Summary of Attractions in Ripon
Dating back more than 1,300 years, Ripon asserts itself as England’s oldest city.
Regardless of its veracity, the city’s historical significance is undeniable.
Ripon Cathedral stands as an Early English masterpiece, housing the remnants of a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon basilica within its crypt.
Located three miles outside the city, Fountains Abbey represents the largest monastic ruin in the country.
This abbey, along with the stunning Studley Royal Park, which emerged following the abbey’s dissolution, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Every evening in Ripon’s Market Place, the city’s hornblower performs his duty in a tradition that dates back to 886.
Let’s examine the notable attractions in Ripon:
1. Fountains Abbey
As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fountains Abbey is recognized as England’s best-preserved Cistercian monastery.
Since the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in the 16th century, the abbey has existed as a ruin. However, centuries of decay have not lessened its grandeur.
Initially constructed in 1132, Fountains Abbey rose to prominence as one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country, benefiting from lead mining, stone quarrying, livestock farming, and wool production.
Covering 70 acres, visitors can learn about its history at the exhibition in the Porter’s Lodge, located within the original gatehouse.
Among the ruins are significant remnants of the abbey church and cloisters, as well as what was once one of the largest abbot’s houses in England.
Notably, the great hall measured more than 50 meters in length.
2. Studley Royal Park
Allocate sufficient time to explore this expansive 800-acre World Heritage Site.
In addition to the abbey, the notable Studley Royal Water Garden is a key feature here.
This water garden was part of the grounds surrounding the now-demolished Studley Royal House, which was destroyed by fire in 1946. It was initially commissioned by politician John Aislabie in the early 18th century and subsequently enhanced by his son, William.
Marvel at the exquisite ornamental lake, canals, and cascades, complemented by whimsical structures including a Gothic Revival castle, Doric temple, and a Palladian-style banqueting house.
The park is home to Sika, fallow, and red deer, alongside numerous other intriguing monuments.
Among these is Fountains Mill, constructed by the Cistercians in the 12th century, which remained operational until 1927. The late Victorian St Mary’s Church, commissioned by the First Marquess of Ripon, offers romantic vistas of Ripon Cathedral.
3. Ripon Cathedral
The western facade of Ripon Cathedral is regarded as one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture.
Completed in 1220, it features subtle rows of lancet windows framed by slender columns and archivolts.
This cathedral is the fourth place of worship to stand on this site, with remnants of the original 7th-century church visible in the crypt.
The choir was reconstructed at the end of the 13th century, showcasing an extraordinary geometric east window in the Decorated Gothic style.
Notably, Lewis Carroll served as a canon at Ripon Cathedral during the mid-19th century.
Visitors should take time to view the 35 late-15th-century misericords in the choir, which are believed to have inspired characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
4. Newby Hall and Gardens
Renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren played a role in designing this late-17th-century country house adjacent to the River Ure.
In the 18th century, Robert Adam contributed to the remodeling of its interiors.
The interiors feature Sicilian marble floors, intricate stucco work, mahogany doors, Corinthian columns, Renaissance paintings, alabaster urns, and Gobelins tapestries.
Thomas Chippendale, one of the foremost furniture designers of the 18th century, crafted hall chairs, dining chairs, and Pembroke tables for this estate.
In the Tapestry Room, Chippendale chairs adorned with Gobelins tapestry fabric comprise the only suite to retain its original coverings and setting.
Outdoors, visitors can stroll through 25 acres of award-winning gardens, primarily designed in the 1920s.
The gardens are divided into enchanting spaces, including a double herbaceous border, water garden, rose garden, national Cornus collection, tropical garden, woodland garden, and two rock gardens, among others.
5. Workhouse Museum
A testament to a far more difficult era, Ripon’s Victorian Workhouse now serves as a museum.
Here, the destitute inhabitants of Ripon sought refuge, providing a source of inexpensive labor in exchange for food and shelter.
This structure dates back to 1855 and housed a self-sufficient community complete with a chaplain, teacher, infirmary, laundry, and kitchen gardens.
Guests can explore the cells where inmates resided, learn about their meals, and gain insights into the tasks they performed for meager wages.
The kitchen gardens are maintained by volunteers and even supply produce for local eateries.
Guides in period attire provide demonstrations of the workhouse’s manual trades, such as oakum picking and rag rugging.
6. Ripon Market Place
Since the early 13th century, the Market Place has served as the focal point of Ripon, lined with rows of historic houses, some of which feature half-timbered constructions.
On the southern edge stands the Palladian Town Hall, erected in 1719, which also accommodates the tourist information centre.
Even older is the market cross or obelisk at the center, erected in 1702, recognized as the UK’s oldest free-standing obelisk.
Furthermore, the Ripon Hornblower performs his watch at this monument, a practice we will delve into below.
The Market Place comes alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of Ripon Market each Thursday, offering an array of products such as fruits, vegetables, confectionery, cheese, fresh baked goods, pastries, flowers, fabrics, and more.
7. Fountains Hall
Following the suppression of Fountains Abbey, nobleman Stephen Proctor acquired the estate and commissioned the construction of an elegant mansion.
Dating from the early 17th century, Fountains Hall exemplifies a classic late Elizabethan prodigy house designed to convey affluence and influence.
Proctor repurposed sandstone blocks from the abbey, including an entire spiral staircase, while new limestone was crafted for the ashlar dressings.
