Pocket Guide
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
The Wonder of the North UNESCO World Heritage Site
Welcome to Yorkshire... England’s biggest and most glorious county BK0782_WTY_FountainsAbbey_Guide_Outer_S1_AW.indd 2
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Welcome to Yorkshire would like to extend a warm welcome to visitors to the county.
We are extremely proud of our wonderful county, from celebrating our history and heritage to enjoying our vibrant present and planning our future. Fountains Abbey is a beautiful example of where nature and heritage meet together in Yorkshire.
The people you will meet in Yorkshire are well-known for their friendly and welcoming nature – and they all have one thing in common – they are proud of their heritage. Yorkshire is extremely lucky and proud to have not just one but two World Heritage sites, Fountains Abbey – Studley Royal, North Yorkshire and Saltaire Village, near Bradford, West Yorkshire. Both are ‘must visits’ on a cultural tour of our county.
Yorkshire really does have something for everyone. We are sure you too will find something to excite and inspire you and when you do, we look forward to welcoming you back.
Gary Verity Chief Executive Welcome to Yorkshire
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, hidden within the Skell Valley near Ripon, North Yorkshire, is an estate of contrasts where you can discover two masterpieces of world culture. In 1132, thirteen monks arrived from York, looking to lead a purer life. When they first arrived they found a place that was said to have been ‘uninhabited for all the centuries back, thick set with thorns… and fit rather to be the lair of wild beasts than the home of human beings’. By the time Henry VIII dissolved the abbey it was one of the richest monasteries in England. Their wealth was the result of the monks’ success in harnessing the surrounding area’s agricultural bounty. The monastery owned a vast amount of land in Yorkshire and further afield, which included sheep farming at Malham, dairy farming at Brimham and lead and iron mining in Nidderdale. Two hundred years later, the Skell Valley underwent its next major transformation. John Aislabie returned to his estate of Studley in 1721. He had been Chancellor of the Exchequer until he was imprisoned in the Tower of London for the, ‘most notorious, infamous and dangerous corruption’. Blamed for his role in the South Sea Bubble economic crash, a deeply embittered and disappointed Aislabie now channelled his energies into creating his masterpiece; a formal water garden adorned with neo-classical statues, follies and surprise views. Upon his death the estate passed to his son William Aislabie who continued his father’s work in a more picturesque style. It was William who bought the Abbey ruins from the Messenger family for £18,000 in 1767, fulfilling his father’s vision for the garden. By the time of William’s death in 1781, Studley Royal Water Gardens were amongst the finest in England and increasingly popular amongst tourists, who would tour the country keen to see the fashionable gardens of the day.
ABOVE IMAGES: Guided tour. Fountains Mill. Studley Lake.
Aside from the ruins of a 12th century abbey and an 18th century water garden, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal also boasts a Jacobean mansion, 12th century mill, a Victorian High Gothic church and a deer park. In 1986, Studley Royal Park including the ruins of Fountains Abbey was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was recognised for representing a masterpiece of human creative genius and for being an outstanding example of a landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
Don’t Miss Porter’s Lodge
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Nestled within the gatehouse and main entrance to the Abbey precinct is a fascinating exhibition that tells the story of the Abbey and the monks who lived there. It’s a great place to begin your journey of discovery around the estate. St. Mary’s Church Designed by William Burges, this Victorian High Gothic church is considered to be amongst his finest works. Be amazed by the riot of colour and make sure to look out for the carved lions and parrots. Anne Boleyn’s Seat The climax of an 18th century tour of the Water Garden, the ‘Surprise View’ at Anne Boleyn’s seat is an astonishing outlook over the Water Garden and distant Abbey ruins. Deer Park With its origins in medieval times, the Deer Park is now home to over 500 sika, fallow and red deer, Wander through and see if you the breeds.
For further information go to yorkshire.com/ fountainsabbey
Events around Fountains Abbey Music & Lights Saturdays & Sundays 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 December, 3.30pm-5pm.
Fountains Abbey – Carols by Candlelight Sunday 12 December, 3pm.
