Fountains Abbey Archives - Page 7 of 12

Ripon’s Studley Royal House goes on market — for £8 million

One of the most spectacular properties in the Harrogate district has gone on the market for £8 million.

Studley Royal House is situated in the National Trust-owned Studley Royal deer park, with views across the park and beyond to Ripon Cathedral.

The park, which extends to about 800 acres, was modelled by Capability Brown and is part of the only UNESCO world heritage site in Yorkshire.

The house is in the deer park. Pic: Savills

Located close to Fountains Abbey, the grade two listed house has eight bedrooms, nine bathrooms and six reception rooms. The main bedroom has two en-suite bathrooms.

The house was originally the stables for the Aislabie family’s mansion on the Studley Royal estate. It was occupied by Queen Ethelburga’s College during the war.

The dining room. Pic: Savills

Crispin Holborow, of agents Savills, said:

“Studley Royal is a beautiful Palladian country house which lives up to its grade II* classification.

“It sits within a World Heritage site, giving it complete protection as well as the opportunity to enjoy Studley Royal Park without the burden of management.

“It is the perfect house for entertaining and requires minimum looking after.”

The drawing room. Pic: Savills

Repairs planned for listed weir at risk of collapse at Studley Royal

The National Trust has applied for planning permission to carry out repairs to an ancient weir that is in danger of collapse.

The weir, to the north-east end of Studley Royal Water Garden, is a listed structure and forms part of the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey near Ripon.

The work will aim to stabilise the retaining walls around the weir, parts of which date back to the early 18th century. As part of its application on behalf of the National Trust, JBA Consulting said:

“The wall on the east side of the outfall is collapsing as a result of failure of its fabric, historic tree damage and past flood events, whilst the wall on the west side is collapsing as a result of intrusive root action from a nearby tree and past flood events.

“The proposed works are intended to stabilise the wall and repair the damage through installation of modern retaining walls which will be dressed using the stones saved from the extant walls. Following the repair, the walls will be reinstated to their former character and stabilised for the future.”

Part of the retaining wall is at risk of collapse.

The application said the footpath along the side of the river and the footbridge over it would remain open during the works.

However, access to the river bank may need to be restricted for safety reasons, it said. A temporary works area will be installed to the north of the river to store materials and allow a vehicle to be kept on site.

The application added:

“Without the proposed repair works there is the risk that the water from the outflow will continue to undermine the drystone wall leading to damage of the more formal dressed stone structure and the riverbank.

“There is also a risk of the mature tree on the bank above the south wall becoming unstable as the wall and earth bank behind it degrades further.”

The plans will be decided by North Yorkshire Council at a later date. To view or comment on the application, visit the planning pages of North Yorkshire Council’s website and use reference ZC23/01443/LB.

Free entry to Harrogate district attractions starts tomorrow

Several Harrogate district attractions will be offering free entry in the days ahead as part of National Lottery Open Week.

The lottery has raised more than £47 billion for good causes since it started in 1994. To thank players, it runs an annual week in which organisations it has funded are invited to provide free entry and special offers.

This year’s open week begins tomorrow (Saturday) and ends on March 26.

The following offers in the Harrogate district apply to anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard, digital or physical.

For the terms and conditions click here, and check the venue listings for dates, times and other terms and conditions. You can search for events here.

Fountains Abbey near Ripon — free entry from March 18 to 26
Nidderdale Museum in Pateley Bridge — free entry tomorrow (Saturday)
Beningbrough Hall — free entry tomorrow and Sunday and from March 22 to 26
Ripon Museum Trust — free entry for a family or group of up to six people at its workhouse, prison and police and courthouse museums in Ripon on March 25
Harewood House — £5 entry tomorrow and Sunday

Tourist attractions to close as Storm Otto heads for Harrogate district

People across the Harrogate district are being warned to be prepared for strong winds overnight and into tomorrow’s morning rush hour.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, with wind speeds expected to reach around 65mph between 7am and 9am as Storm Otto arrives in the UK.

The National Trust has already said both Fountains Abbey and Brimham Rocks will be closed tomorrow morning because of the forecast.

The Swinton Estate is closing its parklands and gardens, as well as its bivouac woodland, from tomorrow morning until Monday.

RHS Harlow Carr also said it may also have to restrict access to its site during the high winds.

⚠ Potential partial closure – Friday 17 February ⚠

Please be aware high winds are forecast for Friday 17th Feb, therefore some areas of the garden including the Woodland, Arboretum and Alpine House may need to close for safety reasons. Please check before you travel. pic.twitter.com/QTliEBeCVf

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) February 16, 2023

The winds are expected to ease from lunchtime, dropping to around 20mph until the weather warning ends at 2pm.

