Fountains Abbey - Ripon

An enjoyable day trip with free time to explore the ruins of Fountains Abbey - truly something to behold. Walk down the path from the visitor centre or along from West Gate car park and come face to face with some of the oldest abbey ruins in the country.

 

East side abbey remains

From the cellarium you can see the remains of the cloister, the refectory and the muniment room. And don't miss the huge fireplace in the warming room. As you wander through to the east side of the abbey, be sure to visit the ruins of the infirmary, built over the river itself.

There were even prison cells here. You can find them under the remains of the two-storey abbot’s house. The words ‘Vale libertas’ ['Farewell freedom'] were once inscribed on the stonework and there's still an iron ring in the floor, which was used to keep prisoners chained up.

 

The Chapel of the Nine Altars

Once you're up to speed on the turbulent history of these ruins, it's time to walk across the west green and step into the cavernous nave, which looks down to the 'crossing'. Here you'll find both the oldest and newest part of the abbey, with the Chapel of the Nine Altars at the end.

The cellarium

Soak up the view over to the cellarium, which you will spot the moment the abbey comes into view. It sprawls off to the side of the main abbey building – look out for the arched doorways and large windows. As you wander under the low roof you can easily imagine this chilly space as it once was: a food store.

It's now used for events such as Carols by Candlelight at Christmas, choir performances during Fountains by Floodlight and for services throughout the year. It's also been used as a filming site, including for the BBC short series Gunpowder about the Guy Fawkes plot.

 

As well as the abbey itself, you can explore Porter's Lodge, Fountains Hall, Fountains Mill and learn about heritage crafts at Swanley Grange. 

Before you start exploring the abbey itself, make sure to pop inside Porter's Lodge, tucked inside the original gatehouse, which sits on the edge of the west green overlooking the abbey.

Important visitors to the abbey would have passed through the gatehouse, while local poor people would have gathered outside the gates waiting for free food from the monks.

Today you can learn about the abbey’s rise from humble origins to religious powerhouse, and its eventual decline. You will also see a model showing the abbey as it would have looked before the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s.

 

 

This tour includes admission.

NAtional Trust Members are FREE Admission but must quote their membership number when booking and also carry Membership card.