Self Guided Walk: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

I had been saving this Fountains Abbey walk for a weekday, you know, to avoid the crowds. After living in Yorkshire for over three months, I finally made it. And it was worth the wait.

I’m usually more of the rugged remote walks kind of person, so I wasn’t expecting to like walking around Fountains Abbey as much as I did.

Fun Fact: Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian Monastery ruins in England.

Looking at the ruins of Fountains Abbey, on the walk around Studley Royal. There is green ivy on one of the walls. There is a bridge leading to the Abbey, with people walking along it.

An archway stone bridge, with the top of Fountains Abbey poking out above a tree in the distance, on the walk around Studley Royal. There is ivy on the side of the bridge, and lots of green plants, bushes and trees all around.

Before heading out, I studied a regular map, but still wasn’t completely sure what route I would take through the Fountains Abbey estate. When I arrived at the visitors centre, the National Trust lady got a much more informative map out, and showed me where everything was. I used this to then devise a route which would take me to most things around the grounds of Fountains Abbey and then the Studley Royal Deer Park.

This is what I’m going to show you today.

First I will give you a bit of an overview of the walk around Fountains Abbey, and then the Studley Royal Deer Park, with full logistics and a map of the route I took. Then I will go on to describe the route step by step with lots of photos. I will also show you how to shorten the walk, if you don’t want to go as far. I will also show you where to walk to see a few things that I didn’t see around Fountains Abbey.

When I describe the walking route around Fountains Abbey, I will tell you a little bit of the history behind some of the things you will see.

Looking towards an archway hedge with Fountains Hall on the other side, on the walk around the grounds, towards the main abbey. — This is Fountains Hall

What to expect on the Fountains Abbey circular walk

This walk takes you around the grounds of Studley Royal, passing by the ruins of Fountains Abbey, alongside the Studley Royal water garden, and then across the deer park via the Seven Bridges Valley.

Did you know, that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal was the first place in the UK to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The first half of the walk around the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate is the pretty bit, with one of the best preserved 18th century gardens in England.

A river surround by green leafy trees and bushes, with a building visible through a gap in the trees ahead.

A tree trunk on the green grass, with a small black sign next to it saying 'Forty shilling dessert apple', on the walk around Fountains Abbey.

Looking down along the river, with a neatly cut green with lots of trees on the right side, and Fountains Abbey in the distance, after the walk up the hill. There are green leaved tree branches lining the left side of the frame.

Looking down to the pond and neatly cut green of the Studley Royal flower garden. The green is surround by lots of green leafy trees.

Fun Fact: It’s the garden that set the tone for the typical English garden style we know today.

Studley Royal was inherited by John Aislabie. He was the one who set about landscaping the garden. His son William continued the project, purchasing Fountains Abbey to go with it.

William Aislabie also did the landscaping at Hackfall Wood. I did a walk around there recently, which you can read about here.

The second half of the Fountains Abbey walk takes you across the Studley Royal Deer Park. First through the deep valley full of stone bridges, and then across the vast fields where you might get a chance to spot some deer.

Dirt trails through the grass, leading towards a stone arch bridge when walking through the seven bridges valley, near Fountains Abbey.

Lots of deer sitting under a big tree on the green grass, one the walk through the Studley Royal deer park.

The walk finishes off with a wonderful sweeping view along the long long drive, with a perfectly framed cathedral in the distance, as you head to St Mary’s Church with it’s impressive gothic interior.

A big church on the hill top, with a stone wall around the perimeter, at the end of the Fountains Abbey circular walk.

Then at the very end, as you walk back towards the Fountains Abbey Visitors Centre, you might have an opportunity to pick up some fresh eggs.

A small box on a table, with cartons of eggs inside. There is a sign on the box saying 'free range eggs for sale'.

Is the walk hard?

This Fountains Abbey walk is not challenging at all, however, it is a bit hilly in places. Whilst a lot of the route is along easy path, and neatly cut grass, some of it is along rugged terrain. The most rugged bit is right at the other end of the loop.

