For centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place. From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world. When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design. Green lawns stretch down to the riverside, a perfect spot for a picnic. Riverside paths lead to the deer park, home to Red, Fallow and Sika deer and ancient trees; limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts. One-of-a-kind, this special place is recognised as a World Heritage Sit
A fantastic National Trust property. You could spend hours wandering the estate. The ruins are awe inspiring and in a stunning location. There's room enough for any children to let off steam. It was interesting to watch the hay meadow being harvested whilst we were there too.
Your guide was very knowledgeable and provided good info. Pointed out many interesting aspects and encouraged exploring after your at own leisure. Bring good walking boots for comfort. Mix of field walking and paved trail. Worth a good visit, allow plenty of time for gardens and walk around lake. The smaller cafe at the end of the tour was nice. As always with National Trust tea shops the food is on the pricier end for what it is. Tables were self bus (Ie if you ate or drank take your dishes on tray back to the collection point! Come on people!!) There is a shuttle that will take you back to the top entrance if not able to make the walk back which has a grade to it.
One of the best National Trust properties and grounds. From the Abbey, magnificent in size and grandeur, to the water gardens and the long walks around the grounds. The restaurant is excellent with a nice team running it. Car parking is easy and there is lots of it. Dog friendly on a lead. Lots of follies to go and find.
Wow what a beautiful place. The Abbey, grounds, gardens, mill, children's play area and house are all fabulous. Staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds are vast so make sure you have your walking shoes on. Highly recommend.
Fabulous NT property - one of the best I've visited and most certainly deserving of it's World Heritage Site status. The abbey is stunning, so well preserved and massive - the tower is around 50m tall, which is only about 10m less than York Minster despite the fact it's basically a ruin. There's a surprising amount of vaulted ceilings left and also a small upstairs bit too. It's nice that it's built on and next to the river, you get some really nice views with that. The mill is nice and although it has a moving waterwheel it doesn't seem to be doing anything which is a shame. The art exhibition was a bit too abstract for my liking but still good. Fountains Hall is only tiny inside (only 3 rooms are open) but still worth going to see, stunning exterior and nice to look at. Studley Royal is also very stunning. It's about a mile from the abbey, but well worth it. The ponds are a bit scummy, but still great for reflections and there are lots of cascades along the river. It's worth going up past the Octagon Tower and Temple of Fame (be careful in the tunnel) to the surprise view although I'd say it's better views on the walk back from there if you're on the left-hand side of the river when facing the abbey.
Absolutely amazing, the abbey plus the World Heritage water gardens are beyond compare. Great visitor centre , cafes, walks, tour guides, it is just a ' must do' for anyone visiting Yorkshire. You need a whole day for this , which also crashes in Studeley Royal park. Wonderful.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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A fantastic National Trust property. You could spend hours wandering the estate. The ruins are awe inspiring and in a stunning location. There's room enough for any children to let off steam. It was interesting to watch the hay meadow being harvested whilst we were there too.
Your guide was very knowledgeable and provided good info. Pointed out many interesting aspects and encouraged exploring after your at own leisure. Bring good walking boots for comfort. Mix of field walking and paved trail. Worth a good visit, allow plenty of time for gardens and walk around lake. The smaller cafe at the end of the tour was nice. As always with National Trust tea shops the food is on the pricier end for what it is. Tables were self bus (Ie if you ate or drank take your dishes on tray back to the collection point! Come on people!!) There is a shuttle that will take you back to the top entrance if not able to make the walk back which has a grade to it.
One of the best National Trust properties and grounds. From the Abbey, magnificent in size and grandeur, to the water gardens and the long walks around the grounds. The restaurant is excellent with a nice team running it. Car parking is easy and there is lots of it. Dog friendly on a lead. Lots of follies to go and find.
Wow what a beautiful place. The Abbey, grounds, gardens, mill, children's play area and house are all fabulous. Staff are friendly and helpful. The grounds are vast so make sure you have your walking shoes on. Highly recommend.
Fabulous NT property - one of the best I've visited and most certainly deserving of it's World Heritage Site status. The abbey is stunning, so well preserved and massive - the tower is around 50m tall, which is only about 10m less than York Minster despite the fact it's basically a ruin. There's a surprising amount of vaulted ceilings left and also a small upstairs bit too. It's nice that it's built on and next to the river, you get some really nice views with that. The mill is nice and although it has a moving waterwheel it doesn't seem to be doing anything which is a shame. The art exhibition was a bit too abstract for my liking but still good. Fountains Hall is only tiny inside (only 3 rooms are open) but still worth going to see, stunning exterior and nice to look at. Studley Royal is also very stunning. It's about a mile from the abbey, but well worth it. The ponds are a bit scummy, but still great for reflections and there are lots of cascades along the river. It's worth going up past the Octagon Tower and Temple of Fame (be careful in the tunnel) to the surprise view although I'd say it's better views on the walk back from there if you're on the left-hand side of the river when facing the abbey.
Absolutely amazing, the abbey plus the World Heritage water gardens are beyond compare. Great visitor centre , cafes, walks, tour guides, it is just a ' must do' for anyone visiting Yorkshire. You need a whole day for this , which also crashes in Studeley Royal park. Wonderful.
