This World Heritage Site offers opportunities to learn about history, nature, science and art all in the one place. The towering ruins of Fountains Abbey have a rich but turbulent history, sure to captivate curious minds of all ages. As some of the most complete abbey ruins in the country they’re an ideal setting for inspiring and teaching students of all ages.
Primary and Key Stage 3
For younger students bring the history to life with story-telling, dress as a monk on ‘Day in the Life of a Monk’ or see if you dare to come face to face with Henry VIII in a dissolution drama in ‘Act the Facts’, an interactive session the whole class can get involved in.
GCSE and above
Using the grounds as a site study, GCSE and A level history students experience targeted sessions. We can point out features in the physical remains of the abbey and use other sources of evidence to note specific turning points in the history; for example, the dissolution of the monasteries. We can visit the mill, Fountains Hall and the Georgian water gardens as well as considering the current management of the site by the National Trust.
Craft, science and nature
Take part in craft workshops such as mosaic and felt making, drawing inspiration from the Cistercian monks who became rich from the wool trade, the ruins or the flamboyant Georgians who loved beautiful things. The vast grounds incorporating Fountains Mill are the setting for science and nature workshops which are adapted and differentiated to suit the age group and ability of your students. There’s abundant wildlife to search for in a variety of habitats using sampling techniques and taking quantitative ecological measurements.