A path leading straight ahead, with overhanging trees to the right, and the river to the left. There is a strip of green grass and plants between the path and the river. — A lot of the walking path around Fountains Abbey looks like this

A large area of dirt ground, under the woodland trees, with a temple ahead, on the walk around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. There are two people walking out of the temple. — A little bit looks like this

A rugged dirt path leading uphill. It is lined with overgrown grass, plants, and big leafy trees. There is a person walking up the path ahead. — The other end, past the Studley Royal Deer Park, looks like this

How long is the Fountains Abbey walk?

This full walk around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is about 6 miles. It took me 2h 15 min to complete, going at a leisurely pace, and meandering around the different sites.

A wodę path leading ahead to the left, with the big manor house of Fountains Hall to the left. There is a wall with hedges surrounding Fountains Hall.

Can you walk around Fountains Abbey for free?

You have to pay to walk around the grounds of Fountains Abbey which costs (at the time of writing) £18 per adult, and £9 per child. Family ticket is £45. It’s free for National Trust members though.

This walk also takes you across around the Studley Royal Deer Park and the seven bridges, which is free, if you choose to skip out Fountains Abbey.

How much is parking at Fountains Abbey?

The main car park at Fountains Abbey is free. It’s the entry into the grounds which you have to pay for.

Is Fountains Abbey dog friendly?

Dog’s are welcome at Fountains Abbey. They just need to be kept on a short leash. Around Studley Royal Deer Park, you need to be cautious of the deer.

People walking over a bridge, where the river leads into a big pond in the Studley Royal Deer park.

Tips for walking around Fountains Abbey

Although there are cafes about, it might be nice to take some of your own food, so you can enjoy it in one of the many scenic spots during your walk around Fountains Abbey, or the deer park.
Trainers are fine for walking around the grounds of Fountains Abbey. Although it is a little bit more rugged in some areas of the Studley Royal Deer park, trainers should be fine there too.
Even if you don’t follow my route, be prepared to walk a lot. The area is pretty big.
If you can visit on a weekday, do that. There was still a fair amount of people when I was there on a Monday, but I did find a lot of quiet spots.
The quieter spots are on the other end of the route, in the Studley Royal Deer park.
If you like fresh eggs, take some change. Right at the end, when walking back to the Fountains Abbey visitor centre, there might be an honesty box type exchange. I picked up a box of 6 for £1.50.
If you like places like this, and think you will visit more, then get a National Trust Membership. It gives you free entry to their sites, as well as free parking in National Trust car parks which are all over the country.
Speak with a member of staff at the visitors centre to find out about what’s on. There might be something fun you can add on to your walk around Fountains Abbey. Alternatively, there is an information board as you enter the grounds, giving you all that info.

An information board informing of what's on in Fountains Abbey today.

Logistics

Start/Finish: Fountains Abbey Visitors Centre.
Where is it: Fountains Abbey is located in Nidderdale AONB, in Yorkshire. Post code: HG4 3DY.
Public Transport: Yes. 139 bus from Ripon. Although, it only runs three days a week. Less regular is the 822, and 825, which come from York, Harrogate, Grassington, and Pateley Bridge. You can see the bus route timetables here.
Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2h 15 min at a leisurely pace
Terrain: Well maintained path and grass when walking around Fountains Abbey. Studley Royal has the same, but also some more rugged bits, with rocks, dirt path, and bridges.
Elevation: A bit hilly.
Time of year: I walked around Fountains Abbey in early summer
Amenities: National Trust visitors centre. Public toilets at a few places around the grounds. Lots of benches to sit on around the estate. Cafe at the visitors centre, and two more cafes en route. One cafe is at the entrance to Studley Royal. After this, there is nothing for the rest of the walk, until you return to Fountains Abbey.

Two small wooden chairs surrounded by big green leafy trees, on the circular walk around Fountains Abbey.

A refreshment kiosk through an open wooden window type door, in the stone wall.

Map for the walk around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

You can see my more detailed route map for the Fountains Abbey walk on Alltrails

For more walks in this part of Yorkshire, you can check out all the walks I recommend in Nidderdale here.

Route Description for the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal walk

Walk through the Fountains Abbey visitors centre, passed the information board, and turn right at the junction. At this point, I did ponder which way to walk. Right would take me through a playground. I wasn’t sure I wanted to walk past children, with their children noises.

