The magnificent cathedral stands majestically in the heart of the city. Step inside to find intricate woodcarvings, medieval architecture and more. At Thorpe Prebend House you’ll learn just how Lewis Carroll was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland as well as finding faces from Ripon’s history.
The three Yorkshire Law & Order Museums give a thought provoking insight into the ups and downs of life in days gone by. Do some time in the Prison & Police Museum, once a jail and police station. Take a walk through Britain’s first Workhouse Museum that gives an atmospheric account of a vagrant’s life a hundred years ago. Ever wondered what happened to someone if they stole a pair of boots in the 1830s? Visiting the Courthouse Museum will give you the answer.
Every night in the Market Place there is the chance to see a tradition that has taken place for over 1100 years! Without fail at 9pm the Ripon Hornblower sounds his horn to ‘set the watch’ guaranteeing city residents their safety for the night.
By day browse the busy Thursday market and charming medieval streets, filled with fascinating shops and homely tearooms. Amble along the canal and attractive marina or why not try your luck at Ripon Races – ‘Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse’?