust members) or pay at either entrance. The car park at the Abbey and Visitors centre entrance is free to park, the toilets are on the right as you enter the courtyard. Right infront of you is a restaurant, they serve meals, sandwiches, desserts/scones/cakes and drinks (you do not need to pay in to use this restaurant). To the left of the courtyard is the visitors centre and the entrance into the Abbey grounds. Lots of National Trust gifts, books, even plants here. The path down to the Abbey is quite steep (there is a lovely children's play park on the right as you go down, on the left is a hide with bird stations which lots of variety of birds (and squirrels!) enjoy. Down in the grounds there is plenty to see and do, you definitely need the whole day to enjoy the place. There is the great Hall which holds weddings and often has events or art exhibitions on. There are exhibitions and events held throughout the year around the site (consult their website, there are also posters on all toilet doors with dates times of what is on in coming weeks /months). The old mill is fascinating and again staff are there to answer any questions. Next to the mill is a little snacks and drinks shop with tables. There is also the Monks exhibition hall with artifacts, pictures and information about the Abbey and the Monks. The Abbey is beautiful and there is so much to look around, imagining what it was like centuries ago when it was a thriving monastery. Exhibition boards throughout give insight into how the monks lived, worked and prayed. The cloisters are a must see and a photo opportunity for photographers of all levels! People often have picnics on the grass outside of the Abbey on sunny days with the Abbey as a backdrop. Walking away from the Abbey along a long path is the water gardens, beautiful pools, water falls and statues grace this part of the grounds. Along the route there are also paths off at either side going up steep banks to the Folly and the Banqueting Hall. They often have exhibitions and artworks /sculptures throughout the grounds. At the end of the water gardens you come to the cafe and deer park. I can highly recommend a visit to Fountains Abbey and /or Studley Royal deer park.
Love it. If you have not visited just go. You get a good walk in some lovely gardens and take your time looking around the abbey its amazing, just use your imagination to wonder what it was like when it was in use.
A great day out and you'll really need a full day and some good walking boots to get around and see everything as the site is massive.Remember to bring a camera because it's a beautiful place all year around.There's ample parking and a free shuttle bus which runs every hour, running between the visitor information centre and the the deer park.Hey it's only a mini bus, but it's free.Take a picnic if it's sunny as there's so many places to sit and enjoy the sun.The deer can be a bit elusive but if you don't see one you'll be unlucky and you'll have an excellent reason to return again.
The scale of the abbey is amazing and it makes you wonder how they managed to build such a structure all those years ago.The grounds too are lovely.The only disappointment was the cafe which had a very limited choice of sandwiches at lunchtime.Overall though a nice place to spend a couple of hours.
Awesome place. Kid Friendly. Food is over priced at the visitor center but not a huge issue. Very beautiful venue and location for a whole day. I recommend you take a good portion of your day here. It is quite large and breathtaking. Takes time to see all the features and locations. The abbey is huge and very impressive. All around solid site. Very well done.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden is a UK Amusement Park based in Ripon, Yorkshire and the Humber. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden is located at near 3DY, Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DZ, UK.
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