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.
Your day out in Ripon

Ripon Workhouse & Garden Museum
Follow the story of poverty, crime and punishment through our three museums. Desperation often led the poor to a...

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
Surrounded by beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this World Heritage Site has a lot to offer for a thoroughly enjoyable...

Lightwater Valley Theme Park
With over 30 rides and attractions, Lightwater Valley in Ripon, North Yorkshire, is bursting with fun and adventures for...

Newby Hall & Gardens
Newby Hall & Gardens is the the perfect spot for a day out that the whole family can enjoy...

Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral is marking an incredible milestone, celebrating 1350 years since its consecration by St Wilfrid in 672AD. Remarkably...

Ripon Racecourse
Horse racing in Ripon, North Yorkshire takes place at what is affectionately termed Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse - Ripon Racecourse...
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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.
Get the most from your visit to Ripon

Ripon Walled Garden

The Himalayan Garden &...

Ripon Spa Gardens

Markenfield Hall

Ripon & Fountains Abbey Walk

Ripon City Wetlands Nature...
Ripon Courthouse Museum
Ripon Prison and Police Museum

Ripon Rowel Walk
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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.
Events in Ripon

Jubilee Celebrations in Ripon

Tractor Fest, at Newby Hall

Summer Concert - An Evening...

Ripon Theatre Festival

On this Island

Heading into Space

Crusoe's Island

Vision, Perseverance & Good...

The Sleep Pirates
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Blogs in Ripon

Rain or shine…

Giant Snow Globe Brings...

Christmas Shopping, Markets...

District of illuminations

Picture perfect Fountains...

Harrogate shopping just won't...

All the Fun of the Fair at...

A weekend of Gardens in and...

A New Way to Launch an...
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