If you are planning a visit to Ripon between 2nd – 7th July, this would be a great time to see some of the many theatrical appearances in local venues, and outdoors too. Ripon will be hosting street entertainment, open-air theatre, family shows, storytelling, dance and comedy. Subscribe via the link to keep up to date with what’s on and when. https://www.facebook.com/ripontheatrefestival/videos/1433895913874083
Ripon has plenty of walks on firm ground as well as out in the countryside. To see Ripon City Centre and its charms on foot then we recommend following the routes on Visit Ripon website. https://visitripon.co.uk/visitor-info/walking-routes/
There are also some good walks of varying lengths on the Alltrails site taking in some of the most scenic places nearby too: https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/england/north-yorkshire/ripon/walking
We have three rivers running through and close to the city – the Skell and Laver and the river Ure which is the central river to the valley of Wensleydale.
The entrance to the canal basin can be found opposite the Bowling Club on Bondgate Green (there’s a great little café called The Forge, open Monday to Saturday, too). Ripon canal leads to the river Ure and onwards to York via the river Ouse, so if you like fishing, spotting wildlife (including otters, water voles, kingfishers, and little ringed plovers) or just enjoying scenic walks in the open air, there is plenty of opportunity in and around Ripon.
Steel band Jamsalana, a group of musicians from the Caribbean and Sierra Leone, will be playing from 9:45pm in the market place on New Year’s Eve.
The Watchnight service at Ripon Cathedral is held at 11pm after which there will be the torchlight procession from the Cathedral to the market square.
As always, Ripon will be a lively place to visit, with friends, families and acquaintances meeting up in the market place for the Big Ben countdown from the town hall balcony.
The fireworks are set to be much bigger than previous years, if that is possible! They are always spectacular!
Join the service in the Cathedral at 11pm
The walk from Ripon Cathedral to the market place along Kirkgate
Ripon Market Place where the chimes of Big ben will be heard at midnight
Steel Drum musicians start at 9:45pm on the square
Just as it does in London, the countdown with Big Ben can be heard in the market place at midnight before a spectacular firework display
Every year Ripon Cathedral holds a short sung eucharist from 9:30am until 10:15am, followed by a lively, sociable gathering outside that takes part in a 4 mile walk across a flat route to Fountains Abbey where there is a carol service in the abbey cellarium.
This year, the weather was bright and the skies were blue. Hundreds of people turned up for the popular walk, with the bonus of free entry to Fountains Abbey grounds and the carol concert held in the cellarium.
The yearly 4 mile walk is a pilgrimage intended to celebrate the time in 1132 when thirteen monks walked from Ripon to the area by the River Skell where they started their community and later built the abbey.
There was so much for children to see and do at Ripon Spa Garden’s Illuminated Winter Wonderland organised by Ripon Volunteering Hub last weekend. The smiles on the children’s faces said it all…
The popular snow globe photo opportunity that appeared around Ripon over the weekend.
There is a magical place not many miles outside of Ripon that is worth visiting at any time of the year. The scenery is stunning, be it summer, autumn, winter or spring. In times of snow it is particularly breath-taking. Imagine catching perfectly formed dollied snowflakes in your hand in a picture-perfect setting blanketed in crisp, dry pure white snow.
Brimham Rocks is landscape of natural rock formations, piled high on top of each, overlooking a huge expanse of North Yorkshires landscape. The rocks were created from deposits of millstone grit, sand and pebbles washed down there from fast flowing rivers. They were shaped and formed over millions of years by erosion from sea, wind, rain and ice.
The site has been featured in countless films and programs, Barbara Taylor Bradford’s ‘A Woman of Substance’ starring Jenny Seagrove, popular children’s TV series ‘Roger and the Rottentrolls’, and the music video for the Bee Gees ‘You Win Again’ released in 1987 contained scenes of Brimham Rocks.
Brimham Rocks is a National Trust site. It is free to visit though you will have to pay for parking unless you are a National Trust member.
Half way around the well-laid out paths on the circular walk there’s a kiosk selling drinks, small snacks and ice creams on the hill. Here, you can stop and admire the scenery. And it’s worth it!
You are free to climb the rocks.
