Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, set in the secluded valley of the River Skell and encompassing the sandstone ruins of a 12th century Cistercian abbey, an Elizabethan mansion and a Georgian water garden, is a World Heritage Site.
The marvellous 150 acre garden was created in the 18th century by John Aislabie and is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian green water garden.
There are avenues, cascades, grottoes, elegant ornamental lakes and a long, mirror-like canal. The magnificent garden buildings are architecturally stunning and include a Temple of Filial Piety, an octagon tower and a banqueting house.
There are many paths around the garden which has an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
The garden also has a succession of eye-catching vistas. Some of the best views are from a gazebo known as Anne Boleyn's Seat and the top of the tower.
The garden is linked to Fountains Abbey, a romantic and spectacular monastic ruin.
The Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in 1132 and taken over by the Cistercians three years later. By the mid-12th century it was the richest abbey in Britain. The Abbey fell into ruins during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century and today the site is maintained by English Heritage.
Fountains Hall was built by Sir Stephen Proctor in around 1611 with stones from the abbey ruins.
The design of the house is attributed to the architect Robert Smythson and included a great hall with minstrel's gallery and an entrance flanked by Classical columns.
St Mary's Church was built by the architect William Burges in 1871 - 78. The dramatic Gothic church is a focal point in the medieval deer park, which has a herd of over 600 deer.
St Mary's Church is owned by English Heritage and managed by the National Trust.
2008:Abbey/Garden:Mar-Oct:10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun; Nov-Jan 2009:10:00-16:00 Mon-Thur & Sat-Sun.St Marys:Apr-Sep:12:00-16:00 Mon-Sun.Deer park:All year daily Dawn-Dusk.All closed 24/25 Dec & Fridays Nov-Jan.Estate open Fri in Feb.Last entry 30mins before close
Tel: 01765 608888 Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Website
