Ripon

Ripon is located just outside the Nidderdale National Landscape boundary on its Eastern edge, and is full of special treasures. Delight in awe-inspiringly beautiful and ancient buildings, quirky details and places to visit.

Ripon has been welcoming visitors since 672 when Saint Wilfrid laid the foundations for what became today’s impressive Cathedral. The tapestry kneelers inside Ripon Cathedral bring Ripon 1350 years of history to life. Make sure you visit the ancient crypt, look up at the magnificent medieval screen, and search for the misericords said to have inspired Alice in Wonderland.

Nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are stunningly beautiful and historically very significant (hence their UNESCO World Heritage Status). You can still experience the peace and tranquillity that attracted the original monks, almost 900 years ago.

These layers of history make Ripon a comforting place to visit: the city is also full of contemporary businesses run by independent people, proud of where they live. At the heart of Yorkshire’s smallest city is the cobbled market square. It was described by Defoe as ‘the finest and most beautiful square… of its kind in England’ and is surrounded by places to shop, eat and drink.

You’ll immediately notice the strikingly tall Obelisk, one of many legacies left by John Aislabie. His other important contributions to the local area include Studley Royal Water Gardens, and the folly-filled woods at Hackfall. The Obelisk is the starting point for Ripon’s famous nightly tradition: setting of the watch by the Ripon Hornblower every night at 9.00 pm.

Just off the square you’ll find three fascinating museums that tell the story of less fortunate times, prisoners and poverty. Discover what it was like to be truly poor at the Workhouse Museum and Garden. Learn about crime and punishment at the Prison & Police Museum, where children can dress up or be a detective. You can even stand in the dock at the Courthouse and imagine waiting for a guilty or innocent verdict.

Ripon’s neighbouring attractions are grander, telling a very different tale. Newby Hall (Yorkshire Attraction of the Year 2022) showcases the creativity and skill of Sir Christopher Wren, Robert Adam and Chippendale. Cares melt away in the gorgeous gardens, or as you enjoy the sculptures. Children can run off their energy in the excellent playground, and enjoy a ride in a pedal boat or on the miniature railway.

Children delight in the adventures to be found at Lightwater Valley, while adults might like to try their luck at Ripon Races, know as ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’.  The tradition of horse-racing in Ripon dates back to 1664. It was the first racecourse to hold a race exclusively for female jockeys in 1723.

Next to the racecourse is Ripon City Wetlands, a great place to enjoy wildlife-watching.  You might also enjoy sitting back to star-gaze in some of the UK’s darkest skies, perhaps booking to use the little-known Lime Tree Observatory at Grewelthorpe.

Medieval Markenfield Hall describes itself as ‘the loveliest place you’ve never heard of’. Join one of the Tiny Tours with afternoon tea and you’ll agree – it’s a magical, romantic place to visit, and even has a moat!

The Himalayan Garden at Grewelthorpe is another unexpected pleasure – the 20 acre gardens will transport you to foreign climes. The beautiful woodland garden is an ever-evolving setting for their internationally-recognised collection of sculptures.

As the signs to Ripon proudly suggest, it’s well worth planning to ‘stay awhile amid its ancient charms’.

Where: the A1 is only 5 minutes away. At junction 50, take the A61 exit to Ripon/Thirsk and follow signs to Ripon.

W: https://destinationripon.co.uk/​

** Please note that the tourism information on this website is designed to provide an overview of opportunities in the area. The Nidderdale National Landscape team do not have the facilities or resources to deal with individual tourism enquiries and these should be directed to the tourist information office at Nidderdale Plus or one of the other local Tourist Information Centres.