Ripon is perfectly placed for easy access to a wealth of attractions and experiences so we can guarantee there’s something to delight everyone!

This city’s rich cultural 1300 year history is a natural draw for many visitors keen to experience the serenity and beauty of Ripon Cathedral – its tiny chapel is the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon crypt in England – and its surrounding narrow atmospheric streets.

This city’s rich cultural 1300 year history is a natural draw for many visitors keen to experience the serenity and beauty of Ripon Cathedral – its tiny chapel is the oldest surviving Anglo-Saxon crypt in England – and its surrounding narrow atmospheric streets.

The beautifully preserved and restored Yorkshire Law and Order Museums offer a unique insight into the workings of the Victorian court, prison and workhouse system – allowing a hands-on and sobering experience of what life was like for the many families unlucky enough to be touched by it.

For those who like a flutter – or just to experience the thrill of magnificent thoroughbreds competing to outpace each other – Ripon Racecourse (often known as the Garden Racecourse) is hugely popular with committed race-goers and occasional visitors alike.

For thrill-seekers, there is Lightwater Valley Theme Park just a short drive from the city.  Home to Europe’s longest rollercoaster – the Ultimate – as well as 40 other hair-raising rides, Lightwater Valley is guaranteed to delight the young and the young at heart in your family.

If you fancy a spot of retail therapy – the city offers a delightful range of independent shops a million miles away from the typical high street!

Perfect for browsing for an unusual gift for that special someone – and don’t forget that Lightwater Valley Shopping Village has an unparalleled range of fashion, soft furnishings, home décor, toys, cards, crafts, cookware and foodie treats.

Ripon boasts its own World Heritage Site in Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – a truly magnificent National Trust site comprising a 12thcentury Cistercian abbey within the extraordinary Georgian Water Garden of Studley Royal and Deer Park – be as stunned by the drama and surprises of the landscape as the first visitors were by John Aislabie’s meticulous 18th century design.

The landed gentry loved the beauty of North Yorkshire and many chose to build homes here, commissioning the finest designers and craftspeople of their day – visit Newby Hall and Gardens and Beningbrough Hall to experience the grandeur and beauty of how the other half lived!

And for those keen to get out and blow away the cobwebs – there is no shortage of stunning walks – from a gentle stroll to something altogether more challenging – pull on your boots and get inspired!

And after all this activity has worked up an appetite for lunch or dinner, we have plenty to tempt your taste buds, whether you fancy afternoon tea with light as air scones in a cosy tearoom or a hearty feast in one of our many wonderful pubs or restaurants.

There are so many great things to do in Ripon we know you will wish you were staying longer.