Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal has been named the second-best historical site in the UK, according to new research by GO Outdoors.
The study analysed admission costs, online reviews, Google search data and the average time visitors are likely to spend at each location. Based on these factors, GO Outdoors created a ranking of the UK’s most popular and highly rated historical attractions.
Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Scotland, took the top spot with an overall score of 9.65 out of 10, praised for its coastal views, rich history and relatively low admission price. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Ripon followed closely in second place with a score of 8.91 out of 10.
Founded in 1132, the abbey and its landscaped water gardens are one of North Yorkshire’s most visited heritage attractions.

The research found that families typically spend more than three hours exploring the site, with admission for two adults and two children costing £52.50.
It also received consistently high review scores, achieving 4.8 out of 5 on Google and 4.7 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
The SS Great Britain in Bristol was ranked third, followed by Skara Brae in Orkney and Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Other landmarks in the top ten include York Minster, Pembroke Castle and the Tower of London.
According to the research, the Tower of London is the most searched-for historic day out in the UK, with 550,000 monthly Google searches, while Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne in Northern Ireland was highlighted as the most affordable, offering free entry apart from parking.
The full findings can be viewed on the GO Outdoors website here.

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


