Destination Ripon

15/06/2024

Live music in Ripon Spa Gardens tomorrow, 2pm 🎷

Enjoy summer with live music in Ripon Spa Gardens

09/06/2024

Fantastic atmosphere in the local area this weekend, with and live music on Ripon’s market square as part of the celebrations

05/06/2024

02/06/2024

Royal Engineers Association Ripon Town Weekend
Saturday, 8th June 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Market Square, Ripon

Join us for a fun-filled day in the heart of Ripon! Our Market Square will be buzzing with activities and attractions for all ages. Highlights include:
- Branch Gazebo: Learn about our community initiatives and services.
- Climbing Wall: Challenge yourself and reach new heights!
- RAF Tent: Explore displays and meet members of the Royal Air Force.
- Dive Tank: Experience an underwater adventure.
- Trade Stands: Browse and shop from local vendors.
- Mini Assault Course: Perfect for kids to test their agility and have fun.
- Static Weapons Display: Get up close with military equipment.
- Photo Booth: Capture memories with friends and family.
- King’s Trailer: Discover more about our heritage and history.
- Tombola: Try your luck and win exciting prizes!

Sunday, 9th June 2024
Event: 75th Freedom Parade and Mayor Making
Starting Location: Ripon Cathedral
Celebrate a significant milestone in our town's history with the 75th Freedom Parade. The parade will feature a vibrant procession through Ripon, starting from the historic Ripon Cathedral. Following the parade, join us for the Mayor Making ceremony, a traditional event marking the appointment of our new Mayor.

Don't miss out on this weekend of community spirit, celebration, and fun!

01/06/2024

https://visitripon.co.uk/event/ripon-indie-fiesta/

Are you ready for the next Street Fiesta that is coming to Ripon!

01/06/2024

The life-size Churchill Tank created by Ripon Community Poppy Project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing can be seen at the following locations:
• 24th May to 4th June – Fountains Abbey
• 5th & 6th June – Ripon Cathedral forecourt
• 8th & 9th June – Tractorfest at Newby Hall

30/05/2024

Little Bird Artisan Market

- Discover and shop unique handmade goods from local artisans.
- Enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors.
- Engage with the community in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
- Meet the makers and learn about their crafts.
Come support local artisans, find unique treasures, and enjoy a wonderful day out with family and friends at the Little Bird Artisan Market!

June 2024: Sunday, 23rd
July 2024: Sunday, 7th
August 2024: Sunday, 25th
September 2024: Sunday, 22nd
October 2024: Thursday, 24th
November 2024: Sunday, 24th
December 2024: Sunday, 22nd (time to be confirmed)

28/05/2024

28/05/2024

Event Announcement: Ripon Cathedral, 6th June 2024

Event Highlights:

Artists Performing:
Ripon City Band
The Dishforth Military Wives Choir
The Duchy Belles
Charlotte Potter
Ticket Information:

Tickets are available from Eventbrite.
Special Commemoration:

As part of the national commemorations, a beacon will be lit outside the cathedral at 9:15 PM.
Jack Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s great-grandson, will light the beacon on Ripon Cathedral’s forecourt on behalf of the city, joining a national event where beacons will be lit across the country.

Parking Information:
Disabled parking will be limited due to the event and must be pre-booked.
To book disabled parking, contact Stuart Martin at 07985 492581.
More Information:

Visit Ripon Community Poppy Project for additional details.

26/05/2024

Wednesday 29th May Ripon Food Tour 11:00am 2:00pm. Take a walk around historic Ripon, listen to your guides regale tales from yesteryear, and taste some of the cuisine on offer in local cafes and restaurants.
To book for this or another date: https://www.yorkshireappetite.com/ripon-food-toura83a444d
,

24/05/2024

Half-Term Activity Morning at Ripon Cathedral
Date: Tuesday, 28th May
Time: 10:30am

Activities:
Sowing Seeds: Learn about gardening and plant your own seeds to take home.
Creating Flowers: Craft beautiful flowers using various materials.
Making Bugs: Get creative with fun bug-making crafts.
Nature Exploration: Discover the natural themes hidden within the intricate carvings and stunning stained glass of Ripon Cathedral.
Cost: £3 per child (includes refreshments)
Payment: Cash or contactless payment available on the day

To book your place, please email [email protected].

A morning of fun, creativity, and exploration in the beautiful setting of Ripon Cathedral

21/05/2024

1. Making Faces Tree Trail
- Dates: Saturday, 25th May – Sunday, 2nd June
- Time: 10am - 4:30pm
This activity invites children and families to explore the grounds while participating in a creative trail. Participants will use natural materials to create faces on trees, blending nature with artistry in a fun and engaging way.

2. Spring Craft
- Dates: Saturday, 25th May – Sunday, 2nd June
- Time: 11am - 3pm
The Spring Craft sessions provide an opportunity for children to get hands-on with various craft activities. These sessions are designed to inspire creativity and connect with the natural beauty of the abbey grounds.

