Emily Cunningham
13 August 2024
As the smallest city in Yorkshire, with a population of just 16,000, Ripon may be petite but it’s perfectly formed. The medieval cobbled streets radiating out from the bustling market square are packed with hidden treasures and the magnificent 7th-century Ripon Cathedral is unmissable, inspiring artists and writers throughout the centuries.
In a place steeped in history, you can easily immerse yourself in the past at the museums and stately homes. You’ll discover the ancient traditions still continuing to this day and explore the exquisite landscapes in the beautiful waterways and gardens – either strolling around or whizzing past on your bike!
There’s such a variety of things to do in and around Ripon that it’s well worth staying a while and enjoying all that this lovely little city has to offer. Take a look at the range of Ripon holiday cottages and start planning your next Yorkshire getaway.
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Where is Ripon?
Ripon is in the heart of North Yorkshire on the edge of Nidderdale National Landscape and is easily accessible by car via the A1(M). The number 36 bus links Ripon with Harrogate and Leeds - Pateley Bridge and Masham are also within easy reach of the cathedral city. The nearest train stations to Ripon are Harrogate (11 miles), Thirsk (11 miles) or York (27 miles).
Ripon shops
A far cry from the ubiquitous chain stores you would expect to find in many cities, the medieval streets of Ripon are lined with a tempting array of independent shops to pique your interest. Pop into The Little Ripon Bookshop for a literary feast or The Greenhouse for quirky, planet-friendly gifts and homeware.
You can also pre-order bread and pastries here from the Harrogate-based artisan bakery Bakeri Baltzersen. The anglers among you are sure to love AM Fly Tying, with everything from feathers to jungle cock capes - you can find out the best local spots for flyfishing, daily membership is £6.
After hitting the shops it’s worth sticking around for the Ripon Hornblower, where you can witness the nightly 9pm horn recital at the Market Square obelisk. The horn’s blast signals the beginning of the night watch to guard against marauding Vikings.
Don’t miss
- Market day which takes place each Thursday from 7.30am to 3pm – you’ll find hundreds of stalls selling handmade gifts, superb fresh produce and locally reared meat
- Browsing the small, independent shops at Duck Hill Shopping Quarter which is tucked between the Market Square and Ripon Cathedral
- Picking up a tasty joint for your evening meal at Farmison & Co - a supplier of Harrods
Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral stands proudly on Minster Road, its grounds creating a beautiful green space in the centre of the city. Free to enter, bathe in the cathedral’s timeless beauty from the ancient Anglo-Saxon Crypt dating from 672AD to the modern tapestries and sculptures.
The stunning Great East Window has stained glass forming a narrative through the centuries while the pew cushions depicting Ripon’s history were painstakingly created with more than five million stitches. Harold Gosney’s three sculptures of Jesus and Mary are incredibly moving and while modern, fit in with the Gothic surroundings superbly. There are regular tours throughout the day but you can also explore the cathedral by yourself.
Don’t miss
- The carved misericord (or folding seat) that is supposed to have inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
- The Wilfred Owen tribute – this First World War poet spend his last summer in Ripon and worked on many of his finest poems here
- If you’re lucky enough to be in Ripon on the first Saturday each August, you can watch St Wilfred’s Procession, a carnival celebrating the saint whose shrine is in Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Workhouse Museum
Image credit: Ripon Workhouse Museum
This magnificent red-brick building with proud façade is reason enough to visit Ripon Workhouse Museum but once inside you take an eye-opening trip to the time before the welfare state was established, and what you were faced with if you became destitute. The interior has been made deliberately grim to show the inmate’s journey through the system, from admittance to the humiliating fumigation and washing to the allocation of duties.
Some were set breaking stones to mend roads while others had to chop wood or do laundry. After the introduction of the welfare state in the 1940s the building was renovated with bowls of flowers and chintz fabric to disguise the original bleak interior.
Don’t miss
- The Workhouse Garden, originally tended by the inmates to grow vegetables used for meals - the Victorian horticultural techniques are still being employed today
- The Census records that show previous occupations of the inmates, including a wheelwright, a gentleman’s servant and a farmer - the youngest inmate was just two weeks’ old
- The second block to accommodate ‘vagrants’, also known as ‘casuals’, who were allowed to stay for two nights in return for labour - look out for the ‘Female Tramps’ Privy’ sign - one for the album
Lightwater Valley
Image credit: Lightwater Valley
A recent major rebrand has freshened up this fun-filled adventure park just outside Ripon, with a new mascot and logo. Aimed at all the family, there’s a great variety of activities to try at Lightwater Valley. The 40 rides will keep everyone happy for the whole day. The Rocket Rollercoaster and Eagle’s Claw is perfect for older adrenalin junkies while the Splash Falls and Dragon Drop will send stomachs somersaulting. Kids can burn off their energy at the adventure playground and enormous inflatable pillow.