The National Trust said Fountains Abbey could re-open at noon, while Brimham Rocks will only re-open later in the afternoon once tree safety checks have been completed.

In its warning, the Met Office said:

“Very strong winds developing through Friday morning associated with Storm Otto may bring disruption to travel.

“Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. High-sided vehicles may be particularly prone in this set-up. Some roads and bridges may close.

“Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible.”

Power cuts

Meanwhile, Northern Powergrid has urged customers who might be vulnerable during a power cut to register for its free priority services membership. It is aimed at older people, those with disabilities or additional medical or communication needs, families with young children, and anyone in a vulnerable situation.

A spokesperson for the company said:

“Our electricity network is operating as normal, however, we wanted to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the weather across our operating areas, and our teams are ready and prepared to respond if this weather has any impact on our network…

“If you have additional needs due to your medical or personal circumstances, and are not part of our Priority Services Membership, you should consider joining for free.

“It will help us to support you during a power cut including regular updates on the situation and considering alternative needs such as food and accommodation.”

Power cuts can be reported by calling 105, or via the Northern Powergrid website, which also has a map of known problems.

The Stray Ferret will report any problems caused by the high winds over night and tomorrow morning. Keep checking our website and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for the latest updates.

To tell us about the impact of the storm, send us an email.

Half-term: Seven ideas in the Harrogate district to keep the kids entertained

February half-term is just around the corner, meaning many parents will be racking their brains for ideas to keep their children entertained for a week. Luckily, there are many options around the Harrogate district to help – keeping both your children and your bank balance happy.

Whether you fancy some fresh air, culture or just harmless fun, we’ve pulled together seven ideas for all the family.

Birchfield Farm: Spring on The Farm

A rural and inexpensive option, Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge will be open 7 days a week for the duration of the school holidays.

Spring on The Farm invites visitors to see pregnant sheep settling in the barns before birth. Some people may even be lucky enough to witness a baby lamb being born. Visitors are also able to bottle feed the lambs from 11am-2pm on a first come, first served basis.

Children can also enjoy seeing piglets, goats, ponies, donkeys and even pet the guinea pigs.

If that isn’t enough, children can also burn off steam on the bouncy castle, play in the mini construction play area and in the outdoor play area. Go-Karts, pedal tractors, swings and a giant outdoor sandpit can also be enjoyed.

The farm also has a café serving hot and cold food & drinks.

All activities are included in the entrance prices – with adults & children’s prices set at £5.95 and under 2s going free.

No booking is required. No dogs are permitted, except for guide dogs or service dogs.

For more information, click here.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair

If your child requires a little (or a lot) more tiring out over half-term, Harrogate Indoor Funfair could be a great option for you. The Funfair will run from 11-19 February, with a quieter session being held on 12 February from 10am-1pm.

With rides, traditional funfair snacks and inflatables, Harrogate Indoor Funfair offers all the joy of a regular funfair in an indoor, climate-controlled space. A nice way to shelter from the inevitable half-term rain.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair will take place at Yorkshire Event Centre, at the Yorkshire Showground. There is free parking at Yorkshire Events Centre and priority parking for Blue Badge holders.

The number 7 and X70 buses stop at Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road, just one mile from the Funfair entrance.

Prices range from: £12.99 online and £14.99 on the door. Babies in arms go free.

Keep an eye on their website for the upcoming ride list.

Half-Term Kids Yoga Workshop

If your child has ever asked what you get up to whilst they’re at school, this half-term activity may give them an idea.

Harrogate Yoga and Pilates studio, Ebru Evrim, is hosting a one and a half hour kids yoga workshop this half-term.

The workshop will be brought to life with specially designed music linked to the theme and stories behind the session and lead the children to ultimate relaxation.

The workshop is set to improve concentration and focus, as well as aiding the children to deal with their emotions and self-regulation of moods.

Who knows, your child may even go to bed without any protest that night.

The workshop host, Jenny White, holds a DBS, is fully insured and is also paediatric first aid trained.

Children can expect a day of yoga, arts, dance, mindfulness and, most importantly, lots of fun.

The session is suitable for ages 6-11 years and will cost £12.

Find more information here.

Ebru Evrim is hosting a kids yoga session.

The Little Gym Holiday Camps: School’s Out, Fun’s In

For those children that may require a little more bounce in their half-term break, The Little Gym Holiday Camps may be a good solution.

Running from Monday 13-Sunday 19 February, The Little Gym in Harrogate is offering gymnastics camps that run from 8.30am-5pm – including a Breakfast Club to help those parents working over the holiday. The camps vary from as little as 3 hours to 7.5 hours a day and children will learn new skills that they can practise and perfect throughout the session.

