A couple of miles west of the city of Ripon lies the remains of the magnificent Fountains Abbey. This outstanding historical tourist attraction is one of the most visited around the county of Yorkshire and over a quarter of a million people visit each year. The Abbey along with Studley Royal Water Gardens where acquired by the National Trust in the mid eighties it has now become a World Heritage and is Britains largest monastic ruins.

The Abbey was founded in 1132 by Benedictine monks who where given the land next to the river Skell. They where given the land after conflict with St Mary's church in York when they decided the rules of the church where not as strict as there beliefs required. With support from Thurstan, who was the Archbishop of York, the land was acquired shortly after Christmas and the building begun next to some springs, hence 'Fountains' Abbey.

A few years later, they adopted the Cistercian Order which was a French religion, which was much stricter and tougher than the life they where used to. Prosperity soon came about for the Abbey and much land was acquired from miles around Yorkshire . Later however with the Dissolution of the Monasteries through Henry VIII reign, came the end of the Abbeys prosperity and the end of the order with a couple of heads hung for good luck.

Today Fountains Abbey boasts magnificent special events with open-air music concerts, operas and firework displays. There are guided tours of the Abbey with many educational opportunities for school trips. There are also a number of gift shops and restaurants and plenty of parking facilities for cars and coaches.

Whilst visiting this famous attraction, don't forget a visit to nearby Ripon, Wetherby as well as the floral capital of England - Harrogate for a splendid day out with many attractions and things to do in and around the surrounding area.