A sign between two wooden poles saying 'Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal', at the start of the walk. The sign is on a green, with trees in the background. — Turn right here

I decided to risk it. Luckily, there weren’t too many of the little beasts about.

Walk past the playground and picnic benches, then once out of the tree cover, you will get your first view to Fountains Abbey poking out above the trees.

Two people walking along a path, in the Fountains Abbey estate. The path leads through dark woods. There is a light at the end of the path, out of the woods.

Looking across the green to a view of the top of Fountains Abbey, poking out through the tree tops.

A path lined with green grass on either side, with people walking along the other end. There is a wooden fence on the left side of the path, and tree tops ahead.

Continue on the path, as it then curves to the right towards the trees. You will walk past a sign pointing ahead to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

A sign saying 'Fountains Abbey Studley Royal Water garden', on the grass, next to a path which is on the left.

Fountains Hall

At the next junction. Left takes you straight to Fountains Abbey, right takes you to Fountains Hall. I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go. I kind of wanted to walk straight to Fountains Abbey, but was I missing out if I didn’t go right?

A dirt path junction in the woods, with a direction information board in the middle.

A member of staff was passing me by, and noticed I was in a conundrum, so he told me about each route, and what I would see.

So I went right. And I’m glad I did.

If you turn right, very soon you will get a very pretty view to a what looks like a little cottage and Fountains Hall partially hidden behind the trees.

A path leading towards a small stone walled cottage type building on the left, and path of Fountains Hall ahead behind the trees, near the start of the walk. There is a hedge running along the left side of the path, and a small grass hill on the right.

That little cottage is actually a toilet. It might be the prettiest toilet building I’ve ever seen.

Passed the toilet, I went and stood outside the entrance to Fountains Hall and imagined it was my house.

Looking into a courtyard surrounded by stone walls with doors. There are green leafed tree branches hanging over the top.

Looking through the stone pillared entrance to the grand Fountains Hall building, on the walk to the abbey.

Fountains Hall was built in the 16th and 17th centuries by Stephen Proctor, using some of the stones from the ruins of Fountains Abbey. After William Aislabie bought it, he didn’t live there, but instead leased it to tenants. Imagine renting that.

Fun fact: Queen Elizabeth and King George VI used to stay here as a guests.

Then during the second world war, it was used to house evacuees, and then because home to one of the local schools.

The tea garden and orchard

Directly opposite the entrance, there is a gap in the hedges, which will lead you to the tea garden and orchard.

Looking through a rectangle doorway through the stone wall, with a neatly cut hedge on top.

Looking through the bushes to a stone paved path lined with small flower gardens, on the walk around the Fountains Abbey estate. There is a wooden bench on the other end of the path, with curves shaped hedges.

If Fountain’s Hall was my house, then this would be my garden. I was liking the idea more and more.

Go over the bridge, and turn left to walk through the orchard. Each tree has a name, which was cute.

Looking along the stream, with a grass lawn with orchard trees on the right, and a stone wall, with a wooden fence on top to the left. There is a garden house on the left past the fence.

Looking across the grass lawn, to a stone building nestled within the green leafed bushes and trees, on the walk around the Fountains Abbey estate.

Fountains Mill

That building you can see on the other side of the orchard, is Fountains Mill. It was open, so I went and had a little look inside.

Fun Fact: Fountains Mill is the oldest building on the estate, and was in use until 1927.

Follow the path around to the left of Fountains Mill, to reach the other side.

A tone paved path leading ahead, with green plants bon the right, and a wooden and topped fence on the left. There is a stone walled building straight ahead, partially hidden by masses of green leafy trees.

The stone wall of Fountains Mill, with an open wooden door, and a green lawn around the left side.

Top tip: If you have come with kids, they might like to have a go ringing the bell on the other corner of the building.

Directly opposite Fountains Hall, go through the opening in the wall.

Walk to Fountains Abbey

As you walk through the wall, you will get another view to the top of Fountains Abbey, past the lovely bridge.

You now have two options to walk around Fountains Abbey. I decided to stay on this side of the river. Mainly because I could see and hear a big group of school children on the other side.

You can still walk into Fountains Abbey from this side. So go have a little explore.

Stone ruins on the grass, with two people sitting on them, and leafy tree branches overhanging the frame.