These events at Fountains Abbey offer a wonderful combination of outdoor exploration and creative expression, making them perfect for families looking to enjoy the spring season while engaging in educational and entertaining activities.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden/visiting-fountains-abbey--studley-royal-with-children -may-half-term

20/05/2024

Ripon Museums are offering a variety of engaging activities for families over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. With a focus on a Victorian theme, children can immerse themselves in history through a range of interactive experiences.

**Activities include:**

1. **Victorian Dress-Up and Baking:** Children can don Victorian costumes and try their hand at baking, getting a taste of life in the 19th century.
2. **Lawn Games:** Traditional Victorian games will be available for children to play on the museum's lawns, providing a fun and active way to engage with history.
3. **Art and Craft Activities:** Creative sessions where children can participate in various art and craft projects, all themed around Victorian times.

**Special Museum Events:**

1. **Courthouse Museum:** Children are invited to dress up and learn about the judicial system of the Victorian era. They can explore the courtroom, understand the types of crimes that were prevalent, and what might have led individuals to end up in court.
2. **Prison & Police Museum:** The museum offers a unique activity where children can have fun with finger printing, learning about early forensic methods used by Victorian police.

These activities not only provide entertainment but also an educational insight into Victorian life, law, and order, making the Ripon Museums an enriching destination for families this Bank Holiday weekend.
https://riponmuseums.co.uk/things-to-do/may-fun/

13/05/2024

Sun 26th May – Wood Owl and the Box of Wonders – Fountains Mill – 11am and 2pm. Tickets are £5 plus the usual National Trust admission fees. The puppet show is suitable for children from age 3. https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/event/wood-owl-and-the-box-of-wonders/

12/05/2024

Something fun to do only 20 minutes away from Ripon and with Squid and Tonic being there lunch is sorted!

10/05/2024

Ripon City Community Poppy Project knitted Churchill AVRE tank is now on show at Tates Garden Centre on the Pateley Bridge Road until May 23rd. It wasn't until visitors viewing it today got up close that they realised that even the men in the tank and the sentry box are fully knitted.
You don't need to be a gardener to enjoy a visit to Tates Garden Centre. They supply beautiful garden furniture, ornaments, fencing, gifts and crafts, as well as a whole host of plants, shrubs and trees.
Also on display for sale are a selection of bird houses, wooden flower baskets and other items made by non-profit making Jennyruth Workshop. All of the workshops gifts and products are crafted and individually handpainted by adults who have learning disabilities.
​When you've finished browsing there's The Olive Tree cafe to relax in.
, , ,

09/05/2024

This weekend there is a selection of musical entertainment on offer in Ripon. To see details and to get the ticket links go to the Visit Ripon What’s On pages https://visitripon.co.uk/events/
Tomorrow (10th May) fiddle player, pianist and singers Tom McConville and Michael Biggins will be at St Wilfred’s Community Centre on Trinity Lane from 7:30pm - 11pm.
Also on Friday 10th may, from 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm, the Ripon Inn has live music. No entry tickets or booking necessary.
On Saturday 11th May 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Peter Knight’s Gigspanner are appearing at Ripon Arts Hub but be quick. There only a handful of tickets left. Listen here https://www.peterknight.net/listen

09/05/2024

It's going to be a grand day out at the Ripon Races tomorrow. Temperatures are up and no rain is forecast. Gates open at 3:30pm and the first race is 5:25pm.

tickets now on sale!    When booking tickets, your e-ticket will be delivered to your e-mail address immediately. If you do not see your e-ticket please check your junk folder. Please note, packages and annual badges will be posted, you will not receive an e-ticket. Latest News Celebrate our 125...

09/05/2024

Here's something for the kids at Lightwater Valley this weekend (11th and 12th May). Bluey and Bingo will be appearing around the park. https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/events/view/bluey-bingo-are-coming-to-the-park. Lightwater Valley Theme Park with entertainment, rides and attractions is just 3 and a half miles and less than 10 minutes drive from Ripon City centre.
, ,

02/05/2024

This little gem of a place is a real getaway for a romantic retreat or just to escape from the daily grind for a while. It is private (other than the sheep who won't bleat a word), surrounded on all sides by countryside, but still only 15 minutes walk from the Mason's Arms, so you don't even have to cook while you are there (or have a takeaway delivered from Ripon).
The bathroom has a skylight so you can relax in the air bath and enjoy the sun or the starlight.
There are a couple of little seating areas where you can sit out and enjoy the moment.
Visit www.destinationripon.co.uk to book
, , ,

30/04/2024

Race days in Ripon bring a lively day out. The city buzzes with people enjoying the restaurants, bars and pubs, either celebrating or commiserating, after their day at the races.

Ripon’s Garden Racecourse on the Boroughbridge Road has been seeing horse racing since 1900. It has won the prestigious award of ‘Best Small Racecourse in the North” by the Racegoers' Club many times and is beautifully maintained. The Racecourse boasts the title of Yorkshires Garden Racecourse.

Interestingly, between 1916 and 1919, the southern half of the racecourse was used as a base for No. 76 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (later the Royal Air Force) as RFC/RAF Ripon.

