Venue Description

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.

Accessibility

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).

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden

Awards List

Max card www.mymaxcard.co.uk National Trust Access for all card scheme National Trust Links scheme

Toilets

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.

Staff

Many staff and volunteers have undertaken general disability awareness training, dementia awareness training and blind awareness training. We are members of our local Dementia Action Alliance. We have a number of qualified sighted guides who can be pre-booked to help with your visit.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Dogs are required to be on the lead on the estate, but there is a public footpath from the Visitors' Centre to the deer park where dogs do not need to be on the lead.

Other assistance dog facilities

There are waterbowls at all three of our catering outlets and at the Visitors Centre. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere on the estate.