Local Information for Ripon
Ripon is a small cathedral city in Yorkshire, England, situated 11 miles north of Harrogate between the cities of York and Leeds, centred upon its relatively small but vital Cathedral which can date its ancestery back to 672AD. Nearby are the 12th century ruins of Fountains Abbey, among the finest monastic ruins in Europe, which were incorporated into a romantic landscaped garden with a lake, formal water garden, temples, and a deer park.
The Rivers Ure, Skell and Laver flow through Ripon from the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and a canal basin has been developed in the centre of Ripon which is visited by many elaborate and colourful narrow boats that stop off for a few days whilst touring Yorkshires extensive canal system.
Ripon is the 4th smallest city in England and has the characteristics of a vibrant market town. Ripon has many shops situated around the large market square in the centre, with roads called Fishergate, Westgate, North Street and Kirkgate leading off from it. Kirkgate leads to Ripon Cathedral and Minstergate. In the centre of the market place stands an obelisk which is 300 years old. Each night at 9pm an ancient tradition dating back to 11th century is performed by the towns Hornblower. He will ‘set the watch’ by blowing his horn from each corner of the market square around the obelisk which stands 90ft tall and built in 1703. This continues daily and is a great tourist attraction.
There is a thriving market which is held each Thursday on the market place, and there are also other events such as farmers markets and craft fairs which use the pedestrianised city centre as a trading place.
Ripon has a Race Course which was established in 1664, and is known as the Garden Race Course. It has 14 days of flat racing through the months April to August, and is a popular venue for local race goers.
Ripon has a leisure centre, swimming pool, tennis club, 18 hole golf course and driving range, as well as plenty of opportunity to go fishing. The beautiful Spa Gardens with its original bandstand are an excellent venue for relaxing.
Tourist Office
Situated on Minster Road opposite the Cathedral, it will show you the many tourist attractions that will cater for all interests in Ripon or a little further afield. Lightwater Valley Theme Park is just 4 miles from Ripon providing a great family day out. Ripon is also very close to Fountains Abbey and Studley Park, Norton Conyers, Newby Hall, Ripley Castle and Brimham Rocks.
Ripon Museum
Three restored buildings under the banner of the Yorkshire Law and Order Museums are open to the public and include The Prison and Police Museum, The Ripon Workhouse and the Courthouse Museum which show a different side of Ripons heritage. The Prison and Police Museum dates back to the 17th century and it is where the local criminals were held until it was closed during the Prison reform in 1878. The Workhouse Museum shows the lives that people had in the Ripon workhouse in the 18th century showing the hard times and suffering that the poor had to endure. The most recent museum to open is the Courthouse Museum which allows you to stand in the dock, or be the judge watching over the proceedings. www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Ripon Cathedral
The Cathedral building itself is part of the continuing act of worship in Ripon today. Worship has taken place on the site for over 1300 years. There is plenty to please here from the subtle twin towered thirteenth century west front to the choirs misericords and ancient crypt. Many parts of the original building still survive to this day. www.riponcathedral.org.uk
Comments
1. I would welcome information about parking ~ something I will have to do before I can ask anything at the TIC.
Alan Naylor ~ alanaylor@waitrose.com
2. There are various car parks in Ripon that provide both long and short stay parking. The market square has limited spaces for short stay, then there are the bigger car parks at the West of the Market Place, and also next to the Bus Station.
3. I have just found this site & I think its wonderful I have sent some postcards to family & friends in western australia as im from there. Now they can see it all. I will look to see what phtos I have.
Wonderful! Yours
Jo
4. Just to agree with Comment 1 on parking - please consider putting a map on your site that shows the market square, the cathedral, and the car parks near by. Thanks!
5. After visiting ripon which is such a lovly place seemed to be spoiled by the car park and roads around the main square. Could this be fully pedestrianised I'm sure this would increase the already the high appeal
regards paul
6. Thank you for your comments and suggestions. We have now included in the Community Links section a map of the car parks in Ripon which also shows the Cathedral, Market Square and the museums. Regards, Ripon Internet Admin.