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
There is a bookshop and toilets.
The address is Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW.
Between Friday 15th and Sunday 17th December there are many activities going on, making it an excellent time to visit Ripon.
Illuminated Winter Wonderland Fri 15th – Sun 17th December, Ripon Spa Gardens 2pm – 8pm.
This is a popular and well-attended event for bringing the community together. Several local groups and organisations make this possible – the knitters, schools, care homes, Brownies, Guides, Evolve College, and many others have made decorations. Illuminations are from A V Matrix. Together they create a colourful and magical place at Ripon Spa Gardens. Illumination photos (2) by Helen Tabor Photography.
Ripon Scenic Cruises 16th and 17th December
Mulled wine, hot chocolate, brownies, mince pies, and a half hour cruise on Ripon Canal. What’s not to like? There will be a Local Makers Market and a firepit at the canal basin. 70 tickets are available each day. Book online with Ripon Scenic Cruises or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Giant Snow Globe Thursday 14th – Sun 17th December
A festive photo opportunity to have with friends and family. Climb into the winter scene and say ‘cheese’! This is a free event.
The snow globe will be at the following locations from 1pm to 7pm:
14 December – The Ripon Inn, Park Street
15 December – Ripon Cathedral forecourt, Minster Road
16 December – Ripon Market Square
17 December – Ripon Market Square
While you are in Ripon, don’t forget to visit the market square any night of the week at 9pm to see the Hornblower and hear more about the city’s history.
Thanks to Helen Tabor Photography for the images of the Illuminated Winter Wonderland
The colours at Fountains Abbey Deer Park are stunning at this time of year and the grounds are well worth going to see. Fountains Abbey is home to over 300 red deer, fallow deer and the Manchurian sika. The magnificent stags can be seen strutting their stuff as rutting season is coming to end.
The park is open to the public 7 days a week. Studley Car-park is pay & display (free for National Trust members) £6 for 4 hours, £9 all day.
If you haven’t been to Fountains Deer Park before there are plenty of scenic walks, including the popular Seven Bridges circular walk. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/…/the-seven-bridges…
And at the end of your chosen activity there is a frothy hot chocolate or coffee, or a cup of tea waiting for you at Studley Tea room just outside the gates to the Abbey grounds. The tearoom also serves snacks, cakes and ice creams.
Just about now is one of the finest times to be visiting Ripon. The city is bedecked with poppies, knitted and displayed under the Ripon Community Poppy Project, in commemoration of Armistice Day of 1918. The spectacle creates a dramatic affect around the city.
The colours on the trees in Ripon market square are changing to stunning golds, oranges and yellows. This weekend, the trees will be further enhanced by Christmas lights from 5pm this Saturday (18th November) when the official switch-on takes place. Ripon marketplace will be buzzing with activity if last year is anything to go by. There will be live music, Santa in his sleigh, and real life reindeer.
Just outside of Ripon, Fountains Abbey and Deer Park are among the most popular places to visit, with rainbow lighting in the abbey, choirs, tours, a chance to feed the deer, and much more.
There is so much more to see and do in Ripon. Take a look at our Destination Ripon Facebook page for information.
9:30am – 4:30pm on 24th and 25th November 2023
Is it really Christmas in just a few weeks? Ripon Cathedral Christmas Fair could be just the place to buy some of your Christmas gifts and decorations. There will be over 100 stalls selling festive decorations, handmade crafts, clothing, bags, accessories, gifts, toiletries, jewellery, candles, home furnishings and more, as well as a wide selection of food and drink operators! Something for everyone!
You can expect a wonderful festive atmosphere in the Cathedral, with music playing and plenty of choice of refreshments – mulled wine, hot turkey sandwiches, mince pies, and homemade cakes, to mention just a few.
Online entry Tickets are £6.13 including the booking fee. Under 16’s are free. https://riponcathedral.org.uk/events/christmas-food-gift-fair/ Provided tickets are still available on the day, entry on the door will be £5.
As an extra bonus, complimentary Park and Ride services will be available from Ripon City Golf Club on Friday 24th November and Addictive X at College Business Park, Kearsley Road on Saturday 25th November.
