Location: Ripon
Top Things to do in Ripon
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What to do and see in Ripon, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Ripon (/ˈrɪpən/) is a cathedral city in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is located at the confluence of two tributaries of the River Ure, the Laver and Skell. The city is noted for its main feature, Ripon Cathedral which is architecturally significant, as well as the Ripon Racecourse and other features such as its market. The city itself is just over 1,300 years old.
Restaurants in Ripon
1. Markenfield Hall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 355saraf355 - Rochester, United Kingdom
I was fortunate enough to visit Ripon during the few weeks when Markenfield Hall is open to the public, and warmly recommend visiting: it's a delightful moated manor house, with a long history, a lovely library, a black cat, two black swans, and lots of friendly and informative volunteers. It isn't large, but if you're happy to potter about looking at things, reading and chatting, you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
2. St Mary Magdalen's Chapel (Leper Chapel)
3. Ripon Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,662 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 466nickyl - Bury, United Kingdom
What a beautiful building this is in such a nice city, the best part is to visit the crypt - just amazing - lots of information available and a cute little gift shop too, worth the suggested £3 donation
4. Workhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
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!
Reviewed By t0m1950 - Bridgwater, United Kingdom
We had an interesting visit to this museum which was well laid out and we lots to see and read about. We learnt a lot about times in the workhouse and how the poor were treated. Well worth a visit.
5. One Eyed Rat
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By holidaygal2014 - Colchester, United Kingdom
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this traditional, “proper” pub. It is rare but great to find a pub that serves an extensive variety of real ales on tap AND great wine; so many get one right or the other, but not both. Husband had the Saltaire and I had the rose (fab). The atmosphere was welcoming with tables distanced enough for everyone to feel comfortable. There is a large outdoor covered area for those who prefer. I could easily have settled in for the night.... Go and enjoy The One Eyed Rat!
6. Curzon Ripon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By FieldsUKandFlorida - Lincoln, United Kingdom
We watched Downton Abbey in this lovely small cinema in an auditorium (Screen 1) holding 56 people! We booked online so could choose our seats. I chose D12 and D13 as they were on the back row with only the aisle in front. This meant we could see the whole screen and stretch out! The staff we spoke to were friendly and both Gents and Ladies toilets were spotless.
7. Prison and Police Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
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.
Reviewed By LindaL174 - Doncaster, United Kingdom
A step back in time with a great insight into how the police and the prison worked. Lots of things to see and read. Give yourself 1 to 2 hours to walk around and read everything.
8. Ripon Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Important Notice: Ripon Visitor Information Centre reopens from 1 August. A new office layout and additional measures allows visitors to access all the information and help they need for their visit to Ripon.
9. The Magdalens
10. South Lodge
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