Visit Ripon

Ripon is one of England’s smaller cities, but its size certainly doesn’t reflect the depth of its history. Set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, Ripon is a charming cathedral city with a wonderfully traditional character.

At the centre of the city is the historic Market Place, which has been at the heart of Ripon for centuries. Its impressive obelisk, dating from 1702, stands proudly in the middle of the square, surrounded by attractive historic buildings and independent shops. The city’s famous Hornblower tradition is even older: for more than 800 years, a ceremonial horn has been sounded at 9pm to “set the watch”.

Just a short walk from the market square stands Ripon Cathedral, one of the city’s greatest treasures. Its history stretches back to 672 AD, when St Wilfrid founded a church here. Particularly remarkable is its Anglo-Saxon crypt, which dates from that period and is described by the cathedral as the oldest built structure in any English cathedral still in use.

Ripon also offers several fascinating museums, independent shops, cafés and quiet streets to explore. Its position makes it an excellent base for discovering some of Yorkshire’s finest countryside, while nearby attractions such as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal add even more to the area’s appeal.

Perhaps what makes Ripon particularly appealing is that it has retained the feeling of a traditional Yorkshire city. It is historic without feeling like a museum, peaceful without being dull, and small enough to explore at a leisurely pace. For anyone looking to discover a quieter side of Yorkshire, Ripon is well worth a visit.