Walk away from Fountains Abbey along the river

You can follow the river on either side to reach the Studley Royal water garden. I stayed on this same side, but if you choose to take the other, there will be a bridge crossing later to get you back onto this route.

The path on the other side is flat, this side is a bit hilly, but does give you a nice view looking down to Fountains Abbey.

A path leading under the overhanging trees. There's a family walking along the path ahead.

Looking towards the ruins of Fountains Abbey, and a couple of people walking next to it on the right side.

If you took this side, the hilly bit isn’t too bad, and soon takes you back along the riverside.

Top tip: When walking along the river, make sure to look back occasionally, for a lovely view to Fountains Abbey.

A path along the right, with a strip of green grass and them the river on the left side of it. On the other side of the water is a small grass hill, with masses of green leafy trees on the top.

Looking across the river and green grass to the ruins of Fountains Abbey, on the walk towards the Studley Royal water garden.

A small waterfall in the river, with green plants on this side and green grass on the other side, leading to woodland trees.

Surprise View ‘Ann Boleyn’s Seat’

Next on the agenda, is the surprise view.

As the path and river curved around, I could see a temple nestled in the trees above. I wondered if this was surprise view (it’s not).

A well maintained path leading straight and curving to the left around the big pond, on the walk from Fountains Abbey to the Studley Royal water garden. The path is lined all the way around, by masses of green leafy trees.

Looking up towards a temple nestled within masses of green leafy trees, on the Fountains Abbey circular walk.

After the path curves around, keep an eye out for a rugged uphill path to the right, pointing to surprise view, Temple of Fame and Octagon tower.

A dirt path leading uphill, with a dirt bank and trees on the left. There is a white sign on the left side of the path saying 'surprise view, temple of fame and octagon tower'.

A dirt path leading uphill, lined with woodland trees with green leaves.

This path is the most rugged so far, and the steepest. As you reach the top, you will see a structure hidden behind the trees ahead. This is surprise view.

A wide dirt path, lined with green leafy trees and bushes. There is a blue wooden wall just visible ahed to the left past the tress.

Fun Fact: Surprise view is also known as Ann Boleyn’s seat. Not because Ann Boleyn ever sat here, but because there was a headless statue in this spot (which was taken away, and now put back).

Temple of Fame

Continue on the woodland path, and next you will reach the Temple of Fame. The view from there is just the tree tops mainly.

Looking down over the green leafy tree tops.

Fun fact: The pillars are not stone as one might think. They are just painted wood. This is one of the creations of William Aislabie, as a place to entertain visitors to the garden.

Octagon Tower and creepy tunnel

Next along the woodland path, is the Octagon Tower.

A neatly cute grass lawn, with an ornate stone walled budding, called the Octagon Tower ahead. There are steps leading into it, and a few people walking along the side of it. There are green leafy trees to the right, and green leafy bushes to the left.

Next to the octagon tower is a big hole. I walked past it, thinking about how creepy it looked, and that I definitely wasn’t going in there….

A rugged stone archway, with a black hole in the middle. The stone arch is surround by green leafy bushes.

Looking on my map, I could see a trail to take me down off the hill. Only, I couldn’t find it. I went back and forth, around the tower, and no trail was to be seen.

I had resided to the fact that no such trail existed, and I had to walk back on myself…then I had a sudden ‘ohhhhh’ moment. Could that creepy hole be the way down?

I slowly ventured inside, and realised there was a path in there, leading down. Following it, everything turned to pitch black, with nothing but the echoing sounds of my footsteps.

I hurried along, completely blind to what was ahead, and soon saw the light at the end.

Looking through the dark stone walled tunnel, to the light on the other end, and the Studley Royal water garden below, on the walk around the Fountains Abbey estate.

Walk to the Studley Royal Deer park

Out of the tunnel you will be at the Studley Royal Water Garden, turn right on the main path, and keep going all the way to the bridge and lake.

A wide path lined with green hedges. There are tow people walking along the path ahead.

Cross over the bridge, and follow the path around the other side of the cafe, where you will reach the entrance to the Studley Royal Deer Park.

A big black metal ornate gate, in the stone wall.

