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Things To Do Around Ripon
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.
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 12th Century 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 have always 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.
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Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Type
Abbey / Priory
Ripon
Surrounded by beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, this World Heritage Site has a lot to offer for a thoroughly enjoyable day out.
The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, sit alongside a Georgian water garden that is sure to...
Ripon Law and Order Museums
Type
Museum
Ripon
Three Museums, one great day out - The three museums of Ripon follow a common theme of law and order and are based in the original workhouse, prison and courthouse buildings. These are all within walking distance around Ripon’s city centre.
Workhouse Museum
Expanding for 2018 – we are...
Newby Hall & Gardens
Type
Historic House / Palace
Ripon
Newby Hall, the family home of Mr & Mrs Richard Compton, is one of England's finest houses, an exceptional example of 18th century interior decoration.
Built in the 1690s in the style of Sir Christopher Wren the house was later enlarged and adapted by John Carr and subsequently Robert Adam....
Ripon Racecourse
Type
Racecourse
Ripon
Horse racing in Ripon, North Yorkshire takes place at what is affectionately termed Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse - Ripon Racecourse.
As you can imagine, Ripon Racecourse is in a beautiful spot, in a diminutive market town whose medieval cathedral makes it one of the oldest cities in England...
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Type
Theme Park
Ripon
Escape to Lightwater Valley in the heart of North Yorkshire, UK and discover an exciting day out for the whole family.
With over 35 rides and attractions for thrill seekers of all ages, the North Yorkshire attraction is full of fun adventures for the whole family.
The Ultimate is...
Fountains Abbey to Markenfield Hall
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
Discover the countryside between two of the most important medieval buildings in the area. Once, their lands adjoined, but in the disruption after the dissolution of the monastaries both estates saw then end of their hayday and much of their land.
This 6.5 mile circular walk gives an...
Ripon Market
Type
Market
Ripon
Ripon Market takes place every thursday in the city's beautiful marketplace, with stalls opening from about 9am through to 4pm.
The market features fruit and vegetable stalls, cheeses, sweets, baking products, fresh fish, pet products, clothing, fresh flowers, plants and much more.
Ripon...
Hackfall Woods
Type
Forest
Masham
Hackfall is a stunning woodland site near Masham, with lakes, waterfalls, follies and an intricate network of paths to explore stretching along the banks of the River Ure.
There is something about the wild splendour of Hackfall Woods that simply inspires creativity.
Nineteenth century writers...
Ripon Tourist Information Centre
Ripon
Get the inside track on this miniature city by visiting Ripon Tourist Information Centre. Located in the Georgian splendour of Ripon's impressive town hall building, the office directly overlooks the hustle and bustle of the ancient market place.
Pick up a copy of Ripon Revealed for a journey of...
Oliver's Pantry
Type
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Ripon
We are a quirky coffee bar that makes you the kind of food you just have to eat……………..!
Fresh, wholesome, naughty, uplifting sweet and savoury treats you cannot resist. Food that makes you grin and want more.
You will feel a warm welcome from the moment you walk through our door…. like sitting...
Markenfield Hall
Type
Historic House / Palace
Ripon
Markenfield Hall – tucked privately away along a mile-long winding drive, just three miles south of Ripon, has been described as Yorkshire’s best-kept secret. Not visible from the road, a glimpse of the imposing east wall cannot be seen until visitors reach the old Mediaeval road near to the top of...
Ripon Cathedral
Type
Cathedral / Minister
Ripon
Ripon Cathedral has a history stretching back almost fourteen centuries.
Throughout this time it has offered an unbroken tradition of witness to the Christian faith, both in the City of Ripon and across North Yorkshire as well acting as an iconic centre of the city itself.
The first stone church...
Ripon Spa Gardens
Type
Garden
Ripon
This beautiful floral park in the heart of Ripon offers space for walking, play and taking a few minutes to enjoy the day. As well as floral beds and borders, the park provides a habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife, pieces of woodcarving commemorating the part Ripon played in Lewis...
Ripon Leisure Centre & Gym
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Ripon
Ripon Leisure Centre offers a range of activities to the community and visitors to the area, including:
Ripon International Festival events
Sports Coaching
Gymnastics Coaching
Brimhams Fitness
Fitness Classes
General Sports
Private...
Ripon & Fountains Abbey Walk
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
This walk allows visitors to reach Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden and Studley Royal Deer Park via footpaths, roadways, bridleways from the centre of historic Ripon. It includes the popular Valleu of the Seven Birdges.
Allow more time than recommended if you would like to enter the...
Ripon Spa Baths
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Ripon
Welcome to Ripon Spa Bath.
The foundation stone at Ripon Spa Baths was first laid on 15 July 1904 and was officially opened by Princess Henry of Battenburg on 24 October 1905 as a Spa.
The main pool hall was later added in 1936 following demand from the local community.
To this day the Ripon...
Fountains Abbey ancient trees walk
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
On this circular walk you'll learn a little more about the ancient trees in the Deer Park and gain insights into 18th-century landscaping. There are three types of deer in the park: sika, fallow and red. Can you spot the difference? Please keep your distance though, so as not to disturb them.
National Trust Long Dales Route
Type
Cycle Route
Ripon
This is a challenging route for committed, fit bike riders that takes in some of Yorkshire's most amazing scenery. Starting from the National Trust Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal World Heritage Site (toilets, refreshments) the route heads through the historic deer park and then country lanes...
Boots, gaiters and vistas walk at Fountains Abbey
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
This route will take you around the boundary of the estate with fantastic views of the Abbey to enjoy. After taking in the sights of the deer park, walk through the 18th-century water garden and past the Abbey.
Ripon Rowels Walk
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
This route around the City of Ripon roves far and wide, taking in historic monuments and follies, the rolling hills and valleys of Mashamshire and the long gentle banks of the River Ure. Over its impressive 49 miles the Ripon Rowels walk will show you the true beauty of the area around Masham and...
The Seven Bridges Valley walk
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
The Seven Bridges Valley walk is something to truly experience!
Take this circular walk to see a more rustic and beautiful side of the estate.
Starting at the Lake outfall, this walk follows the meandering Skell river along the steep-sided valley via a series of delightful arched bridges, of...
The Aislabie Walk
Type
Walking Route
Ripon
During the mid 18th century, William Aislabie established a circuit between his estates as Studley Royal and Hackfall with carriageways, bridges and vista forming a private route for his family. The Aislabies created a vast ‘picturesque landscape’ that included Studley Royal, Laver Banks and...
Ripon City Golf Club
Type
Golf Course
Ripon
Ripon City GC celebrated its centenary in 2008. Proud of its heritage, it now offers one of the most improved courses in the north of England.
Members and Visitors always receive a warm welcome at Ripon.
Located on the northern edge of the ancient Cathedral city, beautiful and peaceful...
A walk through the centuries
Ripon
You'll experience time travel as you walk through the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Estate, exploring the significant stages in the estate's history from 1132 to 1987. This is not a circular walk; to discover all the significant landscape additions you may need to double back on yourself a couple...
Lockwoods
Type
Restaurant
Ripon
Lockwoods is a relaxed family run restaurant and the perfect place to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in the heart of Ripon. We’re about classic, seasonal cooking and our modern European menu focuses on flavour not geography, but always with a strong nod to our Yorkshire roots and supporting local...
Ripon Walled Garden
Type
Garden
Ripon Walled Garden is a Community Link Project based in part of what was once the Bishop's Palace Garden.
The Walled Garden started life promoting community participation and enabling the disadvantages to achieve an active and healthy life. Through years of success the gardens now include a...
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