Ripon
Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret
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- Ripon
Explore more from in and around Ripon
Get more from your visit to this historic cathedral city, discover its secrets and delve into its medieval streets.
Ripon is a cathedral city steeped in history and home to magnificent historical buildings and long-observed traditions. You will find a trio of award-winning museums and a gothic cathedral that dates to the 7th century waiting to be explore by history enthusiasts.
With a thriving marketplace and a magnificent cathedral, this busy little city will earn a place in any visitor’s heart. Reaching out from the market square are small streets and snickets that are home to the eclectic and specialist shops for which the city is so loved. Amongst these are cafés and pubs, offering refreshment and home cooked food throughout the day.
The growth of the city through trade and manufacturing led to the building of a canal to link it to the navigable parts of the River Ure. Today this makes Ripon a delightful city to explore, with riverside and canal side walks that reach into the countryside and buildings that span the last thousand years.
Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret
The city has long been thought of as one of the major inspirations for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The author spent a great deal of time with family exploring the animal carvings in the cathedral. It is quite likely that the gypsum sinkholes found in the surrounding countryside were the inspiration for the beginning of Alice’s mysterious journey.
The city’s history is entwined with the Church, both due to the cathedral in the city centre and its proximity to nearby Fountains Abbey.
Ripon also boasts an outstanding racecourse and a glorious stately home so there are always great things to do and explore.
With a curious collection of events that always delight visitors, from the nightly setting of the watch by the Hornblower, to the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage, the character of Ripon is bursting out to be enjoyed.
Highlights from Ripon
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest… The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, sit alongside a Georgian water garden that…
Ripon Cathedral
Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of… Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of worship with over 1,350 years of history, stunning architecture, daily…
Ripon Walled Garden
Ripon Walled Garden, once part of the Bishop’s Palace, is now home to the… Ripon Walled Garden, once part of the Bishop’s Palace, is now home to the Ripon Community Link Charity. Since 1995, the garden has been developed…
Ripon Market
Ripon’s market is a vibrant display of local character with a wide range… Ripon’s market is a vibrant display of local character with a wide range of goods including fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, baked goods, and…
Explore Ripon
What's in Ripon
Ripon Cathedral
Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of… Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of worship with over 1,350 years of history, stunning architecture, daily…
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest… The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, sit alongside a Georgian water garden that…
Three Graces Spa
Offering an award-winning combination of spa and wellness facilities… Offering an award-winning combination of spa and wellness facilities located within a five-star hotel.
Grantley Hall Hotel
Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel nestled on the edge of the… Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is located only four miles from Ripon and set…
Grantley Arms
A country pub in the heart of Grantley village in North Yorkshire. A country pub in the heart of Grantley village in North Yorkshire.
Swinton Cottages
Our beautiful catering cottages are ideal for bringing together family or… Our beautiful catering cottages are ideal for bringing together family or friends. All are within walking distance of Swinton Park Hotel, its bars,…
Newby Hall & Gardens
A perfect destination for quality time together. Explore the beautiful… A perfect destination for quality time together. Explore the beautiful house and uncover its rich history or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the…
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall
Embark upon a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at… Embark upon a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. This exceptional restaurant showcases locally grown and sourced…
Events in Ripon
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Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times. Afternoon Flat Racing. Check venue for exact opening and race times.
A programme of titanic proportions, bringing together three greats of the… A programme of titanic proportions, bringing together three greats of the Romantic era: Brahms, Dvorak and Weber.The overture to Webers final opera,…
Join us in the heart of the historic city of Ripon for our monthly… Join us in the heart of the historic city of Ripon for our monthly celebration of local talent!Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Market…
Join us for out third session of Twilight Talks, an inspiring new… Join us for out third session of Twilight Talks, an inspiring new programme at Queen Marys School designed to connect our pupils with exceptional…
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Festivals in Ripon
Ripon Theatre Festival, running from 5-12 July 2026, is a vibrant… Ripon Theatre Festival, running from 5-12 July 2026, is a vibrant celebration of the performing arts, offering an exciting mix of drama, street…
Featured Stories & Inspiration about Ripon
Find out about three new walks through the Skell Valley launching in May Find out about three new walks through the Skell Valley launching in May