You don’t need to show your ticket or anything. You will just need to show it if you walk back to Fountains Abbey this way later.

Once in the Studley Royal Deer Park, follow the main path around the lake.

Looking across the pond, on the walk through the Studley Royal Deer path. There is a stone wall on the other end, and two small buildings, with a backdrop of masses of green leafy trees. There are people walking along the end of the pond on the other side.

A group of ducks sitting on the green grass in front of the pond. There are woodland trees on the other side of the pond.

Then at the other end, leave the path, to walk on the grass, continuing around the lake, to reach the start of the Seven Bridges Valley.

A large neatly cut grass area, with the pond to the right. There are a few people walking across the grass. There is a grass hill further ahead, with a few big green leafy trees on it.

A sign saying 'Seven bridges valley', on the Fountains Abbey and Studley royal circular walk. The sign is on the grass, and there are big trees with green leaves in the background.

Walk the Seven Bridges Valley

Next you have all the cute stone bridges. I fully expected the walk through the Seven Bridges Valley to be busy, but it wasn’t at all. In fact, this is where it started to get quieter.

Fun fact: Although called the Seven Bridges, only five remain.

Go over the first bridge, then follow the left path into the valley, and make your way along the Skell River, crossing each little bridge as you go.

A stream of water with a grass field to the right, and grass hill to the left, and a few trees on both sides.

A split in the gravel path, with trees on the right, and a field on the left. — Go left here

A stone archway bridge over the river, at the start of the walk through the seven bridges valley in Studley Royal. There is a path leading away, through the green, on the other side of the bridge. There are a few people walking on the path. — Looking back over the first stone bridge

A few bridges in, I realised there was no more water. Was the river dried out, or is this how it normally is?

A stone archway bridge, over the gravel ground, with a grass covered cliff on the other side.

As I went deeper into the valley, I was soon totally alone. Just the way I like it.

A path leading through the valley, surround by green grass, trees, and bushes, on the walk around the Studley Royal Deer park.

The path leading over a stone archway bridge, with masses of green leafy trees on the other side, and a gate in the stone wall in the distance to the right.

Exit the Studley Royal grounds

At the end, go through the gate to leave the grounds of Studley Royal. Don’t worry, you come back soon(ish).

Through here, it’s just as green, maybe even more so, as you follow a path lined with big leafy trees.

Keep an eye out for the bridge on the right. A disappointing bridge after having walked over the others.

A path lined with grass, and green leafy bushes to the left. There are green leafy woodland trees ahead to the right.

Stone steps leading to a small bridge, which is partially engulfed by bushes.

At the next junction, turn right….

A path across the middle of the frame, lined with green leafy bushes and trees on the other side. — Turn right here

I initially turned left. I wanted to get to a particular road. A road I had driven on a week ago, due to a diversion. A road with a view that I needed to see again.

As I made my way up the hill, I got my bearings and realised I was heading to the wrong end of the road. The bottom end. This would mean walking uphill on road for a long way. Uphill road walking is my least favourite thing, after shingle.

So I turned back and took the right turn instead.

Walk up to the entrance of Studley Royal Deer Park

The next section of the walk is along a very rugged trail, and very uphill. Although I wouldn’t call it tough, this is the toughest bit of the walk. I was surprised at how green everything still was, despite being out of the park grounds.

Follow this tree lined dirt trail all the way up, then to the right, and keep going. There isn’t a lot to see along this bit. Just trees, and peaks to some fields on the right.

A dirt path through the woodland filled with green bushes and trees. Rays of light are shining down through the trees onto the path.

Keep right at the junction, and keep going top reach the big archway entrance back into the Studley Royal Deer Park.

A stone archway entrance, leading into the Studley Royal Deer Park, partway through the circular walk.

What happens next made me so glad I didn’t take the other route…

Walk through Studley Royal Deer park

As soon as I entered the Studley Royal Deer park, I saw them. The deer. I had wondered if I’d get to see any on this walk.

A large grass field, with deer grazing ahead, and woodland trees on the other side, on the walk through the Studley Royal deer park.

You want to now follow the roughly outlined grass trail. It’s in the direction of straight, from the gate entrance.

A wooden stump signpost with an arrow pointing ahead across the large grass field.

