Fountains Abbey

We went to Fountains Abbey today (18th April). A beautiful day which always helps. The main thing for me is how National Trust have a relentless approach to gaining cash from the unsuspecting tourist. Join them for £47 a year to gain free entrance to many of the countries most impressive houses and countryside but for those who go occasionally its not cost effective. The most annoying thing initially today was a quick lunch on arrival £3.10 to over £4 for a sandwhich! The entrance fee of £7.90 is expensive but the NT do a great job keeping the ground well maintained and the free guided tours are informative and well done by the volunteer guides. In summary its worth a trip out but bring a picnic!

Whisper it. The sun's gradually starting to linger that bit longer, we're edging that bit closer to the Easter holidays, and so I confess that I am now increasingly hankering after a family day out in our glorious British countryside with my personalized picnic-o-meter already at amber alert levels. Today I'm going to take you on a whistle-stop tour of one of my ultimate favourite destinations, a sublimely peaceful and inspiring place in the heart of North Yorkshire, Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the true national treasure that is Fountains Abbey. Fast Flowing History ================ Set in over 800 acres of rolling green ...  Read the complete review

If you like history and beautiful surroundings, then you must visit Fountains Abbey. The abbey itself is so impressive with the chapel being its most spectacular feature. Fountains abbey is a great place for a picnic and a kick around with the kids. You could spend all day exploring the surrounding grounds and there are many different walks (of varying length) to keep everyone happy. The guides provide walks and talks about the history of the abbey and you can even dress up as a monk! Fountains Abbey is one of a kind, with so much still standing. Looking down from the path above you can really imagine how grand the abbey once ...  Read the complete review

I’ve always been aware of fountains abbey. When I was younger, my grandparents on my mothers side lived in Ripon, and each time we went to visit they would take us to Fountains Abbey/ Studley Royal, and we would take a long wondering walk through the ruins and the countryside. To be honest though, when I was a kid, I found it kind of boring. Trees, hills etc held no fascination whatsoever at that age. But, now that I'm older, working, a mother, and generally have a lot more stress in my life, I have more appreciation for calm, serene beautiful places, and it was for this reason that I found myself visiting the area again last year with my ...  Read the complete review

The remains of Fountains Abbey and its surrounding land and property have been combined with the Studley Royal Estate to make a wonderful property just west of Ripon in North Yorkshire. Now owned by the National Trust, this 822 acre site attracts over a quarter of a million visitors each year. However, because of the huge size of the site it never seems crowded and the tranquil setting makes it a great place to relax and unwind. The abbey was founded in 1132, following a dispute between the monks at St Mary’s Abbey in York, after which 13 monks were exiled and given the land on the banks of the River Skell. As you now walk around the magnificent ...  Read the complete review