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Find specific things to do in Ripon by clicking on the sections below...

Explore Ripon

Ripon, in Yorkshire, 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 back to the 7th century waiting to feed enquiring minds.

Ripon map 2024

With a thriving market place 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 Ripon is so loved. Amongst them are cafes and pubs, offering refreshment and home cooked food throughout the day.

This city’s history is entwined with the church, both due to the cathedral in the city centre and its proximity to the nearby Fountains Abbey.

Ripon also boasts an outstanding racecourse, a glorious stately home, a magnificent abbey and popular theme park. There are always great things to do.

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.

HARR Gallery Ripon Ripon Races lead rider

Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret

Ripon has 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 this city is bursting out to be enjoyed. A budding grass roots arts scene sees regular exhibitions throughout the year and musical events are a regular feature at the cathedral.

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 in the city 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.

Autumn flower show Ripon

What's on in Ripon

This busy little city boasts a varied and impressive events calendar with some big events you might expect, and few you won’t. The Ripon Theatre Festival in June brings street theatre, dance and family shows for four days of performances.

The annual St Wilfrid’s Procession sees a carnival atmosphere take to the streets comprising a range of floats travelling the streets with music and dancing providing fun for both young and old.

In September the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show takes place at the nearby historic house, Newby Hall.   

There are always great events for you to enjoy, browse below to see what is coming up.

Events in  Ripon

Botanical Illustrations...
22nd Oct 2024

Botanical Illustrations...

October Half-Term Fun -...
26th Oct 2024

October Half-Term Fun -...

Frightwater Valley
26th Oct 2024

Frightwater Valley

Fantastic Firework End of...
1st Nov 2024

Fantastic Firework End of...

Ripon Rowels Rotary Charity...
8th Nov 2024

Ripon Rowels Rotary Charity...

Seafood Night
15th Nov 2024

Seafood Night

Christmas Light Switch On
16th Nov 2024

Christmas Light Switch On

Ripon Cathedral Christmas...
22nd Nov 2024

Ripon Cathedral Christmas...

Little Bird Christmas Artisan...
24th Nov 2024

Little Bird Christmas Artisan...

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Blogs in  Ripon

Things to do this February...

Things to do this February...

10 Winter Walks around...
Heritage

10 Winter Walks around...

See the Harrogate area...

See the Harrogate area...

Remember, remember the 5th of...

Remember, remember the 5th of...

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Things To Do

Summer Pop-up parties are...

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Enjoy a long weekend fit for...

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Tempting ideas for Sunday...

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Places to Fall in Love with...

Half Term and Halloween Fun

Half Term and Halloween Fun

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Offers in  Ripon

25% off Ripon Museum Entry...
Things to do

25% off Ripon Museum Entry...

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