Delight in awe-inspiringly beautiful and ancient buildings, quirky details and places to visit.

Ripon is full of special treasures and has been welcoming visitors since 672 when Saint Wilfrid laid the foundations for what became today’s impressive Cathedral. The tapestry kneelers inside Ripon Cathedral bring Ripon 1350 years of history to life. Make sure you visit the ancient crypt, look up at the magnificent medieval screen, and search for the misericords said to have inspired Alice in Wonderland.

At the heart of Yorkshire’s smallest city is the cobbled market square. You’ll immediately notice the strikingly tall Obelisk, one of many legacies left by John Aislabie. His other important contributions to the local area include Studley Royal Water Gardens, and the folly-filled woods at Hackfall. The Obelisk is the starting point for Ripon’s famous nightly tradition: setting of the watch by the Ripon Hornblower every night at 9.00 pm.

Just off the square you’ll find three fascinating museums that tell the story of less fortunate times, prisoners and poverty: the Workhouse Museum, the Prison and Police Museum, and the Courthouse.