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.

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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

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…

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Three Graces Spa

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

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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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Grantley Hall Hotel

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

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Newby Hall & Gardens

Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture,…

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Swinton Cottages

Our beautiful catering cottages are ideal for bringing together family or…

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The Ripon Inn

Sitting in six acres of secluded gardens, it is the perfect place to sit…

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Events in Ripon

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Spooky Story Cards
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Spooky Story Cards - The Workhouse Museum

25 Oct - 2 Nov 25

Victorians loved to come up with their own stories, often using picture…

Craft Your Own Spooky Witch
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Craft Your Own Spooky Witch - The Prison And…

25 Oct - 2 Nov 25

Did you know, witchcraft used to be a crime in Britain? You could be…

Whodunnit?
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Whodunnit? - Courthouse Museum

25 Oct - 2 Nov 25

Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... The Georgians and…

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Autumnal Storytime - The Workhouse Museum

27 Oct 25

Fall into a good story with crunchy leaves, cosy tales and a sprinkle of…

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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