Earlier in the month we took a trip to Fountains Abbey in Ripon. The last time we went I was about 8 months pregnant with L so I was looking forward to walking around without a tiny human sitting on my bladder!
We had a perfect day for it. The sun was shining but there was a cool breeze so we didn’t get too hot. Unfortunately we had a bit of a rocky start. We couldn’t all fit in one car and my Dad’s SatNav had taken him to Studley Hall (after speaking with staff in the visitor centre this is apparently common because they are connected so check the signs before you pull in anywhere). There’s also no mobile reception so have allan in place in case you get seperated.
After you pass through the visitor centre and head down the hill towards the Abbey you pass a lovely play park in amongst the trees and some picnic benches. My advice would be to leave the park till the end as an incentive to get the kids round when their legs are tiring at the end of the day.
The walk down to the Abbey is well paved but is VERY steep. Thankfully my pushchair has a brake otherwise we may have gone down a little quicker than intended! And walking back up it at the end is a back breaker with a pushchair! That being said you are rewarded with a beautiful sight.
We stopped on this green for a picnic and it was perfect, plenty of room for the kids to run around and a gorgeous view.
The inside of the ruins are absolutely stunning.
After looking around the ruins you can cross over this beautiful bridge to a little cafe. We left my parents here to have a cup of coffee and went to explore the mill located just behind it. M had great fun ringing the bell.
There were some more ruins to explore on the other side too before heading off to walk along the river.
Just after the bend in the river you can turn off to explore the water gardens. M’s legs were pretty tired by this point though, and although we managed it last time when he was only 5 (and I was 8months pregnant), we decided to give it a miss this time and head over the bridge and back towards the Abbey.
The start of the water gardens. It’s a shame we didn’t get to explore them this time as I remember them as being wonderful. Maybe next time.
The view of the Abbey heading back.
Despite being too tired to manage the water gardens M magically acquired enough energy for a quick 10 minutes in the play park before heading home.
Next time we go we will get there earlier and explore all the ruins first before having our picnic, then the kids will be able to have a rest before heading off along the river. Maybe then I’ll get to visit the water gardens again!
Admission to the Abbey and Water Gardens is £11.80 for adults and £5.90 for children so not a cheep day out if there are a few of you (although National Trust and English Heritage members get in for free), but it is a beautiful place to spend the day with plenty to see and explore. We wouldn’t visit regularly because it’s quite a distance from us but we’ll definitely return next summer.
You can find out more about the Abbey on the National Trust site here.
Have you visited any great National Trust sites lately?
What a gorgeous place to visit….It looks like it was the perfect day for your trip x
Kim Carberry recently posted…An afternoon at the park….
It is a really beautiful place x
This looks absolutely lovely, its a shame its not closer to me as I love the idea of the water gardens. We have a national trust property near us but I’ve not had the chance to go and explore it yet, but seeing your post makes me want to go take a look. Thanks for sharing #Sharingthebloglove
They do have some stunning properties, let me know if you venture to one x
I love this place but haven’t visits for years so thank you for bringing back some lovely memories. It’s an amazing place. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime 🎉
Happy to help, hope I’ve inspired a good day out for you x
Wow! Beautiful pictures!! I am sure the pictures don’t do it justice. Looks like you guys had a fun filled day. Thanks for sharing at #ablogginggoodtime
Thank you. You’re right, they really don’t!
Wow, I love a ruin and these look absolutely stunning! Gorgeous photos – I love that one of your daughter walking through the inside with all those huge arches. The water gardens look lovely too – definitely worth a return visit to see them properly. I love a National Trust – we got our membership in May this year and I’ve done at least one a week ever since. Thanks so much for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove – we’d love to see you back next week!
My parents just joined national trust, it’s definitely worth the money if you’re going to be visiting that many sites. Love the linky, only just discovered it this week but will definitely be back x
Looks great! I love your photos x #sharingthebloglove
Thank you so much x
What a beautiful place and lovely pictures. I love the one of your daughter under all the arches, the young and the old, stunning! I love national trust places, they seem to get it just right for little ones. We always have a good day out. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove Laura x
Thank you. I think we need to start visiting more National Trust places, we had a great day.
This looks like a fabulous place for an adventure! wonderful photos #sharingthebloglove
Thank you, it really is!
We had a little holiday to Yorkshire a couple of weeks ago and visited here and we loved it. The park was amazing and it was lovely exploring the whole place. It is so tiring though we always end up eating as soon as we get there! Lovely pictures it makes me want to look through mine again. #sharethebloglove
It’s definitely a day for comfy footwear that’s for sure! Glad you enjoyed it too x
We’ve never visited Fountains Abbey, even though we live quite close. The photos are lovely! It’s amazing how they “can’t walk a step further” until a playground appears, isn’t it?! Ha! #SharingTheBlogLove
Lucy At Home recently posted…30 Reasons Why I Love Being A Young Mum
It’s amazing how many places you can live near and never visit. I’ve discovered so many this summer despite living around this area most of my life. And yes, tiredness never seems to apply to playgrounds!
Ahhh I love fountains Abbey. My parents live really close to there and it’s my favourite place to visit. I too have experienced that horrific hill with a buggy – not much fun!! I also love the deer park – there’s a brilliant walk called the 7 bridges, its become a bit of a boxing day tradition for my family. If you go again and it’s colder I can also recommend the cafe there – they do a fab roast on a sunday! #sharethebloglove
That hill is a killer! Thanks for the tip, I’ll look into that walk and the deer park for next time, sounds like a great Boxing Day tradition.
I love fountains abbey. Such a magical place. Fab photos! #sharingthebloglove
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Thank you, it’s beautiful isn’t it?