Spectacular views as historic landmark is illuminated

This autumn the long tradition of floodlighting the magnificent ruins of Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, will continue and visitors are being invited to see the ruins in a different light.

Chris Fowler, general manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, yesterday urged people to come and see Fountains Abbey illuminated with lights.

He said: “Autumn floodlighting is one of our favourite times of year at Fountains Abbey.

“Seeing the ruins bathed in light makes this place even more special and it’s fantastic that this event has become an annual family tradition for so many,” Mr Fowler added.

Visitors can enjoy a feast for all the senses as the monastic ruins are filled with light and music every Saturday in October and on the first Saturday in November. The event takes place from 5pm to 9.30pm and admission is half price or free for National Trust and English Heritage members.

Each Saturday night the National Trust has organised a local choir to perform in the vaulted cellarium between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. This year’s line up includes Easingwold School Choir, Treble Clef, Saddleworth Male Voice Choir, Northern Voices and the Holme Valley Singers.

There will be free guided tours at 6.30pm and 7.30pm enabling people to see the Abbey in a whole new light.

Visitors can also tuck into a delicious hog roast to keep you warm, or enjoy a hot mug of soup and hot drinks from the Abbey tea rooms. People will also be able to get their Christmas shopping started early by visiting the visitor centre gift shop which will be open later than usual.

Last entry to the grounds is 8.30pm and lights are switched off at 9.30pm.

For further information about the floodlighting event people should call the estate office on 01765 608888 or they can visit the website: nationaltrust.org.uk/fountainsabbey