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    Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

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    For centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place. From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world. When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design. One of a kind, this special place is now recognised as a World Heritage site.

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    Overall rating

    4

    (4 reviews)

    Overall rating breakdown

    5

    0

    4

    3

    3

    1

    2

    0

    1

    0

    Access (avg.)

    4.12

    Parking (avg.)

    3.87

    Toilets (avg.)

    3.75

    Staff (avg.)

    4.87

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    mrsgap

    Sept 2024

    star

    4

    Attempted to make as accessible as possible

    There is an acknowledgement of what if the sure is and isn't accessible with signs showing which routes not to take. There is an accessible bus (which I was told wheelchairs can drive straight on, but I didn't try it) around areas that weren't suitable for buggies. There are trampers available once you get to the level parts. Having chosen to drive to the Accessible carpark to avoid the steep hill, it involved crossing a road on it's bend which felt a bit dangerous! There are ramps around the abbey over bumps - some of which were a bit hairy but did the job. The pathways from the abbey to Studley Royal Water Garden were well surfaced and well signposted. All staff were incredibly helpful. At the visitor centre, shop and main restaurant all doors opened automatically. The Mill tearoom I couldn't get in to.
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    caxxbo

    Nov 2019

    star

    3.5

    Go to disabled access west gate

    Made fatal error by going to main entrance as have own electric chair. Paid entrance fee and was denied access through open gate (education only) told to go through shop. What they should have said was GO TO WEST GATE as this access is dangerous and Not suitable for your chair. After fall out with hubby skidding down paths and ready to kill each other we found two nice men at west gate who said WE CAN HELP and got us an electric scooter much more suited to the path conditions. NORMALLY you need to pre book these so ring ahead. Yes these two lovely gentleman redeemed fountain abbey without their help we were going home. To the manager the staff at reception need some training in how to approach customers with mobility issues and I strongly recommend it coming from the very kind gentleman at the gate. Cafe used in the abbey but having been told at reception the dogs were able to go in as they had recently changed their practice when tried were directed to the no dog sign so sat outside in the cold.
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    beejay

    May 2018

    star

    4.5

    A day isn't long enough!

    Good disabled access to most of the ruins and grounds, although some of the high level paths are not scooter or wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets at the West Gate (steep path to get to them though), Visitor Centre and the Lakeside. Great restaurant at visitor centre.
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    Disabled Access Information for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

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    We are a large and complex site with many buildings and 800 acres of grounds. There are some challenges to visitors with limited mobility due to the size of the estate and the gradients, however much of the site is accessible to manual and powered wheelchairs and most of the buildings are accessible too. Whilst we hope we answer some of your questions here, we would suggest that you give us a ring to find out more detail about how we can help with your particular disability or to request a copy of our detailed access statement (which we hope to have available online in the near future).

    accessibleParkingText

    32 disabled priority parking spaces in Westgate car park (from which there is level access into the Abbey and water gardens).52 designated disabled parking spaces in the Visitors Centre car park (from this car park wheelchair users will need to use the accessible shuttle vehicle to get to the Abbey and water garden)
    Dedicated parking

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    Toilets features at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

    There is one accessible toilet at the Visitors Centre. It has a manual, outward opening door, 900mm wide. The room is 2.2m x 2m and contains left transfer toilet, low sink and hand drier. There are 2 accessible toilets near to the Westgate entrance. They are accessed up a short but steep (c.10%) slope. There are two toilets, one left transfer, one right transfer, with manual doors, 82cm wide. There is one disabled toilet at Studley tea rooms. the door is manual, outward opening and 93cm wide and is awkwardly configured with a ramp, staff are happy to assist.
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    Accessible toilet

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    Accessible toilet

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    Overnight accommodation features at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

    Accessible services at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

    Audio Description

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    Assistive listening system - Hearing Loop
    Assistance dog facilities

    Other features at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal - National Trust

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    Wi-Fi
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    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

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    Opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/fountainsabbey/
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    Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Estate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, HG4 3DY

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