The sessions vary each week to stimulate children both physically and mentally, all under the care of qualified and dedicated instructors.

The camps, classes and session suitability ranges from 3-8 & 5-12 years.

Half-day prices begin at £35.

Click here for more information.

Ripon Ghost Walk: Children’s Half-Term Special

The Ripon Ghost Walk half-term special is a spookily inexpensive option to feed your child’s fear-factor!

The half-term special Ghost Walk promises the discovery of ancient burial sites, bone finds and maybe even the presence of deceased Ripon residents.

The half-term Ghost Walk begins much earlier than usual at 16.15pm in the Market Square, meaning it will be dark enough for the ghosts to come out, but early enough to ensure your children are still in bed on time.

Prices start from £4 for under 16s and £6 for adults.

Find more information on their website.

Beyond Imagination Emporium Princess Academy: Valentine’s Special

Calling all Prince and Princesses! Beyond Imagination Emporium in Harrogate is re-opening their Princess Academy this February half-term with a Valentine’s special.

The one-hour Princess Academy sessions take place on select dates during school holidays.

There are two Princess Academy sessions taking place on Saturday 11 February. At 11am, children will be joined by Frozen’s Anna and Kristoff, while the 2pm session will be hosted by Beauty and The Beast’s Prince Adam & Belle.

Children spend time learning royal dances, princess etiquette, arts and crafts and fairy-tale play. The session includes sweet treats for the children, as well as refreshments for the parents.

Children can also make a Valentine’s Day card to give to someone special to them.

The sessions cost £13.95 and are ideal for ages 3 – 9 years.

Find more information here.

Children can meet their favourite Prince and Princesses.

Fountains Abbey: Mindful Family Crafts

If you’re looking to join your children in their half-term fun, Fountains Abbey in Ripon is hosting a Mindful Family Crafts event.

The crafting will take place in Swanley Grange, located in the grounds of the Abbey. The event will be running from 11 – 19 February (excluding 12 February), starting at 11am.

Children and parents can get their creative juices flowing using sustainable and natural materials.

The event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Those that may prefer to craft quietly can attend the “crafting quiet hour” from 2pm – 3pm.

The event itself is free, but regular admissions prices apply. Admission for one adult and three children starts from £27.

Click here for more information.

Why Fountains Abbey is pawfect for dogs

This story is sponsored by the National Trust.

Finding something to do at the weekend can be challenging, especially if you have dogs, but the National Trust team at Fountains Abbey say they’re on a mission to make it easy.

Under the National Trust’s Paw Print dog-friendliness scheme, the attraction has been named a three-paw site – the highest possible rating.

Jenni Shepherd, senior marketing and communications officer at the National Trust, said:

“We’re always getting comments about how welcoming we are to dogs at Fountains Abbey.

“The admissions team even has doggy treats on hand for the waggiest tails!”

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and includes the ruins of the medieval monastery, the Georgian water garden and the deer park.

Where you lead, your dog can follow!

Visiting dog-walkers can see all the historic attractions up close, as well as following paths around the site and trails through surrounding woodland.

“When people see the amazing abbey ruins, they often think they can’t possibly take a dog there, but actually at Fountains, dogs can go pretty much everywhere their owners do,” said Jenni.

“We get a lot of tourists visiting from other areas of the country, where historic sites perhaps don’t welcome dogs so readily, and so they think they can’t bring their dogs here either.

“But Fountains Abbey is actually one of the best places to bring a dog.

“There are drinking stations and dog waste bins throughout, and there’s a wide range of pet products for sale in the Visitor Centre shop.

“There’s even dog-friendly ice-cream available at the Studley refreshment kiosk and in the Visitor Centre restaurant.

“Your dog can go everywhere you go. Dogs are even allowed in the deer park, as long as they’re kept on a short lead.”

Woodland walks are a favourite pastime among dog-owners visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Last month, the National Trust unveiled plans to upgrade its facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

A new visitor building will be built around the existing tearoom. There will be a fully accessible café, more toilets and a new admissions area, with all areas remaining dog-friendly. Jenni added:

“Yorkshire as a destination is a dog-lovers’ paradise, and Fountains Abbey really stands out as one of the best places here to take your dog.

“There’s so much to do and see here, you can stay all day – and your dog never has to leave your side.”

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find out more about visiting – with or without dogs – here.

Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey to feature on BBC Two tonight

Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey will feature in an episode of Take a Hike on BBC Two tonight.

In the series, five hikers go head-to-head to find Britain’s best walks. Taking it in turns to lead, they are judged on their route, picnic, views and fun.

Tonight’s programme shows 73-year-old retired psychiatric nurse Edwin lead the other walkers on a nine kilometre hike between the two National Trust properties in the Harrogate district.

Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge, combines heather moorland and unusually shaped giant rock formations created by an immense river 100 million years.

Brimham Rocks

Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, is one of the largest and best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England.

A trust spokeswoman said:

“There were certainly lots of giggles while filming the episode as the group were surprised with an activity for the brave to start their time at Brimham – you’ll have to tune in to see what they got up to.

“It really is a lovely programme and as always, will be a great opportunity to show off the beauty and fun on offer at both properties in the wonderful Harrogate district.”

The programme will be broadcast at 6.30pm and will be available to watch afterwards here.

Sun shines as hundreds of Ripon pilgrims walk to Fountains Abbey

St Stephen’s Day in this busiest of years for Ripon Cathedral started with a Eucharist service, followed by a leisurely four-mile walk to Fountains Abbey.

The annual Boxing Day pilgrimage linking the two internationally famous and historic religious sites has been taking place in all weathers since 1976.

Bright sunshine and clear skies saw hundreds of pilgrims participate in this morning’s walk, following a procession led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson and children, who took it in turns to carry a cross along the way.

The pilgrims on the start of their journey head up Kirkgate.

With celebrations during 2022 to mark the 1,350th anniversary of the cathedral’s foundation by Wilfrid, this year’s walk had an added significance. as the pilgrims again retraced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who were the original founders of the abbey in 1132.

A group of pilgrims arrive at Fountains Abbey

At the abbey, the hundreds who completed the walk from the cathedral were joined by hundreds more (pictured below) for a carol service held in the cellarium.

Carol service in the cellarium at Fountains Abbey

The service included readings, prayers and traditional carols, with musical accompaniment provided by the Stray Brass Ensemble.

National Trust plans major £3.6m building project at Fountains Abbey

The National Trust today revealed designs for a new £3.6 million building and landscape project at the Studley Royal end of Fountains Abbey, near Ripon.

The project, called Studley Revealed, aims to create a more accessible café, admission point and toilets and restore historical sightlines to the 18th century Georgian water garden created by John Aislabie.

However, the new building would be situated inside the water garden and only be accessible to people who pay to enter.

The current tea room on the deer park side, which is free to enter, will close. A kiosk providing drinks and snacks will be built in the deer park car park, accessible to everyone.

The restaurant and parking at the main visitor centre will remain free for all to access.

How the new entrance and outside seating to the building from the canal bridge might look.

The trust says the plans, which went out to consultation in 2019 before being paused due to covid, will make Studley Royal less “muddled”.

It will submit a formal planning application to Harrogate Borough Council in the new year.

The organisation said in a statement today:

“This area is currently muddled with 20th century buildings and additions which make up an admission point, toilets, and the boundary of the pay-for entry area.

“For years this has created a large number of conservation and operational issues which are not appropriate in a World Heritage Site.

“The updated improvements will consolidate these facilities into one building and improve the way visitors move through this area.”

The trust added the landscape plans would “open up lost views and create walks that echo the original 18th century design”.

How the view of the building from the deer park might look.

New facilities including historical information, accessible toilets and a ‘space to change’ have also been included.

The trust has consulted Historic England, Harrogate Borough Council, World Heritage Site partners and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on its plans.

It has appointed London heritage architects Feilden Fowles and Edinburgh landscape architects Rankinfraser to carry out the work.

How the new cafe seating area might look.

Justin Scully, general manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, said:

“The Studley Revealed project is an exciting part of the ongoing conservation of the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site.

“It has long been our ambition to improve the appearance of this area of the site and how visitors experience it.

“Crucially, it means we can create a place for our visitors to learn more about the fascinating history of Studley Royal.”

The designs and information about the project will be displayed at the Studley entrance from tomorrow until December 22 (excluding December 16) and can also be viewed here.

The trust aims to open the new facilities to visitors in late 2024.

Fire at Fountains Abbey causes carols to be cancelled

An electrical fault caused a fire at Fountains Abbey near Ripon yesterday.

Ripon firefighters were called to the National Trust-owned property at 12.13pm after staff discovered there had been a small fire.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service‘s incident log said staff on site had already summoned an electrician and firefighters isolated the electricity supply.

A spokeswoman for Fountains Abbey said:

“There was a small electrical fire in the abbey on Sunday morning.

“Ripon fire service were contacted immediately and on arrival, they confirmed the fire was out and had been contained.

“Due to the nature of the fire, as a precaution, we took the decision to cancel Carols by Candlelight – despite its name, the event does require electrical power for a sound system to amplify the service to visitors, and to ensure there is sufficient lighting the abbey for the safety of our visitors.

“We’re very grateful to the fire service for their quick response and support.”

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.

Read more:

Read more:

Read more: