The lovely ruins of Fountains Abbey
Classic English beauty combines with a watery world for this week’s walk at Studley Royal, in Yorkshire. I’ve been there several times and always been cursed with dismal weather. The balmy Autumn that we’ve been experiencing was just perfect for this visit. A Cistercian Abbey, water gardens and a deer park- irresistible? I think so! But don’t forget to take your purse. Being a National Trust property, it doesn’t come cheap. (currently £10.50- no concessions, unless you are a National Trust member)
Some things don’t change. The monks who came here in 1132 were pretty good at amassing money too. Thirteen Benedictine monks left St. Mary’s Abbey in York to found a Cistercian Abbey in this valley. It became one of the richest in Europe. Something that has changed, since my last visit, is the approach to the park. You used to be able to drive into the estate through the deer park, but traffic now is all routed via the Visitor Centre. Pick up a map at reception, and let’s go.
It’s not long before you catch your first sight of the Abbey
The ruins are extensive and Fountains Abbey Mill is the only 12th century Cistercian cornmill left in the UK. It was in continuous use until 1927, and today houses an interactive exhibition and the water wheel, which can still grind corn.
If you’ve never been here before, you will almost certainly be impressed with what comes next. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the Abbey buildings and over 500 acres of land were sold by the Crown. The property was passed down through several generations until it was inherited by John Aislabie, in 1693. He was a socially and politically ambitious man and became Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1718, but his involvement in the South Sea Bubble financial scandal had him expelled from Parliament. On his return to Yorkshire, he turned the wooded valley of the River Skell into one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.
A basin of water opens up before you
Reflections sparkle in the lily pond
Yet more sculptures rough and tumble
A group of volunteer gardeners are raking pond weed from the canals- a pleasant enough occupation on such a sunny afternoon. The curve of the Moon Pond stretches ahead, the pillars of the Temple of Piety a focal point on the far side. Originally the Temple of Hercules, it is believed to have been renamed when John Aislabie’s son, William, commissioned a bas relief wall sculpture inside the temple, after his father’s death.
The Temple of Piety, beyond the Moon Pond
You need to walk along the canal and cross over a narrow bridge to reach the Temple of Piety. From the bridge there’s a good view across the lake to the deer park. I didn’t spot any deer at that distance, but was diverted by one of the park’s follies, the Octagon Tower. A neo-Gothic castle, it looked to me very inviting, but sadly I couldn’t climb it. Beneath it lies a Serpentine Tunnel, originally designed to give people a bit of a fright at garden parties.
The lake, with the deer park in the distance
The Octagon Tower, nestling in the trees
I’m not sure what she was holding?
In her beautiful watery world
I couldn’t climb the tower, but I did find somewhere to look down onto the park. A sign directing me to Anne Boleyn’s Seat and Surprise View could not be ignored. I’ll spare you the climb because it was pretty steep, but I think you’d like the view. You will have an advantage over Anne Boleyn, who never actually saw it. That’s not because she didn’t have a head, but the name does come from a headless statue.
Back on the path, you can return along the opposite side of the canal, steadily approaching the Abbey. There you will have a number of diversions. You can visit the Mill or the tea rooms, and Fountains Hall is a stately exhibition space. (with holiday flats to let!) Any children with you will love the interpretation centre at the Porter’s Lodge. (I did too!) And if you have time and energy to spare, there’s the Gothic extravagance of St. Mary’s Church and a stroll round the deer park.
Don’t take my word for all this. The National Trust website will tell you the whole story and provide instructions on how to get there. I think that you would enjoy this World Heritage Site. I know I did. And now it really must be time to put the kettle on, don’t you think?
Click on the logo to visit my Jo’s Monday walk page for details on how to join in. As always we have a wonderful variety of walks to share.
How about a sample of Finnish nature with Vasilis? I hope you’ve met before? And the lingonberry tart looks so good! :
Yvette’s taking street portraits and searching for a missing lady. Please share this one :
Street photos from Charlottesville, VA
Join Drake, very thoughtfully making war on waste :
Making people happy in Jerusalem- that’s Cardinal this week :
Street Portrait : The Photographer
Amy has been having some more fun with her bird friends :
And Jude has the most delicious selection of Michaelmas Daisies you ever saw! :
Welcome a Blogspotter please! Violet Sky has a very fun post to add to the collection. Do go and say ‘hello’. :
Pauline is in transit again, but has been kind enough to share a trip ‘over the border’ to New South Wales. Safe travels, Pauline and Jack! :
Lingering look at Heritage windows
That’s it for this week. It just remains to wish you all ‘happy walking!’
restlessjo 
Lovely walk again Jo! I love the combination of nature and the historical building!
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It’s a fabulous site, Indah. I really enjoyed my visit, thanks. 🙂
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What a gorgeous estate and water garden, Jo. Your photos are breathtaking. I’m so glad that this visit you enjoyed such spectacular weather. The views across the lily pond into the deer park are absolutely stunning. I would want to sit and just stare in peaceful contemplation! 🙂
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It felt like a gift having such a lovely day, Debbie. 🙂 Thank you so much! I expect you could do with a little moisture. I’m sorry to say that it’s pouring here. 🙂
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I continue to be amazed at the astounding number of castles, walls and ruins plus gardens or natural settings you and Jude take me to.
