Last updated on 26 March 08
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Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey

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Photograph © The National Trust
Photograph © Gardenvisit.com

Gardenvisit Editorial

This garden was made, by Robert Benson, at an early point in the swing from rectilinear to curvilinear gardens. A formal water garden, owing something to the water parterre at Chantilly, has been set into a wooded valley, creating a balance between the rational and empirical views of nature. The canal and Moon Ponds are overlooked by a Temple of Piety. Gothic and Doric temples are to be found in the woods. At the head of the valley one is astonished to find the noble ruins of Fountains Abbey. The statues of Wrestlers, Hercules and other gods are of Roman inspiration. Studley Royal was designed by its owner, John Aislabie under the influence of John James' translation of the Théorie at la pratique du jardinage. He carried out work on the gardens from 1718 until his death in 1742. The canal, Moon Ponds and Temple of Piety were complete by 1730.

History

Discover the perfect complement to the abbey, a once wild and wooded valley transformed into one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens.

Studley Royal Water Garden was the breathtaking vision of John Aislabie and his son William.

Initially the garden was planned without reference to the abbey, but the final layout included a spectacular view of the great Cistercian house as the culmination of a visitor's tour.

Address Ripon, North Yorkshire, England, HG4 3DY
Opening times All year. Daily (except 24th, 25th December and Fridays from November to January). Open 10am to 5pm (4pm November to February).
Admission Adult £7.90, Child £4.20, Family £20.90. Free for Under 5s, National Trust and English Heritage Members. Deer Park - Free.
Website Visit the Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey website