You can’t fail to fall in love with the city of Ripon, it is a cultural, vibrant city with a cathedral at it’s core.
Ripon is one of England’s oldest cities, home to a majestic cathedral and the Hornblower who has blown his horn at 9pm every night for 1100 years to ‘set the watch’.
Georgian and medieval buildings surround the ancient market place including the grade II listed Town Hall in which can be found the newly opened Tourist Information Centre.
Ripon has a busy and very interesting market on Thursdays and the market place is ringed with independent shops selling local produce.
Enjoy its vibrant array of restaurants, cafes and pubs, meander round the ancient square or head down to the river to take in the tranquility of this small city.
Further afield, Ripon has lots more to offer, just to the west of the city lies Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens. The Abbey is another victim of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, and yet it retains a real majesty and ability to awe all who see it. It lies in beautiful grounds of the Studley Royal Water Gardens and it is not surprising that the site has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. It really is a “must-see”. How about a visit to the nearby theme park, Lightwater Valley – for kids of all ages. Ripon is the starting point for lots of excellent walks, including Brimham Rocks – where you can see some amazing shapes and, if you’re feeling particularly energetic, do a little climbing. A hop, skip and a jump takes you into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire Moors and coast, York, Leeds, Harrogate….. a wonderful area to explore.