Key Information
Counties:
North YorkshireYear of Inscription:
1986Type of Heritage:
CulturalLink to Website:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey
Deep within the Skell Valley in North Yorkshire lies Studley Royal Park including the Ruins of Fountains Abbey World Heritage Site. Humans have tamed the valley’s wild waters over hundreds of years creating an expansive landscape with a sweeping Georgian water garden and imposing abbey ruins. Together with the Jacobean Fountains Hall, the magnificent Victorian St Mary’s Church and the medieval deer park, the landscape takes you on a journey through key stages in human history.
What makes this UNESCO Designation special?
Studley Royal Park including the ruins of Fountains Abbey is a unique place created by two moments in history. At this World Heritage Site, medieval strength blends with 18th century eccentricity to create a landscape full of secrets, curiosities and breathtaking views.
Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Cistercian monks established the abbey in the valley in 1132, and the surviving ruins include vaulted ceilings, grand columns and an imposing tower.
The garden at Studley Royal is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England. The elegant ornamental lakes, canals, temples and cascades provide a succession of dramatic eye-catching vistas. One of the most iconic is the Surprise View of the abbey ruins from Anne Boleyn’s Seat in the water garden.
Beyond the water garden is the Studley Royal Deer Park with ancient tree avenues and over 300 red, sika and fallow deer. The deer park also includes St Mary’s Church, one of the finest examples of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges.