There’s also meet and greet opportunities with younger kids’ favourite characters including Peppa Pig and George and Bluey. When hunger pangs begin, you can call by Luigi’s for some filling pizza and pasta or the Big Fish Trading Company for an excellent portion of fish and chips.
Don’t miss
- The swan boats that glide around the beautiful lake - this is the perfect opportunity to take a breather from all the excitement
- The Lightwater Express Train that travels around the whole park - ideal to move between attractions and to get the lie of the land
- The retro attractions that older visitors will enjoy, including a hall of mirrors and brightly painted carousel
Ripon Races
Image credit: Louise Pollard
Horseracing is in Ripon’s blood - it has been a racing city for 400 years and the current site at Boroughbridge Road has hosted race days for over 120 years. As well as an exhilarating spectator sport, it’s also a visual treat because of the glorious surrounding countryside and abundance of floral arrangements. It’s no surprise it’s earnt the nickname ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’.
Of course, you’ll fancy a flutter at Ripon Races but if you’re not sure how to go about it, there are easy instructions on the types of bet and different bookmakers on the course here. Wondering whether it’s a family day out? Children are actively encouraged here – it’s free entry for them and while they’ll be impressed by the beautiful thoroughbreds, if their attention starts to wander there’s an adventure playground and bouncy castle for them to enjoy. Not just sugar lumps for the horses, sweet treats are also on offer at Charlotte’s Ice Creams and a traditional sweetshop.
Don’t miss
- The chance to bring a picnic in the paddock and course enclosure – or choose from tasty home-cooked meals in the Fountain Café or a more formal lunch at the Club Dining Room
- The free shuttle bus, which will take you to the racecourse from the centre of Ripon and makes sense if you want to celebrate a win with a tipple
- Ripon City Wetlands, which is right next door to the racecourse and offers some peace and tranquillity after all those thundering hooves - check the website for parking information on race days
Newby Hall
On the cusp of the 18th century, Newby Hall was built with the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren (reputedly) and you can see the influence in this magnificent mansion. It’s no surprise to learn that it’s featured in many period dramas including the film adaptation of Mansfield Park. The whole house is crammed with exquisite original furniture and paintings – be sure to visit the Tapestry Room with its enormous wall hangings and Chippendale sofas.
The miniature Newby Hall Railway is a charming way to view the gardens – it runs alongside the River Ure in a 15-minute loop (tickets cost £3). You can also take a half-hour boat trip from Newby Hall to provide another perspective of this spectacular residence (£5 for adults, £3 for children).
Don’t miss
- The incredible Circular Room with its decorated walls and ceiling
- The Teddy Bear House, containing hundreds of teddies donated by Gyles Brandreth – bring your own to take a selfie with them or have a teddy bears’ picnic
- Christ The Consoler Church, built in the grounds in memory of the son of one of the owners
Ripon cycling
What better way to explore Ripon and the surrounding area than by bike? There are plenty of family-friendly routes as well as more demanding trails for the experienced cyclist. A lovely 12.5-mile route that takes in Fountains Abbey is the Ripon and Markington loop which has stunning views across the valley.
Another circular cycle of a similar length is the Boroughbridge Canal Loop. The Ripon Canal forms a beautiful green corridor through Ripon with moored narrowboats. The canal basin is overlooked by restored historic buildings and warehouses and gives a glimpse of days gone by when industry was reliant on this waterway. From the canal terminus in Ripon it’s a scenic 2.5 miles until the canal meets the River Ure and then later the River Swale until it finally reaches the Yorkshire Ouse.
Don’t miss
- Boroughbridge Weir, where, if you stop and park your bike to look over the bridge, you may spot river lamprey, a very rare fish that spawns here
- Moonglu – a fantastic independent bike shop in the heart of Ripon - the owner also runs the local cycling club so will be happy to advise on routes
- A simple route that is easy for little legs is the 0.5-mile ride around the perimeter of Whitcliffe Wood Nature Reserve, just outside Ripon
Ripon walks
With its scenic spot on the edge of Nidderdale National Landscape, close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll find plenty of walking routes to try during a getaway to Ripon. Follow the towpath along the Ripon Canal if you fancy a gentle stroll that’s suitable for all ages and abilities – the River Ure also runs through Ripon so there is lots of opportunity for a waterside walk.
