Fountains Abbey is one of the finest ruined monasteries in Europe and, together with the adjacent Studley Royal Water Garden, forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1132 and grew to become one of the richest in England before Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries left it a roofless shell. What remains is extraordinary — the 13th-century tower still stands over 50 metres tall, and the vaulted cellarium running the full length of the west range is one of the most impressive medieval interiors in England, open to the sky.
The water gardens at Studley Royal were created in the early 18th century and are a masterpiece of Georgian landscape design. Formal canals, ornamental lakes, and classical temples are arranged around the ruins to create a series of carefully composed views. The walk from the formal gardens to the abbey along the River Skell takes about 20 minutes and is one of the best approaches to any ruin in England. Allow half a day — longer if you want to walk the full estate.