The ruins themselves are beautiful and much larger than expected with towering err, towers and ‘room’ after ‘room’ of crumbling walls, long lost staircases, missing roofs and intricate arches. There were no ropes or rules, you could walk wherever you liked and simply explore, which I loved.
Once the monastery had been ruined (thanks mostly to Henry VIII of course) the Aislabie family brought the ruins and surrounding land together. Alongside the ruins they built Studley Royal Water Garden, a series of ornamental lakes and pools complete with statues, follies and adjoining deer park.
You really do need a whole day to visit we walked around five miles through the abbey and garden and didn’t even have time to go off into the deer park. Oh well, we’ll just have to go back!
Wow that looks pretty cool. Despite living in Yorkshire I have never been here. I will put it on my list though!
ReplyDeleteIt looks incredible! I love a good long lost staircase :) And a deer park doesn't sound too shabby either :p xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I have so many memories of rambling around and exploring Fountains Abbey over the years, wonderful place!
ReplyDeleteI want to see some of this Yorkshire! Next time I need a trip in the UK, I think I know where I'm heading!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic and you'll definitely have to go back for the deer park! x
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a lovely place to visit, those arches are just stunning! They remind me of a scene from The Musketeers. I can imaging wondering around the abbey and settling down with a picnic for lunch.
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