Fountains Abbey

The ruins of the great Cistercian Fountains Abbey are extensive – the largest monastic ruins in the United Kingdom. Named for the springs of water found thereabouts, the abbey stood from the 12th century for 400 years. its ruins can be atmospheric – but are also very popular, so it can get crowded. Highlights include the astonishing east window in the Chapel of the Nine Altars and the nearby columns, which just seem to soar upwards with so much grace.  Then there’s the length of the nave of the abbey church – at some 385 feet, it simply dwarfs everything and anyone within it.  A feature many people pick out is the cellarium, where fleeces were stored – 19 pillars supporting an astoundingly beautiful vaulted ceiling about 300 feet in length. Fountains Abbey and the adjoining Studley Royal water garden and park, including the Victorian Gothic church of St Mary’s, are all part of a World Heritage Site.