Access information

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

We want everyone to have a fantastic time here. We hope that this access leaflet helps you to plan your visit, but we know that every visitor has individual needs, so if there’s anything else you would like to know or anything we can help with, please just ask.

MinibusThere’s a free minibus transfer service between the main visitor centre, Studley Royal and West Gate entrances and St Mary’s Church in the deer park. You’ll need to request the minibus from one of the ticket offices. It calls at West Gate at quarter to and quarter past the hour.

BatricarsWheelchairs and battery powered wheelchairs (‘batricars’) are available to borrow from West Gate ticket office. Batricars need to be pre-booked and collected/returned to West Gate. Please call us in advance and book a batricar. We have a limited number available on a first come first served basis.

ToiletsThere are accessible toilets at the visitor centre, next to Fountains Hall and at Studley tearoom.

ParkingThere is designated parking for disabled visitors at the visitor centre for access to the main restaurant, shop, play area, Swanley Grange and bird hide. There is no wheelchair access from the visitor centre to the abbey, please use West Gate car park or the minibus transfer service.

West Gate car park is a disabled priority car park for level access to the abbey.

Access to buildingsAlthough much of the estate is accessible to all, Fountains Hall is accessible only via steps. The abbey ruins can be difficult to reach in wet conditions, and several of the follies in the water garden are inaccessible due to steep slopes and steps. There is level access to Fountains Mill and a lift to the upper level. Access to St Mary’s Church and areas of the abbey ruins is by ramps.

Food & drinkYou’ll find cafés at the visitor centre, the Studley Royal entrance and by the mill. All have level access with indoor and outdoor seating areas.

ShopsAccess into the visitor centre shop is level, access to Studley shop is via a ramp. Studley shop is much smaller and not suitable for large wheelchairs or batricars.

Assistance dogsAssistance dogs are welcome everywhere on the estate.

Sighted guidingFor those with visual impairments we offer a free sighted guide service. This is a pre-bookable service, please call for details.

Hearing loopsWe have hearing loops in all ticket offices, shops and cafes.

Play areaThere is plenty of sensory and accessible play equipment in the play area. Don’t worry about the age limit if you feel the equipment suits you.

Map inside

For more information, download a full access statement from the website nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey

Contact us Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY

Telephone 01765 608888

Email fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

This access leaflet does not contain personal opinions as to the suitability of the estate for visitors with disabilities, but aims to summarise the facilities and services that we offer.

Design: Journal. Printed on 100% recycled paper. Please recycle this leaflet after use. © National Trust 2016. National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846.

Staying with usWe have 11 holiday cottages on the estate, including 1 specifically designed with accessible features. Visit our website or ask for details.

The property covers 800 acres and there are some challenges for visitors with limited mobility due to the size of the estate and the gradients. However much of the site is accessible for wheelchair users and on request a wheelchair friendly vehicle is available to take you between all our 3 entrance points, and St Mary’s Church in the deer park.

The map to the left shows the circular wheelchair route (2.5 miles) which takes you through the main areas of the site.

There is no wheelchair access from the visitor centre to the abbey, please use West Gate car park or the minibus transfer service.

The grass can be very slippery when wet and unsuitable for wheelchairs and batricars. There are some steep slopes, drops and deep water, please take care.

Pick up a welcome leaflet for a full map of the site, including the deer park and more details on distances and what there is to see and do.

Site map 1 West Gate entrance and car park

2 Visitor centre entrance

3 Studley Royal entrance & car park

4 Fountains Hall

5 Fountains Mill

6 Swanley Grange

7 St. Mary’s Church

Toilets, disabled toilets and baby change

Café

Steep slopes

Minibus pick-up point (please request at admissions)

Parking

Disabled parking

Batricar collection and return point (West Gate ticket office)

Hazard (steep drop)

Recommended wheelchair and batricar routes

2

6

1

Private

Fountains Abbey

To Ripley5

43

7

Studley Royal Water Garden

You can explore further into the ruins, but access may involve steps, ramps or ledges.

Abbey plan