
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, located near Ripon in North Yorkshire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes. The abbey, founded in 1132, is one of the largest and best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England. The adjacent Studley Royal Water Garden, dating back to the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Georgian landscaping, featuring canals, temples, and cascading water features.