10 Things to do Good for Kids in Ripon That You Shouldn't Miss

We've loved having you back! Please note that you need to pre-book your ticket to visit at the moment via the website. Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site near Harrogate. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey in 1132, and the walls echo with centuries-old stories. Follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century. You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. Eat, shop, stay Restaurant serving select range of hot food. Picnics welcome but please leave BBQs at home. Large shop with gardening section. Stay at one of 14 holiday cottages, including a cosy waterside lodge and elegant apartment inside Jacobean Fountains Hall. No drones please. Bikes and scooters welcome for children under 5.

Located within a purpose built complex on our 175 acre site, you'll find our awe-inspiring Lightwater Valley Falconry, which is home to over 50 amazing raptors including Owls, Falcons, Eagles and Hawks. There are also Rheas, Snakes and our inquisitive Ferrets too!Established to raise awareness of a wide selection of breath-taking birds, this facility offers a truly unique experience. As well as having the opportunity to see how these amazing birds are trained and handled and to learn about every aspect of their daily lives, visitors have the chance to watch dramatic flying shows every day (during theme park opening hours). In fact, you could even volunteer to pull on a gauntlet and allow our trained raptors to land on your arm or have your photo taken with one of the magnificent creatures.Lightwater Valley Falconry is open all year round, and in addition to the main Bird of Prey Centre also offers a unique range of falconry attractions including Hawk Walks and Owl Experiences.

Ripon Museums host the trio of the Workhouse Museum, The Prison & Police Museums and Ripon's Courthouse Museum. These museums interpret the history of Law and order and Social Justice through the 18th Century and beyond in Ripon and Yorkshire. Discover how the poor were treated, what the inmates ate and the hard labour that the paupers and vagrants undertook during their stay at the Workhouse. Become a school pupil in a Victorian classroom See the Collection of Police memorabilia and Victorian punishments in the old Liberty Prison. The Courthouse museum is a fine example of a Georgian building with costumes and props associated with the Victorian legal profession. Family activities during holidays are a great way for the children to be engaged with the history of the buildings and the stories of the past. Suitable for school visits with a comprehensive learning programme offered to teachers, lecturers and adult group leaders alike. Annual passes available for repeat visits too!

Imagine over 1500m2 of giant trampolines, walkways, slides and tunnels all made from netting, suspended between trees up to 9m off the ground and set in beautiful oak woodland and you'll have the right idea. Treetop Nets is designed to offer an amazing and adventurous way for both children (3 years and up) and adults to play up high in the trees.

A fantastic family day out. Amazing Adventure Playground, Spectacular Gardens and Elegant Georgian House. Dollshouse Exhibition, Teddy Bear House, Sculpture park, Restaurant & Shop..the perfect place to meet up with friends and family

This idyllic rural waterway was once derelict, and nearly became a dumping ground for industrial waste. It was saved by the work of energetic local volunteers and campaigners and is now one of the country’s best canals for nature, and home to three Sites of Special Scientific Interest. We’re focusing on the upper reaches between Melbourne and Canal Head, which is not currently accessible by boat, but the towpath is open to walkers, and is a great place for spotting the wildlife and plants that thrive along the canal. The canal architecture also adds interest to the scenery, with distinctive swing bridges, classic hump-backed bridges and restored and unrestored locks. It’s a fantastic place to take the kids, have a picnic and travel west out of Melbourne on a trip boat to see the area from a totally different perspective.

Spa Gardens is a beautiful park right in the heart of Ripon with something for everyone. The gardens have been recognised for their high quality maintenance and facilities and have been awarded Green Flag status. Ripon's War Memorial has been named the Best War Memorial in the "town class" several times in the Yorkshire In Bloom awards.