Was just thinking last week about Dad and Uncles during hunting season when we were kids eating pheasant, squirrel, rabbit and venison. Long time ago …
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No shortage of them in the UK, Sammy 🙂 Sunny days can be rarer…
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:-). We always want what we don’t have. too bad we can’t do a teleport exchange for awhile!
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That is a majestic abbey! Great captures of the statues, birds, pond… The water reflections are truly beautiful. Thank you for taking us there, Jo. I really enjoyed the walk 🙂 Here is my entry for this week: http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2014/10/06/where-have-all-the-flowers-gone/
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Hi Amy! 🙂 On a sunny day like that one it really is a stunner. Today we’re back to raindrops 🙂 Many thanks, darlin,. I’ll be over to look soon.
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I visited Fountains Abbey about five years ago when we were staying with friends near Keighley. It’s a beautiful place, and your photos capture it so beautifully.
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We have some fantastic English Heritage sites and gardens, don’t we? I have a list of so many still to see but a lot of them are in the South. 🙂
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You’ll need to come south and make a week of it (or a fortnight!). 🙂
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Stunning photos, Jo. What a history and well cared for WHS. I could spend hours there. Glad you had decent weather.
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I was fortunate, Lynne. Today the rain pours and I think it will be a little miserable. 🙂 Thank you!
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So out of some bad things from Kings and Parliament, something good was saved and made beautiful. My latest walk is here
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Strange times, then and now! Our Queen cannot be so headstrong but she has beautiful gardens anyway. 🙂 Many thanks for the share. I look forward to reading it.
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Hi Jo,
Thanks for sharing. Makes my travlling feet itch. Saved this posting to my computer for further reference when I’ll be up there next. May take a while, but the region surely is on my bucket list.
Have a great week,
Pit
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Thanks, Pit. That is so good to know! Happy you’re not here today. It’s bouncing with rain 🙂
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Well, I’d be happy, happier, happiest if it was bouncing with rain here. Not only today, but for days on end. After seven years of sometimes extreme drought, we’re in dire need of rain.
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It’s not good is it? Our poor planet has a struggle on its hands.
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It looks like a peaceful area for a walk.
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It was beautiful, Cardinal. Probably not so good today- it’s pouring! Many thanks for your contribution. 🙂
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This is beautiful..
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Thank you, Rajiv 🙂 It really is a lovely place.
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Amazing walk, Jo! I think I might have to go around again. I paused on that second photo and drifted away for a few seconds…so lovely!
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A picnic on the lawn, Jill? Not today though- it’s very wet 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot- have a great week!
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Absolutely beautiful – I think I visited Fountains about a hundred years ago when I was a Leeds Uni – and it’s appeared in a lot of films I believe. Stunning – and the photos really capture your visit 🙂
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Thanks, Tanya 🙂 We were so lucky- it was a lovely day! Clouds threatening but they add to the photos, don’t they? Given up on walking today- it’s pouring!
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What a beautiful day you had for your visit Jo…..those greens and blues are heavenly….so British 🙂
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We did! It was on a whim, Seonaid- the best way with British weather. I was so glad we went. 🙂
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ma che splendido reportage, mia cara! quante magnifiche cose mi sto perdendo…:-( il mio tempo per ora mi concede pochi spazi per il blog…mi spiace tantissimo, un forte abbraccio
Annalisa
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Annalisa! I was thinking of you yesterday and meant to visit you, but events ‘overtook me’! They always seem to 🙂 Back to British weather today- it’s pouring! Big hugs, cara. I will visit soon, I promise.
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It is a beautiful place sure enough. I went there earlier this year and had wonderful weather. A place I cannot get tired of!
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Welcome back to a little British rain, Andrew! 🙂 It had to happen sooner or later, didn’t it, but I hope you’re feeling ‘refreshed’?
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I visited Fountains about 40 years ago, (free) and despite the torrential rain and gale, found it a gorgeous place to be: restful and full of intimations of the life of the monks. I did a painting of it from a photograph, but it got lost in one of our many moves.
I love your Monday walk pictures.
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Oh, what a shame about your painting! I’d have loved to see it, Viv, but there’s only so much you can tote, isn’t there? We took Mick’s Mum one year and it was dreadful! She was elderly and not very surefooted and James was small. Nightmare!
Thank you! Wet, wet, wet here. Have a good week 🙂
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Fountains is beautiful isn’t it Jo? Always one of my fave spots. And the lovely temple reminds me of another one, can’t remember where though, on a hillside with a curving grassy walk… That’s really helpful isn’t it? 😀
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It always reminds me of Stourhead but I bet that’s not the one? 🙂 Just so nice to see it in sunshine. P-ing down here today 🙂 First in a while so not complaining (but not walking either). I’m a Monday cheat!
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No not Stourhead. I’m thinking it’s Rievaulx Terrace, very similar which is why it jogged my memory. Walk through the woods, uphill, emerge onto terrace with temples at either end and views down through to rievaulx.
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Yes- that’s the one! 🙂
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What a lovely walk, and what great weather, Jo! I have only been to Fountains three times – dull twice, raining last time! I WANT to see it in the sun!!
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That’s exactly how I felt, Sue! Once we took Mick’s Mum and it was foggy and slippery so this was a joy 🙂
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