The rolling hills of nearby Nidderdale are bursting with opportunities for a countryside hike with the 53-mile-long Nidderdale Way running through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Highlights of the area include Brimham Rocks, you can take a circular walk around the fascinating rock formations, and Hackfall Woods where you’ll come across grottos, glades and wonderful wildlife as you follow walking trails that range from 1 to 8 miles.
Don’t miss:
- Discover more about the history of Ripon by following The Sanctuary Way waymarked trail around the ancient city boundaries – there are 3 versions of the route available which range from 4 to 10 miles
- The walk from Ripon to Fountains Abbey which is 8 miles in total and takes you through Studley Royal Deer Park with wonderful views of the water garden and Ripon Cathedral
- Take in Ripon’s highlights including the cathedral and workhouse museum on a 1.5-mile ramble around the city which follows a section of the River Ure.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
You’ve got to tick off at least one World Heritage Site per holiday, so why not make it the stunning Fountains Abbey and Water Garden? Just 3 miles outside Ripon near the village of Alfield - when it was founded in 1132, the existence of six fresh-water springs at the site led the monks to give it the name ‘Fountains’.
It bore the ravages of nearly 900 years of wars, plus the Reformation, extremely well and has come out the other side as one of England’s best-preserved ruined monasteries. The incredible vaulted ceilings and imposing tower are wonderful to explore before you head to the neighbouring 18th-century water garden. This was created incorporating the romantic ruins as a backdrop, and as you wander around the mirror-like ponds, cascades and waterways, you’ll be transported back in time. Four-legged friends are welcome throughout the grounds and gardens making a day out here a great dog-friendly thing to do in Ripon.
Don’t miss
- The High Ride path – find it through the spooky Serpentine Tunnel
- Meandering along the riverside walk to the deer park where you can spot red, fallow and sika deer grazing in the shade of ancient trees
- Bringing your pooch – they’re welcome in all outside spaces around the Abbey and Water Garden.
Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
Image credit: Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
Nearly 30 years ago the new owners recognised the potential to turn this wooded valley into a Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park as its topography echoes that of the famous mountain range. The steeply banking slopes, carved out by streams and lakes, provide the perfect backdrop for a spectacular display of trees and shrubs, including the north’s largest collection of rhododendrons.
The 90 contemporary sculptures have been positioned sympathetically in the landscape. Be sure to enjoy the floating magnolia sculpture in Sunset Lake that gently laps by the waterside pagoda.
Dogs (on leads) will welcome a glorious ramble around this natural beauty, where global dwellings include a Himalayan Shelter with an original carved panel from Himachal Pradesh and a Norse hut built by a local carpenter using timber from the park’s wood. Children will love to play in the thatched summerhouse topped with a bronze weathervane.
Don’t miss
- The beautiful and rare Himalayan Blue Poppy (meconopsis) if you’re visiting in late spring
- The nursery at Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park (which is open from April to the end of June) where you can buy the plants you’ve admired
- The arboretum with 300 different trees including the cigar tree, paper mulberry and bean tree - look out for an oak descended from 1,000-year-old King Alfred’s Oak at Blenheim Palace
Ripon parking
There’s a good choice of car parks in Ripon, depending on how long you’re visiting the city centre for. For a quick nip into Ripon, there’s the centrally located Market Place Car Park, with a maximum stay of one hour for £1.20. Close nearby is Marshall Way Car Park, with a maximum stay of three hours for £1.70. To stay all day, park at the Cathedral Car Park or the neighbouring car park, St Marygate, for £2.40 (all correct at time of writing, please double-check prices on the Government website).
Map of things to do in Ripon
Find all the best things to do in Ripon on this handy map.
Places to stay in Ripon
With all these fabulous places to discover, you just need a base to explore them from. Luckily, we’ve got that sorted - choose from some of the best holiday lets around Ripon. There’s everything from family-friendly barn conversions to adorable cottages for a cosy couples’ break. Many Ripon holiday cottages are dog-friendly too so there’s no need to leave four-legged friends behind.
Browse our full range of Ripon cottages to find your perfect base for exploring Nidderdale and North Yorkshire.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.