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the Abbey and Hall bathed in coloured lights with seasonal music (recorded).
Sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, a traditional carol service in the Abbey with candles for children.
Fountains Abbey – Traditional Christmas Evenings Saturday 11 & 18 December 6pm-10.30pm.
Harrogate Antiques & Fine Art Fair Friday 4 February 2011 Sunday 6 February 2011.
Enjoy a magical Christmas evening at Fountains Abbey. Begin with a choral performance in the floodlit Abbey followed by a seasonal four course dinner and live jazz band in Fountains restaurant. £45. Booking essential.
A fabulous opportunity to buy high quality antiques, fine art, porcelain, silver and furniture.
Fountains Abbey – Bird Box Making Saturday 12 February, 1.30pm & 2.30pm. Make a bird box and discover the many ways you can attract birds to your garden. £5 per box. Booking essential. Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2011 Thursday 14 April Sunday 17 April. The centenary year for the North of England Horticultural Society, this spring show is sure to be bigger and better. Attractions include top nurseries, cookery theatre and attractions for children.
IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Studley Royal Water Garden. Music & Lights in the Cellarium. Deer Park.
Nine inspirational ways to get to know orkshire
Artistic Yorkshire art comprises of renowned theatre companies, ballet, classic music, modern galleries plus classical art in the many historic houses. Try a film or rock festival or combine the visual delights of Yorkshire’s landscape with the best of outdoor sculpture.
for every visitor. Whether you’re a culture vulture, serial shopper, party person or beach-mad family you’ll find it all in Yorkshire.
City Life Cities in Yorkshire deliver all the modern fun you’d expect. From café culture to gigs and clubs, brasseries to ballet or gardens to galleries. When shopping in Yorkshire’s cities you will find some of the best shopping opportunities around, and you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Indulgence Have an indulgent visit to Yorkshire and treat yourself to something special, unusual or downright decadent. Spend an afternoon in the historic Harrogate Spa Baths followed by a night at a gorgeous country house hotel and dinner at one of Yorkshire’s 5 Michelin starred restaurants.
For more events in Yorkshire go to yorkshire.com/events
The Great Outdoors Yorkshire is famous for its countryside – the rolling hills, moors and dales. The National Parks of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors & the Peak District are perfect for walking holidays and the stunning coastline has some of the most popular seaside resorts in the UK.
Heritage Yorkshire’s heritage encompasses marauding Vikings, magnificent ruins, grand estates and the legacy of mills and mining. Discover Yorkshire’s gardens and learn about their latest features, their restoration and about the events they host that will make your visit a unique and memorable experience.
Sport Yorkshire is passionate about cricket and is home to Yorkshire County Cricket Club – throughout the summer you can watch Yorkshire cricketers in action. Yorkshire is equally proud of its football and rugby teams and throughout the winter months you can watch some of the best teams in Europe in action.
Family Fun There’s fun for all the family in Yorkshire. Whether it’s the great outdoors, hands-on museums, the adrenalin rush of high ropes and fast bike trails or just playing on the beach. Yorkshire is just perfect for families.
Delicious Yorkshire’s famed food and drink can be found in abundant quality across the county’s numerous markets, farm shops and restaurants. From Michelin to madras, rhubarb to real ale, cheeses to Schrager, Yorkshire is simply delicious!
Events and Festivals Yorkshire events cover a multitude of themes. For festivals, there is food and drink in the Dales and York, National Ales in Masham and of course many farmers’ markets. Music Festivals cover everything from Early Music (Beverley) to rock at the Leeds Festival.
