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in the county of North Yorkshire

St Mary's Church

About Ripon

Historically, the Diocese of Ripon was founded in 1836 it is therefore considered to be relatively modern. This is a fact which belies the origins of its lovely Cathedral which dates from the 12th-century and has a Saxon crypt that is said to be the earliest Christian survival in England. It is now a strong room and holds treasures from other churches in Yorkshire as well as a priceless collection of ancient silver. Architecturally, the Cathedral contains features from all the great English church building periods and includes a superb western front, a great east window which is over 50ft high and supported by buttresses and a splendid 16th-century Gothic nave.

Bishop Wilfrid of York, founded a monastry on this site in the year 669, and the atmosphere of the Cathedral is such that it takes you straight back to the early days of christianity in the north when the church was was ruled by great personalities and was at the centre of daily life.

Interestingly, the towers to the Cathedral originally had spires but the last spire was removed in the year 1664, some years after the cathedral's central spire had fallen. None-the-less, this remains an awe inspiring building which is a constant source of fascination and full of ancient reminders of a glorious and noble past.

Every night Ripons market square is the scene of a 1,000 year old custom when the city Wakeman blows his horn. For this ancient ceremony the Wakeman wears a Tricorn hat and sounds his horn at each corner of the Obelisk in the square, informing the towns-folk that he had begun his night watch over the town. The half timbered 14th-century house in the square was once the Wakemans residence, it is now an interesting museum that tells of local history.

A short journey from Ripon are the romantic ruins of Fountains Abbey, they can be found in a lovely secluded wooded valley, and are recorded as being the finest ruins in England and are remarkably well preserved. A Cistercian Abbey was begun here in 1134, it grew to become the richest cistercian house in England by the 13th-century and was disolved in 1539. With the late evening sun casting long shadows over the ancient remains, Fountains Abbey becomes wrapped in a magical atmosphere, it is a sight which is simply overwhelming.

Ripon today is a lively and interesting town with much to offer the visitor. It is a fine centre for commerce and has up to the minute shopping facilities and good sporting facilities which include a well known racecourse. In a favoured situation close to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, Ripon is surrounded by a wealth of fine countryside. Other attractions in the area; Lightwater Valley, Marmion Tower and the Theakston Brewery Visitors Centre. After a pleasant day visiting the delightful sights of Ripon, call in to a local inn, tuck in to a delicious home-cooked meal and enjoy it with a tasty glass of Theakstons!

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Hotels & Accommodation in Ripon

Book the Best Western Ripon Spa Hotel in Park Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England3 stars

Best Western Ripon Spa Hotel

Park Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
5 minutes walk from the ancient city of Ripon and its magnificent cathedral, in landscaped gardens, stands the Best Western Ripon Spa Hotel. The hotel offers good Yorkshire fayre, real ale, log fir...
More info and book online..  Price from £89.00

Book the The Old Deanery in Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England

The Old Deanery

Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England (0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
The Old Deanery Hotel and Restaurant is in the heart of Ripon, North Yorkshire, and next to the Ripon Cathedral. It provides an ideal base for visiting the Yorkshire Dales, Fountains Abbey, Ripon Race...
More info and book online..  Price from £115.00

Book the Swinton Park in Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England4 stars

Swinton Park

Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, England (8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction NW)
An exclusive 30-bedroom luxury castle hotel. With 4 Red Stars and 3 Rosettes awarded by the AA for excellent facilities, this is the highest rated hotel in Yorkshire. Swinton Park is the ancestral ...
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Book the Best Western Dower House in Bond End, Knaresborough, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England3 stars

Best Western Dower House

Bond End, Knaresborough, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England (8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction S)
Situated 4 miles from the a1(m) and 3 miles from Harrogate, in the market town of Knaresborough, the Best Western Dower House offers a warm and friendly welcome to business and leisure customers alike...
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Book the Alexa House in Rippon Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, England4 stars

Alexa House

Rippon Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, England (9.2 miles, 14.8 km, direction S)
This elegant detached Victorian property, located 5 minutes from the town centre and a short stroll from the International Conference Centre, is the ideal base for business and leisure travellers. ...
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Nearby travel help

A1(M) Junction 49(3.8 miles, 6.2 km, direction E)
A1(M) Junction 49(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction E)
Thirsk Station(9.0 miles, 14.5 km, direction NE)
Knaresborough Station(9.1 miles, 14.7 km, direction S)
Leeds Bradford International Airport(19.6 miles, 31.5 km, direction S)
Teesside International Airport(26.2 miles, 42.2 km, direction N)
Ripon to London(190.9 miles, 307.1 km, direction S)

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