What to do and see in Ripon, England: The Best Things to do

We've loved having you back! Please note that you need to pre-book your ticket to visit at the moment via the website. Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site near Harrogate. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey in 1132, and the walls echo with centuries-old stories. Follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century. You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. Eat, shop, stay Restaurant serving select range of hot food. Picnics welcome but please leave BBQs at home. Large shop with gardening section. Stay at one of 14 holiday cottages, including a cosy waterside lodge and elegant apartment inside Jacobean Fountains Hall. No drones please. Bikes and scooters welcome for children under 5.

Markenfield Hall – tucked privately away along a mile-long winding drive, just three miles south of Ripon, has been described as Yorkshire’s best-kept secret. Not visible from the road, a glimpse of the imposing east wall cannot be seen until visitors reach the old Mediaeval road near to the top of the drive. But for a quirk of fate – and the turnpike act of 1777 – Markenfield would be one of the most recognisable houses in Yorkshire and the nearby A61 would run along this now-Bridleway just 100m from its façade.As it is, the house is approached from the A61 Ripon to Harrogate Road along a humble farm track, past agricultural buildings and farm workers cottages. Parking at the side of the moat, visitors approach the building on foot – walking over the bridge that now serves the house in place of the former drawbridge – and the moment the Mediaeval Courtyard opens up as visitors pass beneath the Tudor Gatehouse never fails to astound. Open to the public for just 28 days each year - or to groups by appointment at virtually any other time - the Hall is still privately owned and in the hands of dedicated custodians.

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.

Ripon Museums host the trio of the Workhouse Museum, The Prison & Police Museums and Ripon's Courthouse Museum. These museums interpret the history of Law and order and Social Justice through the 18th Century and beyond in Ripon and Yorkshire. Discover how the poor were treated, what the inmates ate and the hard labour that the paupers and vagrants undertook during their stay at the Workhouse. Become a school pupil in a Victorian classroom See the Collection of Police memorabilia and Victorian punishments in the old Liberty Prison. The Courthouse museum is a fine example of a Georgian building with costumes and props associated with the Victorian legal profession. Family activities during holidays are a great way for the children to be engaged with the history of the buildings and the stories of the past. Suitable for school visits with a comprehensive learning programme offered to teachers, lecturers and adult group leaders alike. Annual passes available for repeat visits too!

A fantastic family day out. Amazing Adventure Playground, Spectacular Gardens and Elegant Georgian House. Dollshouse Exhibition, Teddy Bear House, Sculpture park, Restaurant & Shop..the perfect place to meet up with friends and family

The Prison and Police Museum, part of the trio of Ripon Museums, tells the story of Law and Order in Yorkshire over the last 200 years. An impressive historic building is complemented by a staggering collection of Police memorabilia from Ripon and beyond.

Head out on an adventure to Lightwater Valley and discover a world of rides and attractions for a fun-filled family day out in Yorkshire! Enjoy an exciting expedition through the NEW Go Safari area! Step aboard the Savannah Express on a journey through the African wilderness. Leap for joy on Kangaroo Jump before flying high on Elephant Flight and the Monkey Drop rides. Then head over for a flight aboard the Hot Air Balloon ride. Also new this year is Treetop Trails, formerly Treetops Nets. This much-loved attraction takes adventurers on a net walk through the tree canopy high above the park, and will now be included as part of the park’s admission price. As well as new rides, come and enjoy Lightwater Valley’s young family favourites, including Little Dipper, Carousel, Skyrider, the Lady Bird rollercoaster, Splash Falls and many more.