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.