Location: Ripon
Top Things to do in Ripon
Top 10 Free Things to do in Ripon, England
Ripon (/ˈrɪpən/) is a cathedral city in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is located at the confluence of two tributaries of the River Ure, the Laver and Skell. The city is noted for its main feature, Ripon Cathedral which is architecturally significant, as well as the Ripon Racecourse and other features such as its market. The city itself is just over 1,300 years old.
Restaurants in Ripon
1. The Ripon Hornblower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By JannyMay - Lancashire, United Kingdom
On a trip to Ripon a visit to see the hornblower is a must. At 9p.m for 365 days of the year for well over a thousand years, the hornblower has blown his horn in the market square to proclaim all is well. The hornblower then gives an interesting and informative talk about the history of this daily event and is happy to answer any questions. It takes approx. 30 minutes and is time well spent.
2. St Mary Magdalen's Chapel (Leper Chapel)
3. Ripon Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,662 reviews
Ripon Cathedral traces its history back to its foundation by St Wilfrid in 672AD. The Anglo-Saxon crypt of St Wilfrid's church remains and is open to visitors. Choral evensong takes place Tuesday to Friday at 6pm and Sundays at 3.30pm. Details of all services may be found on our website. We are open to visitors daily throughout the year and entry is free, though we rely on generous donations to continue this practice. Most of the building is wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Library and the Anglo-Saxon crypt. There is a touch-screen computer interpretation of the crypt at ground level for those unable to access it.
Reviewed By 466nickyl - Bury, United Kingdom
What a beautiful building this is in such a nice city, the best part is to visit the crypt - just amazing - lots of information available and a cute little gift shop too, worth the suggested £3 donation
4. Ripon Rowel Walk
5. One Eyed Rat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By holidaygal2014 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this traditional, “proper” pub. It is rare but great to find a pub that serves an extensive variety of real ales on tap AND great wine; so many get one right or the other, but not both. Husband had the Saltaire and I had the rose (fab). The atmosphere was welcoming with tables distanced enough for everyone to feel comfortable. There is a large outdoor covered area for those who prefer. I could easily have settled in for the night.... Go and enjoy The One Eyed Rat!
6. Druids Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Cugs22 - England, United Kingdom
A great place to spend an hour or so. Free entry, just £3 to park. It was a nice walk up to the stones along the edge of the line forest. Alternatively there were cycle tracks for bikes. The stones were intriguing and impressive. There were signs posted around saying no climbing on the stones but quite a few children were climbing all over the rocks (some of which were quite high), whilst their parents sat on the grass oblivious. If you continue along the path from the stones, you come to an absolutely breathtaking view. It was so quiet and peaceful. Well worth a visit.
7. Ripon Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
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.
Reviewed By tommyb079 - York, United Kingdom
The best of Ripon is along the canal, it’s nature, it’s unpolished waters edge, it’s bird life and wildlife within a short stroll of the cathedral truly is Ripon’s heart. Enjoy
8. Spa Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
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.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
As we live in nearby Knaresborough we visit Ripon quite often and, when we do, we always have a stroll round this lovely little park. And as town centre parks go, this one is certainly on the small side, which I actually like. The flower beds are currently in full bloom for the spring season and look absolutely lovely. The little cafe is open, albeit solely for takeaways at the moment, so it is very pleasant to get a hot drink and sit on one of the benches taking in the peaceful atmosphere and lovely view.
9. Hackfall Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By H8236HSpetert - Market Deeping, United Kingdom
This is a lovely place to walk in Autumn ,it goes down to the river- beautiful. You can obtain a map from the tourist information for four different routes. Follies within the woods
10. Ripon Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Important Notice: Ripon Visitor Information Centre reopens from 1 August. A new office layout and additional measures allows visitors to access all the information and help they need for their visit to Ripon.
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