If you’ve ever visited Fountain’s Abbey, you’ve probably revelled in the beauty that both the structure and its surrounding parkland hold. It’s no secret: we absolutely love it, and it seems we’re not the only ones.
Ranking it in a list of the ‘top 10 most peaceful National Trust sites in the UK’, the stunning Yorkshire abbey came in fifth place, following behind the likes of Sussex’s Sheffield Park and Surrey’s popular Claremont Gardens.

The only Yorkshire location to make the list (which, we’ll admit is quite the oversight…), Fountain’s Abbey was praised for its ‘tranquil stately gardens and deer-filled meadows’, alongside the sheer size of the National Trust estate.
The popular destination can be found in Ripon, and consist of not only the Abbey itself, but the Studley Royal Water Gardens, too, which sit right by the Yorkshire Dales’ River Skell.
The researchers said: “It’s hardly surprising that Fountains Abbey Estate, with its majestic abbey ruins, adjoining tranquil stately gardens and deer-filled meadows, made the top 5 most peaceful National Trusts in the country.
“While thousands of visitors flock here throughout the year, the size and layout of the estate means it has plenty of peaceful hideaways and open spaces – meaning visitors feel they almost have the place to themselves as they explore.”

Here’s the list in full:
- Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
- Claremont Gardens, Surrey
- Rowallane Gardens, County Down
- Sheffield Park, East Sussex
- Fountain’s Abbey, North Yorkshire
- Motisfont, Hampshire
- Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- Nymans, West Sussex
- Cliveden, Berkshire
The survey was undertaken by the team at UK Saunas, who analysed TripAdvisor review data to determine which National Trust sites were considered to be the most peaceful. The study looked into specific keywords that were frequently mentioned, including “quiet”, “peaceful”, “tranquil” and “relaxing”.
[Featured image: Photo © Andrew Curtis (cc-by-sa/2.0)]
Read more: This Idyllic North Yorkshire Village Has Been Named One Of The Best In The UK