Ripon
Ripon is a small historic cathedral city in Yorkshire, England.
Ripon is actually the oldest city in England. It is also the fourth smallest city in England. It has a population of about 17,000. Cities are deemed so in Britain if they have a Royal Charter, rather than based on their population as in many other countries.
Get in
By car
Ripon is a short distance from the A1 London-Scotland arterial road, and is easily reached by the A61, part of which forms the Ripon bypass.
By train
The closest railway stations to Ripon are located at Harrogate and Thirsk. Harrogate can be reached by a transfer at either Leeds or York railway stations.
By bus
- Harrogate & District - to/from Leeds and Harrogate up to every 20min, no.36.
- Harrogate Coach Travel - to/from York hourly (timetable for 142 and 143 [1]).
- Dales & District - to/from Leyburn every 2hr to (timetable for 159 [2]) and to/from Northallerton and Thirsk (timetable for 70 [3]).
Get around
See
- 1 Cathedral. Parts of the present building date from 672 (the Saxon Crypt), though worship has occurred on this site since the Dark Ages. Built by St Wilfrid, it houses the Ripon Jewels amongst other things.
- The Watchman blowing his horn, the square. Daily 9PM.
- 2 Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY (4 miles west of Ripon), ☏ +44 1765 608888, fountainsabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.
- 3 Choristers' House. A beautiful example of Victorian Gothic, this cottage was designed by William Burges, famous for the restoration of the Cardiff Castle.
Do
Buy
- Market. Thursday. Market Square
Eat
- Lockwoods, 83 North Street (Walk up North Street from the middle of town). Coffee and cakes during the day, dinner in the evening. Recommended
- The Jolly Fryer, 62/63 Allhallowhate (From town, travel towards up past the bus station, then turn left at the end of the road. Continue to the end of the road). 11.15-1.30pm, then 4.30-11pm. Closed Sun/Mon, open 11.15am-11pm Thur. Widely regarded by locals as the best fish and chip shop in town. Homely restaurant area with friendly staff and large portions at a fair price
Drink
- The One Eyed Rat, Allhallowgate (Northeast of Market Square). Excellent range of well kept real ale
Sleep
- Unicorn Hotel, Market Place, ☏ +44 1765 602202.
Go next
- Harrogate
- Leeds - biggest city in Yorkshire.
- Ripley - village and castle between Ripon and Harrogate (bus 36).