River View Road | Ripon | North Yorkshire | HG4 1JJ
Ripon & Surroundings Area To See & Do
Discover Ripon
Just a 15 minute riverside or roadside stroll from Riverside Lodges is the delightful city of Ripon waiting for you to explore. Located between the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors it is the third smallest city in England and one of the oldest with a majestic 7 th century Cathedral dominating the skyline.Ripon Town Square
The Town Square remains the heart and soul of Ripon and still retains the ancient tradition of the Hornblower appearing, to sound the horn each evening. The square retains a Georgian look and feel, interesting features in the square include a 90ft obelisk built in 1903, a quaint little cabmen's shelter built in 1911 and four traditional red phone boxes. A market takes place Thursday & Saturdays.
The Hornblower
Each night at 9.00 pm the Town Square is the scene of an unbroken ceremony which dates back to 866. The Wakeman / Ripon Hornblower blows his horn at each corner of the Obelisk and gives an enjoyable interesting 20 minute talk on Ripon's history with a sprinkle of Yorkshire humour.Ripon Courthouse Museum
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The elegant Georgian Courthouse remains virtually unchanged since it was built. Visitors can discover sorry tales of defendants and their sentences including the often transportation to Australia. Experience what standing in the dock awaiting sentence may have felt like.
Prison & Police Museum
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The museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison which later became Ripon Police Station. The museum traces the history of policing and the harsh realities of the Victorian prison. Once inside you can see and sit in the cells, learn about the various punishments meted out to lawbreakers, see a variety of police memorabilia, enjoy interactive displays and watch a short video.
The Workhouse Museum
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The museum is set in an original Victorian workhouse and gives a fascinating if grim insight into what life was like for its former residents. Experience the Victorian Workhouse starting at the original gatehouse building, with the guardian's room, inmates bathing area, vagrants' cells and the receiving ward.
Ripon Cathedral
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A beautiful ancient church with a history dating back to the 7th Century. Dominating the skyline, this amazing building has inspired the likes of Lewis Carroll and Wilfrid Owen and continues to inspire and uplift visitors and worshippers alike.
Ripon Spa Gardens
Regular concerts take place on Sunday afternoons through Summer and Spring in the splendid Victorian bandstand. The war memorial at the entrance to Spa Gardens has been named the best war memorial in the Yorkshire in Bloom awards town class several times. Other attractions include crazy golf and bowls.Curzon Cinema Ripon
A two-screen cinema, a lovely intimate and modern venue showing the latest quality independent to mainstream films as well as live opera, ballet and theatre events.Ripon Racecourse
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Ripon Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue, with its outstanding back drop, an exciting atmosphere and some of the best horse racing talent in the country. It is very much an inclusive family racecourse and hosts an array of race days to suit all parties and ages. The Racecourse is proud to have retained their title of 'Best Small Racecourse in Northern England', as voted by the Racegoers Club.
Ripon City Golf Club
A beautiful golf course on the outskirts of Ripon set in peaceful rural surroundings with spectacular views across North Yorkshire. Suitable for golfers of all abilities. Warm and welcoming with excellent tuition. The club facilities include a driving range, pitching and practice green.Walks
Ripon Canal
Enjoy a short easy waterside stroll along Ripon Canal, there are narrow boats, locks and fishing platforms. The Ripon Rowel walk takes you on an extended tour of the countryside and villages surrounding the city.
Ripon & Studley Royal Circular walk from the centre of Ripon
Picturesque mix of woodland field and parkland.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Circular loop trail near Ripon
The route features the 18 th century gardens, large Cistercian ruins and an old mansion and church.
Hell Wath, Ripon
A local scenic nature reserve - ancient woodland, grassland and river habitats, neighbouring Whitcliffe Woods.
Gouthwaite Reservoir Circular, Nidderdale
The reservoir is also a nature reserve and the site of special scientific interest due to the vast range of wildlife that is supports - perfect for bird watching and admiring the views.
Around Ripon
Brimham Rocks
WEBSITESet high on the side of Nidderdale, 10 miles from Ripon discover and climb an astonishing collection of natural giant rock formations. Panoramic views and an amazing outdoor experience.
Brimham Rocks Adventure Farm
WEBSITEAn independent working Dales Beef and Sheep Farm set in the beautiful rolling hills of the dales. A fun family day out.
Newby Hall and Gardens
WEBSITEJust three miles from Ripon and hailed as one of England's finest houses with an exquisite collection of Chippendale furniture, Gobelins tapestries and classical statuary. The award winning 25-acre gardens boast one of Europe's longest double herbaceous borders and an enchanting woodland walk. Children can enjoy the adventure garden with a miniature railway, an island fort, boating and water play.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
WEBSITESet in the beautiful Skell valley and just 5 miles from Ripon Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal is a World Heritage Site and offers a great day out for everyone. The largest monastic ruins in the country with a serene impressive Georgian water garden.
