Ripon

Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret

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.

Ripon Cathedral Mark Bickerdike 2 copy

Get more from your visit to this historic cathedral city, discover its secrets and delve into its medieval streets.

Discover Ripon on our map

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Businesses in Ripon

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Grantley Hall Hotel

Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel nestled on the edge of the…

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Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest…

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Three Graces Spa

Offering an award-winning combination of spa and wellness facilities…

Ripon cathedral
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Ripon Cathedral

Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all…

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Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Holiday Cottages

Holiday cottages situated in the shadow of the abbey and the impressive…

Woodhouse Farm Caravan Park
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Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park

A family-owned holiday park set in 50 acres of farm and woodland within…

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Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall

Embark upon a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at…

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Ripon Courthouse Museum

Take an immersive glimpse into the past and explore the fascinating world…

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Events in Ripon

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Music for a Summer's Evening
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Music for a Summer's Evening - Holy Trinity Church

13 Jun 26

Join St Cecilia Orchestra at Holy Trinity Church for a beautiful programme…

Great Romantics
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Great Romantics - Ripon Cathedral

25 Apr 26

A programme of titanic proportions, bringing together three greats of the…

Raphael Wallfisch plays Bach
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Raphael Wallfisch plays Bach - Holy Trinity Church

8 Mar 26

One of the greatest cellists of our time plays Bachs cello suites 1, 3 4…

Hugh Cutting - Countertenor, Daniel Murphy - Lute. Heartstrings: Songs on the Experience of Love
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Hugh Cutting - Countertenor, Daniel Murphy -…

8 Feb 26

Counter tenor Hugh Cutting and lutenist Daniel Murphy celebrate the ways…

Festivals in Ripon

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Ripon Theatre Festival

1 Jul - 6 Jul 25

Five days of drama, street theatre, circus, dance, puppetry, storytelling…

Featured Stories & Inspiration about Ripon

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Find out about three new walks through the Skell Valley launching in May

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