Ripon Tourist Information
This area of the Yorkshire Dales is rich in heritage and history. In Ripon you can visit the captivating 7th century Cathedral and Ripon itself is a meandering of medieval streets dotted with tearooms and arts and crafts shops. From April to August Ripon Racecourse is open for visits, or you can choose from spa gardens, the restored canal basin or the Wetlands nature reserve.
There's some rather unusual museums in Ripon including: The Prison & Police Museum, St Marygate, The Workhouse Museum, Allhallowgate, The Courthouse Museum, Minster Road. Other near by places to visit are: British Waterway Ripon Racecourse marina and Lightwater Valley Theme Park.
Ripon Cathedral
This cathedral, originally a Minster until 1836, is as spectacular in its way to York Minster. Public access inside the cathedral is allowed. A particular feature of interest is the crypt of the original church which stood here (AD. 672)
Newby Hall & Gardens nr Ripon
Newby Hall was designed under the watchful eye of Sir Christopher Wren. Georgian elegance abounds here, including an unusual collection of chamber pots.
One of the best outdoor kids adventure playgrounds in Yorkshire is here at Newby Hall. Award winning gardens await too with seasonal highlights including blooming rhododendrons in April and May and the rose garden at its best in late June. The contemporary sculpture park is particularly impressive and woodland walks, a gift shop and restaurant are all on-site.
Move out into the grounds and you'll find plenty of fun for the kids including a Children's Adventure Garden with paddling pool, sand pit and swings. Or why not take a walk through the extensive gardens and woodland. Another great Yorkshire Dales day out for all the family.
Limetree Festival
For an amazing family friendly holiday near Ripon head to the Limetree Festival, held over 3 days at Lime Tree Farm in Grewelthorpe near the end of August. There are loads of different musical acts featured at the festival, and with so many musical genres to choose from there's definitely something for everyone. You can listen to jazz, soul, funk, dubstep and folk, among others, and there are just as many things to do for kids as there are for adults. Children can attend any of the other exciting child friendly activities, such as star gazing workshops.
