Ripon
Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret
- Places
- Ripon
Ripon is a cathedral city steeped in history and home to magnificent historical buildings and long-observed traditions. You will find a trio of award-winning museums and a gothic cathedral that dates to the 7th century waiting to be explore by history enthusiasts.
With a thriving marketplace and a magnificent cathedral, this busy little city will earn a place in any visitor’s heart. Reaching out from the market square are small streets and snickets that are home to the eclectic and specialist shops for which the city is so loved. Amongst these are cafés and pubs, offering refreshment and home cooked food throughout the day.
The growth of the city through trade and manufacturing led to the building of a canal to link it to the navigable parts of the River Ure. Today this makes Ripon a delightful city to explore, with riverside and canal side walks that reach into the countryside and buildings that span the last thousand years.
Yorkshire’s Big Little Secret
The city has long been thought of as one of the major inspirations for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The author spent a great deal of time with family exploring the animal carvings in the cathedral. It is quite likely that the gypsum sinkholes found in the surrounding countryside were the inspiration for the beginning of Alice’s mysterious journey.
The city’s history is entwined with the Church, both due to the cathedral in the city centre and its proximity to nearby Fountains Abbey.
Ripon also boasts an outstanding racecourse and a glorious stately home so there are always great things to do and explore.
With a curious collection of events that always delight visitors, from the nightly setting of the watch by the Hornblower, to the annual Boxing Day pilgrimage, the character of Ripon is bursting out to be enjoyed.
Explore more from in and around Ripon
Get more from your visit to this historic cathedral city, discover its secrets and delve into its medieval streets.
Discover Ripon on our map
Businesses in Ripon
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Holiday Cottages
Experience Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site like… Experience Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal World Heritage Site like never before. Discover the stories of the estate, the spirit of the abbey and…
Three Graces Spa
Three Graces Spa and ELITE Luxury Gym and Executive Wellness at Grantley… Three Graces Spa and ELITE Luxury Gym and Executive Wellness at Grantley Hall offer an award-winning combination of spa and wellness facilities…
Grantley Hall Hotel
Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel nestled on the edge of the… Grantley Hall is a luxury five-star hotel nestled on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is located only four miles from Ripon and set…
Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all… Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all the way back to the 7th century.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest… The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, sit alongside a Georgian water garden that…
Bar & Restaurant EightyEight offers a unique fusion of Yorkshire produce… Bar & Restaurant EightyEight offers a unique fusion of Yorkshire produce and far Eastern flavours. Design-led décor is set against the stunning…
The Ripon Workhouse & Gardens in the centre of Ripon weave together… The Ripon Workhouse & Gardens in the centre of Ripon weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and the natural…
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall
Embark upon a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at… Embark upon a culinary journey at the Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall. This exceptional restaurant showcases locally grown and sourced…
Events in Ripon
Start Date
End Date
Brilliant mix of English tradition and American music from the virtuoso… Brilliant mix of English tradition and American music from the virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist and singer, a former BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the…
Experience the ultimate tribute to Meat Loaf with Peter Young's "All… Experience the ultimate tribute to Meat Loaf with Peter Young's "All Revved Up."Performing since 2007, Peter has captivated audiences with his…
A blend of elegant, rhythmic and virtuoso playing and easygoing folk club… A blend of elegant, rhythmic and virtuoso playing and easygoing folk club banter. A quiet triumph - The GuardianThese festive concerts are a…
We are delighted to welcome The NE Street Band for their debut appearance… We are delighted to welcome The NE Street Band for their debut appearance at the Town Hall. This six-piece band are the North East's only dedicated…
Festivals in Ripon
Five days of drama, street theatre, circus, dance, puppetry, storytelling… Five days of drama, street theatre, circus, dance, puppetry, storytelling and more. Events and activities for all ages, both indoors and open-air.…
Trending Now
