We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Ripon?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Ripon each week.

  • Save Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
  • E-mail this page

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 5 attractions in Ripon
Traveler Description:   Sheltered in a secluded valley only around 3 miles from Ripon lies Fountains Abbey, one of the most historic and beautiful places in Europe. A World more »
Know about Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden? Share your expertise with other travelers. Add to this description now.
Attraction type: Mission, Garden, Historic site, Ancient ruins

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Bristol_Beaufort   2 contributions
London
Nov 26, 2009

enjoy the whole setting - the landscape and building together form a breathtaking combination more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Parislover3   2 contributions
Clayton le Woods, United Kingdom
Nov 24, 2009

Fountains Abbey thoroughly deserves its status as a world heritage site. Together with Studley Royal Water Garden, which is glorious to walk around particularly on a summer's day, it is a guaranteed winner for all the family. The space around the Abbey is amazing and the kids can run for miles - so you know they'll sleep soundly when you... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Slippas   2 contributions
Yorkshire
Oct 23, 2009

This site is great as it is quite varied, there is a deer park, medieval ruins, stately home and water gardens...bit of something for everyone. I love to just come here on eveneings and sit watching the world go by in the deer park more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
jango6   3 contributions
Cheshire
Oct 23, 2009

This is a beautiful, peaceful place. We spent three hours walking round but could have stayed much longer. The view through the gardens to the Abbey was amazing particularly as the trees were changing colour. more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
GardenPam   7 contributions
Berhires MA
Oct 23, 2009

An excellent orientation center and very knowledgeable guides provide interesting background to the stunning abbey ruins. Studley gardens offers walks that are mostly handicapped accessible and a beautiful glimpse of the style of landscaping that focuses on vistas and incorporating the borrowed landscape. Those fit enough for a steep climb should go to the viewing point that presents the ox-bow... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
no1riggie   50 contributions
Ayr, United Kingdom
Oct 23, 2009

We visited this attraction recently and were bowled over by it's beauty and tranquility. We explored the ruins of Fountains Abbey and then took a walk through the water gardens. We were lucky enough to have a lovely weather, which made the day even more special. A wonderful place for adults to visit. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Chino1   152 contributions
Gloucestershire
Sep 2, 2009

What a fantastic day out! Costs £8.25 per adult but free if you are a National Trust or English Heritage member. There is so much to see you need at least a few hours to see the main bits, and you can easily spend the whole day there. We spent 5 hours there and when we were leaving we realised... more

Beautiful
Save Review
5 of 5 stars
countmc   75 contributions
Mission Viejo, California
Aug 26, 2009

I just love ruined abbeys sitting on green grass and Fountains Abbey is my favorite. I suppose others will not feel the same way, but I find it to be absolutely beautiful. If you like this sort of thing then you will not be disappointed with Fountains Abbey. more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
foodeater78   63 contributions
Sheffield
Nov 1, 2008
2/2 found this review helpful

If history and ruins are your thing, then you have got to visit Fountains Abbey. The abbey itself is mighty impressive, and you can spend all day exploring the vast surrounding grounds, where you continue to find hidden treasures throughout the journey. Fountains is probably the most impressive ruin of its kind that I have seen, with so much still... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
red lion, penna
Jul 23, 2005
4/4 found this review helpful

try seeing fountains abbey at night with a light mist falling and the lights shining on the ruins. the night we were there they had a choir singing in the ruins. what an experience,very moving. as we parked our car and was walking to the edge of the hill. we heard this beautiful music that sent shivers down our spines.... more

Write Your Own Attraction Review

Been to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden? Share your experiences!

Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owners' Center
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden Address

Ripon HG4 3DY, England
Tel: 44-1765-608-888