Ripon Area
Ripon, ‘The Cathedral City of the Dales’
The City of Ripon is wonderfully located in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside and just fifteen minutes drive from Solberge Hall Hotel, Northallerton. Ripon is the smallest cathedral city in England and has the characteristics of a vibrant market town, situated eleven miles from Harrogate between the cities of York and Leeds.
Founded over 1300 years ago, Ripon’s rich heritage is still very much in evidence today. In additional to the 7th Century Cathedral, Ripon boasts many historic buildings, museums and monuments, including a ninety foot high, three hundred year old obelisk, which stands in Ripon’s market place. Every evening at 9.00 pm the city’s official Hornblower sounds the ‘Setting of the Watch’ to assure everyone that they are in safe keeping for the night – a ritual that has been maintained without fail for over 1000 years.
Ripon has grown up around its market place which combines a wide range of nationally recognised stores with a host of speciality shops. Every Thursday Ripon holds a market in the city’s market square, a tradition which has been carried out for hundreds of years. Today’s popular market offers all that you expect from a Yorkshire market. Other markets are also held in Ripon several times a year, including a farmers market, goods produced in Ripon and the surrounding area and a French market where traders come over from France, to Ripon to sell their local cheeses, wine and jams.
Ripon market square also play host to a fair twice a year, the first is Spring Bank Holiday, where families can enjoy a weekend of fairground rides and games. The second is St Wilfred’s Day; Ripon holds a procession to commemorate St Wilfred (Bishop of Ripon in the 17th Century). It is traditionally held on the Saturday before the first Monday in August. A parade of themed floats, morris dancers and bands parade through Ripon city.
Ripon and its locality offer the visitor an abundance of attractions and things to do both in the city centre and within a few miles of Ripon.
Ripon Racecourse
Yorkshire Garden Racecourse, with approximately fourteen days racing a year. For more than three hundred years Ripon has hosted some of the most exciting, most prestigious and most enjoyable racing tin the country. Annual Members of Ripon Racecourse receive 15% off food and beverage at Solberge Hall Hotel, Northallerton (terms apply/registration required)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
The 822 acre estate is situated four miles west of Ripon; Fountains Abbey is of outstanding historic and aesthetic importance. Attracting approximately 300,000 visitors a year, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is the National Trusts most visited pay-for-entry property, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. The estate offers visitors a Cistercian Abbey, medieval deer park, over ten historic buildings, including a superb Victorian church and elegant ornamental lakes.
Lightwater Valley, Ripon
Lightwater Valley is one of the UK's leading theme parks. Located in beautiful surroundings, just North or Ripon, it is packed with over 40 rides and attractions, factory shopping and an amazing Bird of Prey Centre. Lightwater Valley has a number of white knuckle rides including, the longest rollercoaster in Europe. A great family day out.
Ripon Cathedral
One of the most significant sites within the City is Ripon Cathedral, which has been welcoming worshippers, pilgrims and visitors to its peaceful sanctuary for over 1300 years.
The Cathedral is foremost a place for prayer and worship. It remains a vibrant and historic centre of the local community, playing host to many recitals, concerts and events throughout the year.
Newby Hall, Ripon
A visit to Newby Hall is another opportunity for a full day out in the Ripon area. Here, you can explore 25 acres of award winning gardens, stroll through the woodland walk. It’s a fantastic place for young people and children too. The adventure garden includes a fort, raft, paddling pool, swing boats and miniature railway, which runs alongside the River Ure. Newby Hall also play host to events throughout the year including craft fairs and the historic vehicle rally.
Ripon, Museums
Ripon is fortunate to have three museums in the heart of its City centre; Police and Prison Museum, Ripon Courthouse Museum and the Ripon Work House Museum. Together the three museums tell a sorry and interwoven story of Law and Order in times past. Incarceration at the Prison or Police Station before being taken to the Courthouse for trial, if a custodial sentence or transportation were imposed a family might be deprived of its breadwinner, perhaps leading to its remaining members being forced to seek the 'relief' of the Workhouse.
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