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 & 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.
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.
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…
Ripon Workhouse & Garden Museum
Weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and… Weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and the natural beauty of its gardens.
Ripon Courthouse Museum
Take an immersive glimpse into the past and explore the fascinating world… Take an immersive glimpse into the past and explore the fascinating world of Victorian justice.
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…
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Events in Ripon
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Have fun discovering the surprising city of Ripon with two self-guided,… Have fun discovering the surprising city of Ripon with two self-guided, quirky, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt. Buy in booklet or…
Step into the festive delights of this Christmas season at Ripon Christmas… Step into the festive delights of this Christmas season at Ripon Christmas Market. As you take a stroll around Ripon taking the sights of the…
If you're looking for a romantic candlelit experience, want to enjoy some… If you're looking for a romantic candlelit experience, want to enjoy some classical music greats then this is the concert for you!London Concertante…
Celebrate the festive season with Christmas carols and a delightful… Celebrate the festive season with Christmas carols and a delightful afternoon tea at Grantley Hall. Arrive at 14:00 to a welcoming glass of Champagne…
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
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.
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, held in the central market square, is a vibrant display of… Ripon’s market, held in the central market square, is a vibrant display of local character. It features a wide range of goods, from fresh fruit and…
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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