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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Castle & Historic Landmark · North Yorkshire, England · Ripon, HG4 3DY

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is a castle & historic landmark in North Yorkshire, England. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £23.10 · Child £11.60 · Family £57.80
National Trust: adult £23.10, child 5-17 £11.60, family £57.80 (with Gift Aid); under-5s and members free. Satnav: search 'Fountains Abbey' rather than HG4 3DY.
Opening timesExample day: abbey and water garden 9.30am onwards; visitor centre restaurant 9am-4.30pm; car parks 9am-10pm (locked 90 minutes after last admission).
Best time to goWeekday mornings; autumn colour is spectacular.
School holiday tipEarly July is the sweet spot for Scottish families: English/Welsh schools stay in until about 20-23 July. Late August is the English/Welsh peak, so choose Tue-Thu and arrive at opening.
Best agesAbout 5+; steps, drops and uneven ground, so check pram access
All ages; adventure playground by the Visitor Centre, including an accessible harness swing.
If it rainsMostly outdoors with little shelter; pick a dry day
ParkingVisitor Centre and West Gate car parks free; Studley Royal car park £7 (4 hrs) / £10 day, free for members. (Free at the Visitor Centre; Studley Royal £7 for 4 hours, £10 a day)
FoodVisitor Centre restaurant plus kiosks.
Money saverCheck English Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland or Cadw membership value; many ruins are cheap or free.
Top tipsWalk the abbey first, then the water garden. Bring a picnic.
What to packSturdy shoes, waterproofs, layers, picnic, carrier for toddlers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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