To plan your next break go to yorkshire.com
ABOVE IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Victoria Quarter, Leeds. Titanic Spa, Huddersfield. North York Moors. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire. Cricket at Headingley. National Railway Museum in York. Cakes at Betty’s. York Food and Drink Festival.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
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For further information about Fountains Abbey history go to yorkshire.com/fountainsabbey
For further information about Fountains A
Out and about in Fountains Abbey Getting there
In the area
By Car
Ripon Museums
From the A1 northbound: J48, A168, B6265, follow the brown signs for Fountains Abbey. From the A1 southbound: take the A61 signposted Ripon, A6108, B6265, follow the brown signs for Fountains Abbey. Car Parking There is ample free parking at the Visitor Centre. Priority disabled parking is at the West Gate Car Park. By Bus Fountains Abbey is linked by bus from nearby Ripon (approx 4 miles away). For details of all buses to Fountains Abbey please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33. For Dalesbus visit www.dalesbus.org.
To reach Fountains Abbey from Ripon it’s possible to take a taxi from the Market Square, or to walk (approx 4 miles each way). Ripon has no railway station, but there are good bus links from York, Harrogate and Leeds railway stations. For details of train times call 08457 48 49 50. By Air Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA) is 21 miles away. For more information call +44 (0)113 250 9696.
For more information about travelling around Yorkshire go to yorkshire.com/ gettingabout
Taste local Studley Tea Rooms in the Water Garden, and Fountains Restaurant at the Visitor Centre, both celebrate the finest produce that Yorkshire has to offer. Fountains Restaurant With a creative menu that showcases the best quality produce from the surrounding area there is always something to tempt your taste buds at Fountains Restaurant. To set you up for a day of adventures why not tuck into a ‘Fountains breakfast’ before journeying on to the estate? At lunchtime, taste
Ripon has three museums in the centre which are a great experience for all the family. The Workhouse, Courthouse and Prison & Police Museums are all established in unique, historic buildings. Brimham Rocks An amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations which makes a great day out for families, climbers and those wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and magnificent views over Nidderdale. Beningbrough Hall The grand Georgian mansion, with impressive baroque interior, is set within the park and gardens. There are more
than 100 18th century portraits and seven interpretation galleries in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Ripon Cathedral Situated in the heart of Ripon, Ripon Cathedral is the fourth church to have stood on the site since it was originally founded as a monastery. Make sure you visit St. Wilfred’s crypts, one of the foremost Saxon crypts in Europe. Newby Hall & Gardens Newby Hall is one of England’s renowned Adam houses, an exceptional example of 18th century interior decoration, recently restored to its original beauty. The estate is also home to 25 acres of award winning gardens.
Extend your stay the seasons with a wide choice of delicious dishes cooked fresh on the day. And of course, no visit would be complete without the genteel affair of afternoon tea, with a refreshing cuppa and a cream scone – perfect! Studley Tea Rooms A perfect location for a pit-stop, Studley Tea Rooms serves sandwiches, cakes and light refreshments of the highest quality. Enjoy refreshments in the Victorian Tea Room gardens, while appreciating the 18th century landscape of John Aislabie, as visitors have for 200 years.
There are eleven holiday cottages at Fountains Abbey that are a perfect base to explore the estate and the surrounding area. They include: Chorister’s House This William Burges designed house stands in the deer park and enjoys spectacular views across the estate. Its luxurious interior reflects the Burges style and it sleeps ten people. How Hill The holiday cottages at How Hill were recently converted from late 18th century farm buildings. Sensitively restored using the latest environmental building techniques, the smallest cottage sleeps two people and the largest six people.
Vyner & Proctor These two stunning holiday apartments are on the second and third floors of Fountains Hall, a stunning Jacobean mansion. The interior of Vyner is inspired by the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the interior of Proctor inspired by the style of William Morris; both truly unique. Abbey Stores, Abbey Cottage and Fountains Cottage These three delightful stone cottages share the use of a garden which overlooks the River Skell. The smallest cottage sleeps two people and the largest eight people.
TOP IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Ripon Cathedral, Ripon. Museum Convicts. Brimham Rocks. BOTTOM IMAGES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Delicious Yorkshire cakes. Tasty Yorkshire cuisine. Fountains Restaurant. Fountains Hall.
For further information about Fountains Abbey history go to yorkshire.com/fountainsabbey
Abbey go to yorkshire.com/fountainsabbey
For more information, go to
yorkshire.com
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