As I made my way along, I realised it wasn’t just me and the deer. There were cows. I was now faced with deer with horns to the left, and cows to the right. Not a situation I wanted to be in. So I proceeded with caution.

I was mainly keeping an eye on the cows, who were all together at the pond, like lions at the watering hole. One was right in the middle of the pond, taking a bath.

A cow in the middle of a pond, on the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal circular walk.

Once ‘safely’ past, I looked back and saw a cow running right in my direction. I froze. Maybe if I was still he wouldn’t see me?

He proceeded to run straight passed. It turned out he was running to his cow friends on the other side of the field.

Black cows walking along the grass trail through the large field.

I then walked over to the edge of the field, along the fence, and continued down the field, feeling a little better that I now had an escape route if needed.

Keep going all the way to the other end of the field, and onto a more obvious path, to reach the gate.

A trail curving through the grass field. There is a large tree on the right side of the trail.

Through the gate, you will get back to the start of the Seven Bridges Valley. Now make your way back to the lake.

A gavel path leading towards a bridge, with water cascading down into the river. There is a large tree ahead to the right.

Two baby ducks on the grass, next to the pond.

This is where I had a sit down for my snack.

The big road and St Mary’s Church

If you have had enough, you can walk back to Fountains Abbey from here. However, there are just a couple more things left to see, if you keep with me.

From the big pond, follow the path that leads up the hill. This will lead you to the road I talked about earlier. The Studley Royal Driveway.

A dirt path leading ahead, with the edge of the pond to the left. There is a duck waling on the grass next to the pond, and two people walking on the path ahead. There are lots of green leafy trees further ahead on the green, past the path. — Go straight here

When you reach the road, look to the right for a grand view all the way down the tree lined drive, with a view to Ripon Cathedral, way in the distance.

A long road lined with grass and trees, and a view to Ripon Cathedral at the end. — This photo doesn’t do justice how it looks in person

Now turn around and walk up to St Mary’s Church.

A long road leading straight towards a church spire visible ahead. the road is lined with neatly cut grass, and trees.

Fun Fact: St Maria’s Church was designed with a gothic style interior by William Burger in the 1870’s.

St Mary’s Church was built in memory of Frederick Vyner, who was kidnapped on his way to Greece. He was killed during the rescue attempt. Frederick Vyner’s sister was married to an Earl De Grey, who at the time owned the estate of Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey.

Walk back to Fountains Abbey

At this point you have two options. You can walk down the grass hill to the left, which will take you back to the entrance to Fountains Abbey. From there, you can follow the path back on the other side of the river and spend time exploring the water garden a bit more.

A grass path through the large field, with trees dotted about.

Alternatively you can walk straight back to the Fountains Abbey visitors centre. I did the latter. I’m glad I did because of the eggs…

To go back to the Fountains Abbey visitors centre, walk out of the gate and turn left. It’s a nice path all the way back, hidden from the road. It was along here that I passed by the eggs for sale.

A gravel dirt path, lined with green leafy bushes and trees.

I pass stuff like this all the time when out on a walk, but I never have money on me to get them. Including today. I was bummed, before I realised I had coins in the car.

So I hurried back to my car, and came right back with the change.

More walks near Fountains Abbey

Not too far away, you have the very old and very impressive Brimham Rocks. It’s also National Trust. You could try this walk which takes you around the rocks and then across the moor. It’s a very easy, and short walk.

Another way to see the rocks, would be this walk from Pateley Bridge. It’s a much longer route, and a little tougher. But great if you really want to stretch your legs.

Fewston Reservoir and Swinsty Reservoir are fairly nearby, and both have a path all the way around. They are easy to walk, and as they are right next door to each other, you can do both together.

My favourite reservoir in Nidderdale is Scar House, which is further north. It’s less popular than Fewston and Swinsty, but I think it’s better. So it’s a bonus that it’s less popular.

Read more: Best Nidderdale Walks

If you like to see things like Fountains Abbey, then you might like this walk to Bolton Abbey. It’s over in the Yorkshire Dales. This route takes you all the way along the river, to reach the Abbey, passing by the Strid, which is supposedly the most dangerous strip of river in the world.

Pin it for later: Self guided Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal walk guide

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal self guided walk guide.