Ripon
Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret
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- Ripon
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.
Get more from your visit to this historic cathedral city, discover its secrets and delve into its medieval streets.
Discover Ripon on our map
Businesses in Ripon
Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all… Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all the way back to the 7th century.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Holiday Cottages
Holiday cottages situated in the shadow of the abbey and the impressive… Holiday cottages situated in the shadow of the abbey and the impressive Choristers’ House in the depths of the deer park.
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.
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…
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…
Newby Hall & Gardens
Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture,… Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of Chippendale furniture, Gobelins tapestries and classical statuary. Take a tour around the house and…
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,…
The Ripon Inn
Sitting in six acres of secluded gardens, it is the perfect place to sit… Sitting in six acres of secluded gardens, it is the perfect place to sit back and unwind or to call into whilst out and about this historic part of…
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Events in Ripon
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Victorians loved to come up with their own stories, often using picture… Victorians loved to come up with their own stories, often using picture cards to craft their own tales. Use our set of Halloween-themed cards to…
Did you know, witchcraft used to be a crime in Britain? You could be… Did you know, witchcraft used to be a crime in Britain? You could be burned at the stake if someone thought you were a witch! Fortunately, by…
Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... The Georgians and… Frankenstein, Dracula, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde... The Georgians and Victorians loved spooky stories, especially ones with mysteries! A crime has been…
Fall into a good story with crunchy leaves, cosy tales and a sprinkle of… Fall into a good story with crunchy leaves, cosy tales and a sprinkle of seasonal magic.
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
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