Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal: A Stunning Autumn Escape in Yorkshire

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air settles in, the National Trust is highlighting some of the finest countryside excursions for the coming weeks. One such destination is the Yorkshire estate of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, which is set to offer "dramatic autumn views" with its vibrant foliage and reflective pools.

Originally comprising two distinct locations, the estate now features the remarkable remains of Fountains Abbey, a medieval monastic ruin, as well as the 18th-century water gardens of Studley Royal. In 1767, William Aislabie purchased the abbey ruins to complete the picturesque panorama, with prime viewing spots including the Octagon Tower, Tent Hill, and Anne Boleyn's Seat.

Beyond the historic architecture and landscaping, the grounds also boast a deer park home to Red, Fallow, and Sika deer, as well as ancient trees like limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts. With October half-term just around the corner, it's an ideal time for local visitors to explore the estate's natural splendor.

For those seeking a spookier autumn adventure, the nearby city of Bradford has been identified as the "spookiest" in the UK. With an alarming 143 cemeteries and 255,699 grave sites, as well as 3,284 empty houses and 66,080 properties over 100 years old, Bradford is a prime destination for those interested in the paranormal. One of the city's reportedly haunted hotspots is the historic Paper Hall, where a ghastly face is said to peer out from the windows.