Terrific NT site - the abbey ruins are spectacular, as are the walks around the lake and estate, with wonderful viewing vantage points from the woodland trails; easy parking and friendly staff. More quick reference information on the history of the place would’ve been appreciated though - the purpose of preserving the site should surely be sharing its history and heritage. Only niggle is the multitude of screaming & barely controlled children everywhere, but this is regretfully a standard expectation of visiting any NT site.

Pricey at £17 per head but we still keep coming back, so there must be something special. There is something special..! It’s a beautiful place to spend a few hours. If it’s not the medieval abbey and water mill to explore, it will be the majestic panorama from atop the hill looking across the water gardens or the splendid views of the various follies.

Fountains Abbey is absolutely breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice, you need to experience it for yourself. The sheer size of the abbey, the sound of the birds flying between perches, the beautiful scenery, the water park, the church, the mansion house. There is just SO much to see here, you will need the whole day. Unfortunately we had to rush past the church and some other areas of interest as it was starting to get dark, so definitely take into account the expansive grounds and many additional buildings you can view. The cafe is the only disappointment as they had run out of sandwiches by late lunch time and had very little options. We had no food with us and were hungry, so we had to eat crisps and chocolate for lunch. If it's a nice day, I'd recommend bringing your own food and having a picnic on the grounds. Also try to go when the weather is good, as there is little shelter and it could be quite unpleasant walking around in the rain. Fountains Abbey is stunning and I'd recommend a visit to anyone who loves abbeys, history, gardens and beautiful scenery.

Fortunate enough to have National Trust cards we have visited a lot of NT properties. Walking through this place I found a strange calmness I’ve not experienced at other properties. The visitor centre is large and has the usual selection of food, shop and facilities. It’s also accessible without a ticket. Its a steep walk down to the abbey from the visitor centre but we’ll worth it. The mill is interesting but wandering around the ruins is an experience. It’s about a mile from the visitor centre to the cafe at the other end. Not many food options though. We walked back up the hill past the church back to the visitor centre. A grand day out but the cold sunny weather helped!

Easy parking, great toilets, cafe,shop, coffee barn and lovely walks for all abilities. Friendly staff. Will return. Even captured a ghost on our photos - which we saw when we came home!

First visit here . Little bit shocked at the price on entry . £19 each we choose to join national trust as that was £127 for 2 of us and gives us free entry to lots of places for a full year so made sense to do it that way . The place is so vast you could literally spend more then one day there. We walked the Abby and lakes took us 3 hours but we stopped to take pictures, and read info . Would of been better if more information dotted around the place rather the just been in one place . Lovely to walk around , breathtaking views . Then you read the history and feel angry for the monks building up an amazing place and getting it taken off of them by a greedy king ! After 3 hours walking we called in the restaurant ( wouldn’t really call it a restaurant) only serves jacket potatoes, sausage rolls and Cornish pasty’s warm . Cold sandwiches are available in fridge . Bit disappointing . Had a cream scone though which was lovely . Just feel there missing a trick could be a gold mine ! We’re going to go back next weekend and walk the deer gardens . Just note it is quite hilly in places , it’s all pathed so easy under foot but pushing prams and wheel chairs would be challenging up some of the hills . Definitely recommend a visit !

Iconic .Deserves to be AONB. On our arrival the car park was almost full.However,everyone soon disperses in many directions. Every where is well maintained.It is NT with a difference .So much history going back so many hundreds of years.Incredible a.l the work that was performed without a., the machinery we have today. The working mill is well worth a visit.We were very fortunate we we visited a the weather was very good.So much better to enjoy history out doors.

I thought it would be quiet on a February Saturday but it was surprisingly busy. Lots of screaming kids running and climbing over everything somewhat detract from the tranquility of the scene! Pretty slow service in the cafes too but lovely place none the less. There is an occasional bus service (Saturdays only I think) but it’s a pleasant hour’s walk from Ripon. Don’t believe Google Maps though as it tries to send you right around on the road when there’s a nice walk through the deer park that is must quicker.

This is a beautiful National Trust site with lots to explore if you’re after a good walk! We’ve done the Studley Royal Deer Park side and the Fountains Abbey side on two separate occasions. Good if you’re National Trust members as the entry fee is quite hefty otherwise! But the walk and grounds themselves are beautiful and definitely worth exploring. Would be great for a picnic on a sunny day, too!

Wonderful day out with family. We visited in winter and the grounds were as beautiful as ever. Walls are amazing and very achievable for young kids. Our youngest is 7 1/2 and did a great job. Guide at the start gave us great advice to go around to the left to start with, meaning you end up at the play ground. Rather than starting there and never being able to get to do the walk!