Walk around and visit of Fountain Abbey- Yorkshire, England

A great day exploring Fountain Abbey National Trust and surrounding area on foot.

Walk and visit information:

  • Fountains Abbey website: here
  • Price: £18.70/ adult, £9.40/child, free for National Trust and English Heritage members.
  • Free car park at visitor centor, Studley Royal pay & display car park
  • Dogs on leads are welcome in the abbey, water garden and deer park
  • Walk distance: 15km
  • Duration: 4h
  • Ascent: 183m
  • Level: easy
  • Car park: At Fountain abbaye
  • Dog friendly: Yes on leads when crossing fields with livestock.
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For some time now I wanted to visit Fountain Abbey and its gardens. The video made by the National Trust gives a glimpse of the beauty of this place. But since Fountain Abbey is about 1h40 from Manchester, we pushed back our visit to do it over a long weekend.
Before visiting Fountain Abbey, we hiked through the woods and fields to discover the Nidderdale area. This park, which is part of Yorkshire, is classified as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Find the National Trust video about Fountain Abbey here.

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Markenfield Hall

The hike we chose starts from the parking of Fountain Abbey and pass around Markenfield Hall, which is a magnificent mansion.

  • From the West Gate parking, follow the road that goes up towards Harrogate then Markington, Harrogate;
  • At the top of the hill, take the path to the left that goes into the fields. There is a National Trust sign at the entrance to the road;
  • Continue straight ahead until you reach a farm. You have to cross the farm until you reach the fields;
  • Continue straight through the woods. At a junction of path take the upper path that goes out of the woods;
  • Follow the fields until you reach a paved road. At the road turn right and continue straight until you reach a farm. Bypass the farm on the right and follow the path through fields;
  • You will arrive at Markenfield Hall. Bypass the mansion and take the path that leaves in the fields in front of the entrance of the manor;
  • Continue straight ahead and go through all the fields. At the end of the path, turn right towards the woods. Continue straight ahead you will pass in front of Christmas tree plantations;
  • Once on a paved road, turn left. Then at the next intersection turn right;
  • Continue until you reach the parking of Fountain Abbye.
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Fountain Abbey

After hiking we went to visit Fountain Abbey and the Studley Royal Water Garden. Fountain Abbey is a former abbey built in 1132 by 13 monks of York and became a property of the National Trust in 1983. Partially destroyed, this abbey is still majestic and spectacular to see. The park surrounding the abbey also known as the Studley Royal Water Garden is a perfect place for family walks and picnics. The gardens were created in 1720 by John Aislabie but it was not until 1767 that the property that we know now was created thanks to William Aislabie who united the abbey and the gardens.

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It was a very nice day despite two big showers and quite tiring especially for our feet. But we still enjoyed our visit, which we recommend without hesitation.

Do you know this place? Do you want to visit Fountain Abbey?

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garden

Find all our adventures in Yorkshire on this page. To discover the Lake District National Park it is here.

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