Fountains Cistercian Abbey; monastic precinct, mill, water management works, agricultural and industrial features and 18th century gardens
Plan your visit
Getting here
54.10915, -1.58129
Visiting this summer
Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now
Visiting this summer
Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now
- 🐦71+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Canada Goose and Jackdaw
- ✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
- 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days
🌤️ Visiting this summer
- 🐦71+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Canada Goose and Jackdaw
- ✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
- 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
Best for
Bird watching
Very strong match
Birds — Canada Goose, Jackdaw, Mute Swan +68 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland — woodpeckers, warblers and woodland birds
Heritage
Very strong match
Grade I listed building: FOUNTAINS HALL; Historic site with public access
Wildlife
Strong match
Birds — Canada Goose, Jackdaw, Mute Swan +68 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland priority habitat
Insect spotting
Strong match
Chalk and limestone grassland — chalkhill blue, adonis blue and rare moths; Insects — Harlequin Ladybird, 7-spot Ladybird, Common Darter +30 more · last seen 2025
Foraging
Strong match
Traditional orchard — seasonal fruit, fungi and wild plants
Dog walks
Good match
Dogs allowed with public access
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km🚶Walking
20 signed routes nearby · 1 public path nearby
Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Walking
Ripon Sanctuary WayWalking route16 km
Aislabie WalkWalking route27 km
Circular route between Studley Royal and Hackfall woods
Short Powered Mobility Vehicle Route, Fountains AbbeyWalking route
5 mobility scooters & 4 wheelchairs are available to hire, free of charge, at NT's Fountains Abbey. Book in advance on 01765 608888 and collect your mobility scooter or wheelchair from the West Gate entrance between 10.30am and 11.30am.
The Seven Bridges Valley Walk, Fountains AbbeyWalking route6.1 km
Take this circular walk to see a more rustic & beautiful side of the estate. Starting at the Lake outfall, this walk follows the meandering Skell river along the steep-sided valley via a series of delightful arched bridges, of which only five remain.
Studley Royal Deer Park Walk, Fountains AbbeyWalking route4.8 km
Our deer ranger has picked this circular walk as one of his favourites within the Studley Royal deer park. Look out for some of the 300 wild deer that live there. Mostly flat parkland, some uneven ground, with height drops & deep running water.
🚴Cycling
42 signed routes nearby
Signed route nearby
Cycling
Route 67Cycling route
NCN Cycle Route 688Cycling route
National Byway (Yorkshire)Cycling route
National Byway (Ripon Loop)Cycling route
Way of the Roses Cycle RouteCycling route
Main RouteCycling route27 m
🐴Horse riding
10 public paths nearby
Public paths
Horse riding
No named routes yet. Public paths are shown on the map.
Wildlife to spot
Photos
Weather for this location
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Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km