Fountains Abbey
Ripon, United Kingdom
The ruins of a large Cistercian abbey in a valley with the landscaped water garden of Studley Royal beside it. Plan half a day for the abbey, the garden and the deer park, and wear shoes for gravel paths.
Fountains Abbey was founded in 1132 by thirteen Benedictine monks who had left St Mary's Abbey in York, and it joined the Cistercian order in 1135. It became the largest and wealthiest abbey in northern England until it was surrendered in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and fell into ruin. In the 18th century John Aislabie and his son William created the Studley Royal water garden alongside it. The site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
The estate also includes a deer park of medieval origin, home to red, fallow and sika deer. Allow half a day for the ruins, the water garden and the park. Sturdy footwear is advisable. If you prefer a quieter visit, come as early in the day as possible.
- Nearest town
- Ripon, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 54.1100, -1.5830
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ripon - Lockside Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover5 km from Fountains AbbeyMotorhomes
- Fellbeck Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover8 km from Fountains AbbeyMotorhomes
- Kingfisher Holiday Park KnaresboroughMotorhome stopover10 km from Fountains AbbeyMotorhomes
- Manor House Farm Camping & caravan ParkMotorhome stopover11 km from Fountains AbbeyTentsMotorhomes
- Studfold Farm Static Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover18 km from Fountains AbbeyMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Masons CampsiteCampsite24 km from Fountains AbbeyTentsDrinking waterShowers
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Fountains Abbey?
Fountains Abbey is in Ripon, United Kingdom, at GPS 54.1100, -1.5830. It is about 36 km from York.
Can you camp near Fountains Abbey?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Copper Beech Glade, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 97 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Fountains Abbey?
Places worth a stop nearby: Aysgarth Falls (35 km), The Shambles (37 km), Malham Cove (38 km) and Ribblehead Viaduct (52 km).
When is the best time to visit Fountains Abbey?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)