SHINING out in a blaze of glory – an official World Heritage Site is transformed by floodlighting as the cool autumn nights descend on the region.

Over the years the annual Fountains by Floodlight evenings have become a much-loved tradition for thousands of visitors to the great Cistercian ruins near Ripon.

Between 5pm and 9pm every Saturday night until the end of October the spectacular National Trust property will be full of dramatic lighting.

And with local choirs perfuming under the ancient arches of the cellarium between 7pm and 8pm on the floodlit nights, visitors will be taken back to a long-gone age.

Marketing and experience manager Alexa Morton said: “You always know autumn has properly arrived when Floodlighting begins. Seeing the abbey bathed in light is such a unique experience. Everybody’s wrapped up warm and silhouetted against the stone, the atmosphere feels even more special than usual.”

Admission is half price and to find out more visit at nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey/things-to-see-and-do/