We love to visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – it’s the perfect way to spend a family Sunday afternoon. They have loads coming up across the next few months if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of day to day life for a little while.
Photo credit: Jonathan Pow/[email protected]Here’s a little preview of what to expect…
1. Picture-perfect winter walks
Tick off your daily step count on one of twelve wild walks around the estate. Perfect your photography skills and see if you can spot birds of prey as they circle the twinkling trees. There’s artisan woodwork in the garden too, as local artist Shane Green creates wooden sculptures which sit within the landscape.
Jonathan Pow/[email protected]2. Mulled wine with a view
Why catch up in the pub when you could do it at a World Heritage Site? Bring your pals and savour the sights over a spiced mulled wine from the Mill Café, just seconds from the abbey.
Weekends 11-5pm, 24 November – 23 December
Photo credit Chris Lacey3. Festive floristry workshops
Switch off and get crafty at one of our floristry workshops. Learn how to create a wreath ‘rich in berry colours,’ using foliage collected from the estate.Monday 3 December, 10.15am – 12.30pm (lunch from 12.30pm)
Tuesday 4 December, 10.15am – 12.30pm (lunch from 12.30pm)
£56 Includes tea and coffee on arrival at Swanley Grange, followed by a delicious two course lunch at the visitor centre restaurant. Booking essential 01765 643197.
4. Splashes of colour at Music and Lights
Every year the abbey glows in a rainbow of colours as a choir sings beneath the arches. Sing your heart out, or just take pictures of the colours as they dance on the abbey walls.
Weekends 24 November – 23 December, choirs 2-3pm, lights on 2-5pm.
5. Give something good
Avoid the high street and pick out something for friends and family. From local ceramics and books on all sorts of subjects, to handmade homewares and gardening gear, the National Trust shop is brimful with interesting presents you will want to give. Every penny you spend in the shop goes back into looking after the estate, too.
Jonathan Pow/[email protected]Top 5 gifts
Seafoam Green Wool Throw £35
Blanc de Noirs English Sparkling Wine £30
Gin and Tonic Popcorn £4
Damson Fruit Vinegar £8
Yorkshire Beer Bible £11.99
To find out more about these events and many more family friendly activities, including meeting Father Christmas, seeing the abbey lit up for Music and Lights, and guided deer walks in the deer park, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey
