Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day and Pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey, retracing the steps of the abbey’s founders centuries ago.

The service begins in Ripon Cathedral at 9.30am and the pilgrimage makes its way to the abbey where the service continues from approx. 12 noon.

On a cold day in 1132, thirteen monks walked from Ripon to a completely deserted valley by the River Skell. There they started their own community from nothing and so, Fountains Abbey was born! You too can follow the monks in their footsteps in this annual traditional pilgrimage. It will begin at Ripon Cathedral with a celebration of Eucharist and end with a service of carols and prayers in the abbey cellarium.