Special and popular dates include Ladies Day on 5th June, William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap on 17th August, and Family Day on bank Holiday 26th August.

30/04/2024

This year is the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. It is also the 75th anniversary of The Royal Engineers gaining the Freedom of the City of Ripon.

Ripon will begin commemorative activities at 11am on Tuesday 30th April with a full sized knitted model of a Churchill AVRE tank being unveiled at The Ripon Inn, along with a knitted model of a large scale pontoon bridge.

On Thursday 6th June at 7pm there will be a musical event at Ripon Cathedral. Ripon City Band, The Duchy Belles, The Dishforth Wives and Charlotte Potter will be performing.

For children, there is a D-Day Hero Hunt. The talented and dedicated knitters from Ripon Community Poppy Project will be strategically placing the miniature heroes around businesses in Ripon City centre, and a trail sheet will be available for people that would like to take part in the challenge to find as many heroes as they can. You will have from 30th April until 15th June to find them and return the sheet to named offices within the city (all to be confirmed nearer the time).

28/04/2024

Looking for a card and/or a gift to take home? Memorable Moments on North Street has a large selection, many designed and made in Yorkshire. Their Jellycat soft toys are one of the most popular items to buy in the shop. If it is a scarf, some jewelry or perhaps a bag that you would like, Memorable Moments have these too.

26/04/2024

Forbes Gifts and Interiors are another of Ripon's shops selling a range of items and is well worth a browse around. The shop always has beautiful window displays to tempt you in and can be found at the top of High Skellgate.

24/04/2024

Markenfield Hall, just 4 miles out of Ripon on the Harrogate Road, has opened for the season. It is a very grand medieval, moated home with an entry in the Domesday Book (1086). The hall has an interesting, not always peaceful, history which will be shared with you on one of the ‘Tiny Tours’ that can be booked.

“Markenfield is the seat of the Grantley family – builders of nearby Grantley Hall – and is the much-loved family home of the widow of 7th Lord Grantley and her second husband. Together, Lady Deirdre and Ian Curteis continue the restoration of the Hall and the wider Estate.” https://markenfieldhall.com/

Visiting is from Tuesdays to Sunday from April through June and Wednesdays to Sundays from July until 2nd November. It is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
The estate has restrictions upon it for the number of visitors so bookings for ‘Tiny Tours’ are in advance https://markenfieldhall.com/tiny-tours/ or for organised events https://markenfieldhall.com/whats-on/

24/04/2024

Join us on Thursday 25th April for our FREE lunchtime concert to hear Jane Burnell, soprano accompanied by Tim Kennedy.

As ever, the concert will take place from 1-1.50pm in the stunning setting of the medieval quire with drinks and biscuits from 12.30pm.

Admission is free with a collection after the performance.

https://riponcathedral.org.uk/events/thursday-lunchtime-concerts/?occurrence=2024-04-25&time=1714048200

24/04/2024

We are coming up to one of the most beautiful and colourful times to visit the Hutts Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park. The rhododendron, azalea bushes, and magnolia trees are flowering and the gardens have been adorned with 60 new sculptures. The gardens are 8 miles from Ripon City Centre and opened for the season just last week. Admission is bookings in advance only https://www.himalayangarden.com/admissions-tickets/

Meet 'Petra' by Min Reid. One of sixty new sculptures installed in the garden this season as part of our Sculpture in the Landscape Exhibition. Can you find them all?

20/04/2024

8th Best City in Britain!

On the 16th April 2024, published a list of Britain’s best (and worst) cities - according to science. And guess what? is in the Top 10! Number 8, to be precise. Here’s what they had to say about our wonderful city:

Yorkshire’s smallest city is nigh-on perfect, especially for heritage buffs. Medieval cathedral? Tick. Ancient market place? Tick. Wonky narrow streets? Tick. There are also independent shops, courteous traffic, and three rivers looping around its edges to frame the loveliness. Ripon gave up on its spa-town ambitions in the 1930s (there were no springs) but the splendid Edwardian building still stands, and it can confidently lay claim to the title of last traditional spa to be built in Britain.

Other visitor highlights include three quirky museums – Workhouse; Prison and Police; Courthouse – and nearby Fountains Abbey. You might not think of Ripon as a tourist hotspot, but it actually came second in our survey for “hospitality and provisions”. As for York, up the road, it came 13th overall.

Check out the Destination Ripon website for some fab places to stay: www.destinationripon.co.uk

17/04/2024

Another option for shopping in Ripon, especially if you are looking for a gift to take home from your visit to the city, is Eastwick on North Street. The shop has a good display of hats, scarves, gloves, jewellery and much more. It’s the sort of place where you will be almost certainly be tempted to treat yourself!

15/04/2024

Our local travelling horse box, turned gastro street food stand, is serving sharing boards on Kirkgate this Thursday. So, how about sitting down in the Portly Pig to enjoy a pint and have a trough? Keep an eye on their page or website to see where Squid and Tonic are and when. Their cuisine comes highly recommended 👌