7. Ripon Library is a great place to go and find a book, DVD, CD, or a audio book. There are do many different catagories, but one slight propblem is, how do I look for a book on the internet from home? I'm looking fior Franz Marc, but I can't find anyway of
8. I am in Canada. My paternal grandmother moved here in the 1920's. She brought with her a door knocker from Ripon that has what she used to call the Ripon Witch. Is this story available?
9. Can you please tell how the date of the St Wilfred day Procession is worked out?
is it the 1st saturday in august or is it something else thanks in advance
10. We think it is the nearest Saturday to the first Sunday in August .. if that helps
11. I'm visiting Ripon at the weekend, is there a public swimmimg pool?
12. Yes there is a public swimming pool, enjoy!
13. We have just returned from an enjoyable short break in Ripon where I noticed a poem dedicated to the memory of a young airman in a display. I would be grateful if someone could tell me the name of the author.
14. Stationed there for 4 years ,loved it,would like to meet others from 48 Field Squadron stationed there (1965-1969)
15. We are considering moving to Ripon next year. We have done a fair amount of research but need to know from residents what it is really like to live in Ripon, for example with regards to crime in the area, and particularly from the perspective of a teenage
16. The poem to the memory of an Airman ? if it is the one I am thinking about that is read out at the annual Battle of Britain Service, I would suggests you write to The President, Ripon RAFA Club and Branch, Kirgate, Ripon, North Yorks; and he will have all
17. I am trying to trace my auntie June Humble who used to live near the cathedral. Help me
contact maureen Otway at leobmo@shaw.ca
in Vancouver Canada
Thanks
18. I am moving to ripon in 2 weeks and really its the same question as number 15 what is the area like for crime and what its like from a residents point of view??
19. I retired here about 6 years ago and it was the best move I have ever made. Crime and disorderly conduct are well below the average for the U.K. The City although small is alive with well organised things to do for all age groups. It has retained its history.
20. Thank you for Q18 (I hope the move goes/went well), and for answer no.19 - this is very reassuring to know.
Have a good Christmas! From Q15.
21. Has Ripon been effected by the floods over last few tears
22. Hi No. 18. I hope the move went well and a very warm welcome to Ripon. I hope you are enjoying what you have found in your new surroundings. Happy Christmas from No. 19.
23. Re: Question 21. One would imagine that lying betwixt rivers Skell and Ure, flooding would be a major problem in Ripon. Fortunately though, we've faired much better than many other regions with only minor problems during the very worst freak weather conditions. The Ure especially, our largest river continues to give confidence to local residents as it has done for many years. As per No. 19's answer, we moved here almost 6 years ago and being close to a river, flooding was of paramount importance to us, but we're assured and feel very safe. Moving to Ripon was the best thing we ever did for our family - there's a low crime rate, a much slower, relaxed pace of life, friendly people and good schools and a deep rooted community.
24. I had the pleasure of taking my grandson to the evening Hornblower last Friday evening (1st) and afterwards we received a 'good luck penny'. I am delighted to inform you that it did bring luck, On checking our lottery tickets yesterday we won the Friday lottery a full £8.20. So thank you. A request for a photo will shortly be sent to Hornblower George. Thank you again.
Brian
25. We are planning on moving to Ripon with two young children but so far have only seen the small park by the river on the Harrogate Road - is there any other parks for the children?
26. Hi i am looking for my dad Arthur Graham...if anyone knows his where abouts please let me know...thank you...Belinda from Canada
27. We are planning to move to Ripon I was wondering what the Schools are like, and what activities are on offer, My children are aged 10 and 5. Thankyou
28. Please note that the youth hostels listed - Aysgarth Falls and Ellingstring have now sadly closed. The closest to Ripon are York, Hawes in Upper Wensleydale and Grinton Lodge in Swaledale.
29. Does the Consevative Club still exist. The last time I was in Ripon I used it prior to going on Christmas Leave. I even won a few prizes in the Christmas Draw.
30. Hi my family has a clock with a brass plate to H W HALL from :RIPON AUX" RSPCA dated about 1915 does this does this still exist any info welcome Reply Frank Hall australia email frankchrishall@hotmail.com thankyou for a lovely site
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