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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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Number of items: 20
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal water garden
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 Workhouse Museum
Type
Museum
Ripon
Follow the story of poverty, crime and punishment through our three museums. Desperation often led the poor to a life of petty crime, and the punishments were cruel and severe. Discover what life was like in the workhouse, prison and courthouse. Find out why people ended up here and what happened…
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…
Newby Hall & Gardens
Type
Historic House / Palace
Ripon
Newby Hall & Gardens is the the perfect spot for a day out that the whole family can enjoy.
We are now back open, but with a few changes to make your visit as safe as possible. You will now need to book online before your visit, please head to our website for booking information Beautiful,…
Price
Guide Price £35.00 Per person per day
Ripon Cathedral
Type
Cathedral / Minister
Ripon
Ripon Cathedral has a history stretching back almost 14 centuries as a place of worship and pilgrimage. Everyone is welcome to come and explore this amazing building and entrance is free.
The cathedral has offered an unbroken tradition of witness to the Christian faith, both in the City of…
Ripon Leisure Centre & Gym
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Ripon
Ripon leisure centre can be found on the south side of Ripon, a brisk 15 minute walk or short car journey from the market place.
UPDATE: Ripon Leisure Centre is now closed until further notice, for more information and updates please our website.
Open to the general public we have a…
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…
Price
Guide Price from £3.00 to £5.00 Per person per dayHackfall 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…
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Type
Theme Park
Ripon
With over 30 rides and attractions, Lightwater Valley in Ripon, North Yorkshire, is bursting with fun and adventures for the family to enjoy!
Younger families will love the wet 'n' wild fun on the Wild River Rapids, and swashbuckling adventures aboard speedy Skull Rock and the tummy-tickling…
Ripon Spa Gardens
Type
Open Spaces
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 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…
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.
UPDATE: The market remains open with only food stalls and those selling essential goods. Stalls are spaced apart and stewards will be assisting shoppers to buy goods…
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…
Ripon Tourist Information Centre
Type
Tourist Information Point
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.
Update: Ripon Visitor Information Centre is…
Ripon Prison and Police Museum
Type
Museum
Ripon
Follow the story of poverty, crime and punishment through the three Ripon Museums.
The museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison which became Ripon Police Station.
Enter the grim prison with whitewashed cells and barred windows. On the ground floor is a history of policing in…
Ripon Spa Baths
Type
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Ripon
Situated to the west of the Market City of Ripon, The Spa baths are a short 5 minute walk from the city’s market place situated on the edge of the spa gardens. The Baths are accessible by car put parking is limited.
Important Notice: Ripon Spa Baths closed until further notice – please see our…
Ripon City Wetlands Nature Reserve
Type
Open Spaces
Ripon
The Ripon City Wetlands, just south of Ripon is a ‘must visit’ site for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet respite from day-to-day worries. The Ripon City Wetlands reserve has given an abundance of new life to the site of a disused quarry on the outskirts of the city. Since its creation, the…
Ripon Walled Garden
Type
Open Spaces
Once part of the Bishop’s Palace, Ripon Walled Garden is now part of the Ripon Community Link Charity. This wonderful, peaceful site was once a working kitchen garden and has been used and developed by the Charity since 1995 working with adults and young people with learning disabilities.
The…
The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
Type
Garden
Ripon
Set in the beautiful countryside between Masham and Ripon, Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is home to over 90 striking contemporary sculptures, situated within 45 acres of stunning woodland and gardens. The microclimate of the valley makes it fertile ground for the rare blue poppy, alongside…
Ripon Courthouse Museum
Type
Museum
Ripon
Follow the story of poverty, crime and punishment through the three Ripon Museums.
The Liberty Courthouse remains virtually unchanged since it was built in 1830. Explore the Jury Room with its ceremonial pair of halberds and library of 18th and 19th century manuals, and the Retiring Room which…