The National Trust offers informational panels within the hall, where visitors can learn about its storied history, which includes roles as a stately home, a courthouse, and even residence for a farmer.
Fountains Hall is also available for weddings and provides accommodation for those wishing to experience life in a Tudor stately home.
8. Ripon Spa Gardens
This elegant Victorian park located in the heart of the city is a consistent recipient of the Green Flag award, recognizing its outstanding facilities and exceptional maintenance.
The park is adorned with delicate flowerbeds, topiary, and exotic trees, all centered around a charming Victorian bandstand.
Concerts are held here every Sunday, and nearby stands a solemn statue of the notable Liberal politician, George Frederick Samuel, the Marquess of Ripon.
A delightful recent addition to the park is a collection of wooden sculptures depicting characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, carved in 2011 to commemorate Lewis Carroll’s formative years at Ripon Cathedral.
9. Prison and Police Museum
This establishment on St Marygate has its origins in the late 17th century when the House of Correction for Vagrants was established.
In 1816, the Liberty Prison was erected on this site, which was later converted into Ripon Police Station, ceasing operations in 1956. The museum narrates the history of law enforcement in Yorkshire, tracing back to Anglo-Saxon periods up to the establishment of a professional police force in 1829.
Children can don police uniforms and prisoners’ garments, and experience Victorian-style labor by climbing on a treadmill, drilling shot, and winding a crank.
Visitors also have the chance to step briefly into a cell and learn about historical methods of punishment, such as a restraint chair and pillory.
10. Ripon Canal
Commencing at a scenic old wharf in the southeastern part of the city, the Ripon Canal offers a tranquil green corridor extending 2.3 miles down to the navigable River Ure.
Completed in the early 1770s, it facilitated coal transport into Ripon and lead out of the city, but fell into disuse with the rise of railways in the mid-19th century.
After its abandonment in 1956, the people of Ripon took action, restoring the canal fully by the 1990s.
Today, a continuous path lined with wildflowers and 18th-century locks runs alongside, passing a wetland bird sanctuary near Ripon Racecourse.
As of 2018, the canal has received the prestigious Green Flag designation.
11. Lightwater Valley
This theme park, located a mere ten minutes from the town center, features exhilarating rides, play areas for children, and animal attractions, appealing to both teenagers and toddlers alike.
The main attraction at Lightwater Valley is The Ultimate, a 2,268-meter rollercoaster, recognized as the longest steel rollercoaster in Europe and the second-longest globally.
This exhilarating ride features two lift hills that rise above 30 meters, providing breathtaking views of the park and countryside before plunging through woodland.
For thrill-seekers, the Eagle’s Claw giant swing ride offers an intense experience.
Young visitors can explore eight themed play areas, most of which have been established within the last five years, along with lighter rollercoasters, a splash ride, teacups, a narrow gauge railway, and adventure golf for everyone.
Additionally, Lightwater Valley features Eagle’s Creek Farm, which includes pygmy goats, Shetland ponies, donkeys, and a birds of prey center offering demonstrations and opportunities for bird handling.
12. Markenfield Hall
This enchanting Gothic manor house was previously closed to the public, but is now open for visits on 30 afternoons each year, as well as offering pre-arranged tours.
Concealed from the A61 behind a mile-long lane, Markenfield Hall is safeguarded by a moat inhabited by two black swans.
The Grade I-listed manor predominantly dates from the 14th century, adorned with later features including a remarkable 16th-century Tudor gatehouse, also designated as Grade I. On open days, stewards are present in all rooms to answer any inquiries.
Visitors can explore the vaulted Gothic undercroft/kitchen, and ascend to the great hall, chapel, and the four-poster bedroom.
13. Druids’ Temple
In the early 19th century, scholar and affluent landowner William Danby constructed a tribute to Stonehenge on his estate in the lower Wensleydale Hills.
Presently situated on Forestry Commission land and favored for picnicking, the Druids’ Temple is an architectural folly erected using inexpensive local labor to alleviate unemployment.
The monument is enveloped by fern-laden woodlands and is interesting for its representation of a Georgian interpretation of Neolithic history.
Despite the Druids’ Temple’s well-known purpose, legends involving devil-worship and secret rituals have circulated over the past two centuries.
14. Way of the Roses
Ripon is a point along a 170-mile coast-to-coast cycling route stretching from Morecambe on the Irish Sea to Bridlington on the North Sea.
This designated trail predominantly avoids major roads, opting instead for quiet lanes, disused railway lines, and purpose-built cycling paths.
The Way of the Roses exclusively traverses the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, taking its name from the historical conflict between the House of Lancaster and the House of York in the 15th century.
Ripon offers a convenient starting point for this cycling adventure.
For those seeking challenging ascents and panoramic views, heading west into the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is recommended.
Conversely, the eastern route is primarily flat, making it suitable for families.
15. Ripon Hornblower
As one of England’s oldest ceremonies, the setting of the watch has been practiced in Ripon since 886, during the reign of King Alfred the Great.
During this period, the Anglo-Saxons were engaged in conflict with the Vikings.
Having recently reclaimed London, King Alfred traveled throughout the country rallying support.
Upon his arrival in Ripon, he advised the local settlement to adopt greater vigilance, resulting in the appointment of a “wakeman,” responsible for overnight watch duties.
At 9 PM, the hornblower, attired in ceremonial garb, announces his watch from the four corners of the market cross, a tradition dating back over a millennium.