Ripley Castle & Village
Situated 8 miles from Ripon, the picturesque Ripley Castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a classic pretty English village feel.
Forbidden Corner, Leyburn
Originally built as a folly, this family attraction is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises created within a 4 acre garden in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Will delight children of all ages and adults too.Hemsley
The picturesque market town described by some as the perfect market town is the gateway to the western side of the National Park with its stunning dales and moorland walks, surrounded by mile after mile of the beautiful North York Moors.Knaresborough
One of Yorkshire's most picturesque towns perched above a gorge through which the River Nidd flows. The imposing views from the castle of railway viaduct and river are stunning. Stairways and cobblestone alleys weave up from the riverside to the old town centre.
Stump Cross Caverns
WEBSITEExplore the natural wonders of the of Britain's premier show caves located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Their formation began around 300 million years ago, discovered by miners in 1860 whilst failing to find lead but instead discovered the ancient natural cave formation. An ideal activity whatever the weather.
Pateley Bridge
A small tranquil town with charm nestled in the Yorkshire Dales and just a 12-mile scenic drive from Ripon. The capital of Nidderdale awarded 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Meander up and down the steep picturesque High Street - shop, enjoy a café stop and perhaps be tempted to buy some confectionary from the oldest sweet shop in the world established in 1827.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park
WEBSITEFor thrill seekers and just a short drive from Ripon. As well as new pop up attractions, families can also enjoy more than 30 rides and experiences including the new Go Safari area and Treetop Trails.
Masham
Located in the breathtakingly beautiful region of Lower Wensleydale, Masham is famous for its family-run breweries, steam engines and annual sheep fair. Masham is the very essence of a Yorkshire Dales market town from the rich and gentle landscape that surrounds it to the busy Georgian market square lined with independent businesses.Bolton Abbey
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Set amongst 30,000 acres of countryside boasting over 80 miles of footpaths to walk and explore for all ages. Visit the Priory ruins and/or enjoy a riverside or woodland walk. Enjoy local produce in the excellent restaurants, tea rooms and cafes or simply relax beside the river with a picnic.
Wensleydale
The beautiful sweeping wide open valley of Wensleydale is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales with its majestic castles, picturesque villages. Hidden waterfalls include the famous Aysgarth Falls and Hardraw Force.
Harrogate
The elegant spa town of Harrogate, famous in the past for its mineral springs. Much of its Victorian architecture and Edwardian still remains intact, with fine mellow stonework, wide tree lined streets and colourful parks and extensive gardens. Modern day Harrogate is the ideal destination for relaxation and indulgence, synonymous with quality shopping, its cultural scene and afternoon tea. Attractions include the beautiful recently renovated Victorian Turkish Baths, fashionable boutiques, chain stores and numerous cafés, bars and eateries.
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
A Yorkshire institution, especially famous for its Fat Rascals. Betty's tearooms are only in this county and have a unique mix of continental classics and British favourites served in a relaxed quintessentially British setting.. In the shop you'll be spoilt for choice with over 300 breads, cakes and chocolates, as well as a large selection of different teas and coffees.
Harrogate Turkish Baths
The Baths evoke a time of opulence and grandeur and have long welcomed visitors from around the world including royalty. Harrogate Baths are one of Yorkshire's most overlooked but best attractions providing a relaxing sanctuary from the outside world. Spend time unwinding in the beautiful heat and steam rooms and feel the stresses and strains of life just melt away.
York
A vibrant compact cultural city with a Roman root and a Viking past. Ancient walls surround contemporary independent shops, world class museums, galleries, festivals and vibrant eateries. Other attractions - The Shambles, a narrow 14th century thoroughfare with its lovely overhanging timber framed buildings. 'York Chocolate Story,' 300 years of chocolate history and chocolate sampling, excellent reviews, booking recommended. Visit The National Railway Museum and uncover 300 years of railway history, climb aboard restored locomotives including The Mallard and discover how high-speed rail travel began, entrance is free.
Whitby
A welcoming seaside town on the Yorkshire East Coast, part fishing port and part seaside resort. The atmospheric 13th century medieval abbey towers over winding cobbled streets. Whitby has a great legacy steeped in history, culture and myth. Whitby Sands - A Blue Flag beach and picturesque stretch of caramel sand unfolding from the West Pier for two miles along the coast to the lovely little fishing village of Sandsend. Lined by grass-tufted cliffs and multi-coloured beach huts, it's the perfect spot for a windswept walk or an ice-cream lunch. Arrive in style with a trip down Whitby cliff lift opened in 1931.