Ripon
Ripon may be small, but it packs an impressive amount of history into its compact city centre. Tucked into the North Yorkshire countryside, it is one of England's oldest cities and makes a particularly pleasant stop if you are exploring the Yorkshire Dales or visiting nearby attractions.
Ripon Cathedral
The great attraction is Ripon Cathedral, an imposing building with origins stretching back more than 1,300 years. The present cathedral contains a fascinating mixture of architectural styles and has a particularly impressive Norman crypt, one of the oldest surviving examples of its kind in England.
The cathedral stands beside the attractive Minster Close, providing one of the city's most peaceful corners.
Market Square
Ripon's Market Square is the heart of the city and has been a market place for centuries. The striking obelisk in the centre dates from the early eighteenth century, while the surrounding streets contain attractive historic buildings, independent shops, cafés and pubs.Ripon also maintains the unusual tradition of the Ripon Hornblower, whose duties date back to the Middle Ages. Every evening, the horn is sounded outside the mayor's residence — apparently Ripon's medieval equivalent of setting the burglar alarm.
Museums and surroundings
The city has several small museums, including the Workhouse Museum, which provides a fascinating if rather sobering look at Victorian poverty, and the Courthouse Museum.
Just outside the city are some excellent attractions, including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, while the Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach.
The verdict
Ripon isn't somewhere you need to spend a week exploring, but it makes an excellent half-day or full-day stop. Its cathedral, historic square, unusual traditions and attractive surroundings give it considerably more character than its modest size might suggest.
Small, historic and pleasantly unpretentious — Ripon is a Yorkshire city that doesn't need to shout to get noticed.
Return to Yorkshire home page