Location: Ripon
Top Things to do in Ripon
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What to do and see in Ripon, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
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. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Al-Shumba - Luton, United Kingdom
We visited this National Trusts property of Fountains Abbey which is in a stunning location. The ruins have been well maintained and tell a story of a bygone era. They have some fabulous water Gardens and meandering river walk, which in the summer would be a great day out for the family. There are some steep hills to climb or descend so a certain degree of fitness is required, but for those less able they provide a mini bus service on demand to run visitors up and down the hill, which is a great service and essential for those less able.
The tea rooms and restaurant on site provide a good range of food and drink and ideal in the inclement weather to warm up.
2. Lightwater Valley Theme Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
PLEASE NOTE: THEME PARK CLOSED FOR 2017 SEASON, RE-OPENS ON WED 28 MARCH 2018. Escape to Lightwater Valley and discover the excitement of a day bursting with thrills, chills and adventure for the whole family, whatever the weather! Mini adventures are for our youngest guests, Mega adventures are suitable for our junior thrill seekers and Ultimate adventures are for anyone with the nerves to face up to the challenge!
Reviewed By smithyman17
Bit dissapointing could have had more rides open esp for the older age an up to age limit the tractor ride was boring only one donkey out an 2 cows non of others that should have been there were to be seen..the tree top nets where £20 each that daylight robbery should have been with in the event as this would have been good for the older brother or sisters an stil limited the same time i wasnt paying £40 for 2 kids this would have rounded the day off for my 2 kids.
The bird area was rubbish
An the petting zoo was small..defo return to the full park but not to a event where park was closed off ..was ok for the money in winter would want more in better weather ..a odd few more rides would have made it a fuller day.
3. Norton Conyers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
NORTON CONYERS is a historic house. Winner of the HHA Sotheby’s Restoration Award 2014 Norton Conyers, house and garden, have belonged to the Grahams since 1624. Recent excavations have revealed that parts of the house are Anglo-Saxon. The house’s exterior has distinctive Dutch-style gables; its interior contains fine 18th century plaster ceilings in the principal rooms. The garden is five minutes' walk from the house. Laid out in the mid 18th century, it retains the essentials of its original design, together with sympathetic replanting in the English style.
Reviewed By joseph850 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Very interesting house . We had a lovely talk from the owners before exploring the house. I was impressed by the love they have for the house. And by their battle against death watch Beatles and moths. To see the secret attic staircase that inspired Charlotte Bronte was a real treat.
4. The Ripon Hornblower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Stucolco - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
My wife's cousin who we were visiting told us that we should not miss this nightly 9 PM happening and we were very glad that we did not. The horn blowing and short historical description that followed was both enjoyable and interesting. Even the irresponsible behavior of 3 motorcyclists who decided to rev up their bikes and do wheelies at just the same time that the horn blower was doing his performance did not detract from the event.
5. Lightwater Falconry Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Offering an amazing and magical experience which all of the family will enjoy. Meet over 50 birds of prey and wildlife residents including snakes, rabbits, ferrets and Rheas. When the theme park is open we offer daily flying displays and even the opportunity to handle our birds and have photos taken with them. If you have a theme park ticket then admission to the centre is free of charge.
Reviewed By craigyc2007 - Stanley, United Kingdom
I have been to Lightwater Valley Theme Park many times now, and on a few occasions have been to see the birds of prey flight show which is usually on twice a day during park hours. My mam is mad about owls, so we booked her an hours owl experience. For £40 she got a complimentary drink in the café, then Callum (one of the handlers) came to greet us and take us to the centre. There was a brief introduction, then my mam was introduced to 3 different types of owl. Callum was great at stating facts about each owl whilst my mam held onto them. Finally she flew a barn owl, which she really enjoyed. Throughout the experience which lasted just over the hour we met a few of the owl handlers at the centre. All were helpful and knew their stuff, and made sure my mam enjoyed the experience. A recommendation to any owl or falcon lover.
6. Ripon Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 941 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 5.30pm. 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 Al-Shumba - Luton, United Kingdom
We visited this Cathedral while in the area. Entry was free and the staff very informative. It had been well looked after and maintained. There was some great carvings and unique metal work screens well worth seeing.
More importantly along the side of the Cathedral was the story of its history in cross stitch embroidery on cushions.
At the time there was also an artistic display of “Threads through Revelations” exhibition which are a series of 14 large panels with beautiful textile pictures emblazoned on them by the artist Jacque Parkinson. When you sit and admire them more pictures cleverly pop out. This would be inspirational for any art student or purveyor of fine art to see.
7. Talon Falconry
Overall Ratings
5 based on 125 reviews
Located within a purpose built complex on our 175 acre site, you'll find our awe-inspiring Lightwater Valley Falconry, which is home to over 50 amazing raptors including Owls, Falcons, Eagles and Hawks. There are also Rheas, Snakes and our inquisitive Ferrets too!Established to raise awareness of a wide selection of breath-taking birds, this facility offers a truly unique experience. As well as having the opportunity to see how these amazing birds are trained and handled and to learn about every aspect of their daily lives, visitors have the chance to watch dramatic flying shows every day (during theme park opening hours). In fact, you could even volunteer to pull on a gauntlet and allow our trained raptors to land on your arm or have your photo taken with one of the magnificent creatures.Lightwater Valley Falconry is open all year round, and in addition to the main Bird of Prey Centre also offers a unique range of falconry attractions including Hawk Walks and Owl Experiences.
Reviewed By AngelRaider - County Durham, UK
This has got to be the best attraction at Lightwater Valley Theme Park! The birds and display were fantastic, the presentation was both professional and entertaining. On your next visit make sure you get there early for either of the two show times.
8. Ripon Racecourse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By alanfQ7360PF - Wakefield, United Kingdom
Great little racecourse, get up close and personal with horses, good views, clean and tidy, plenty free parking, good choice of bars and a range of food outlets, easy to find your way round, very relaxed atmosphere, been many times. never disappointed.Thank you for your review Alan, great to hear you enjoy your days racing with us. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Kindest Regards Erin Boswell Marketing Manager Ripon Races
9. Newby Hall and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 655 reviews
A fantastic family day out. Amazing Adventure Playground, Spectacular Gardens and Elegant Georgian House. Restaurant & Shop..the perfect place to meet up with friends and family
Reviewed By Michael P - Haddenham, United Kingdom
Driving along the road to Newby Hall, do stop and visit fine Victorian Church by Bruges, the same architect of the church at Studley Royal. Built and paid for by the parents of a young man who was murdered by brigands in Greece, it was the lad's failed ransom money that did not get to his captors in time. The church reflects the tragedy in its demeanour, especially since it is unused and kept the the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Well worth a visit.
10. Workhouse Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 300 reviews
WE ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON AND WILL REOPEN ON SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2016. IF YOU ARE A GROUP OR SCHOOL WE CAN ARRANGE SPECIALISED VISITS DURING OUR CLOSED SEASON. 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 word, 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 and group leaders alike. Annual Passes are available for unlimited repeat visits to all museums - a great value way to explore all 3 sites and return for special Exhibitions and events!
Reviewed By cheriepeacock - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Took our family of two adults, two teens and a toddler. We paid for the joint pass £29 to visit all the museum's, the workhouse the police station and the court.
Can't rate the staff working here enough!!!! The children took part in the baking, badge making, polishing of brass and milking activities, and also the sheep trail! Having been to the Southall national trust workhouse suppose to be the best in country I wasn't expecting great things at ripon but I was very wrong! This place is amazing! So much info and hands on stuff! The kids learnt a lot! The staff are amazing and really good with the kids! Would recommend to anyone!
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