Ripon
Cathedral City of the Dales
Small city with big personality is how Ripon can be best described, with its Stunning cathedral and fine market square described by Daniel Defoe as the most beautiful to be found in England, complete with its Georgian buildings and distinctive obelisk.
The town is a great base for exploring the dales indeed it is called the cathedral city of the dales, Ripon Cathedral was founded by St Wilfrid in 672 AD it has the original Saxon crypt. The cathedral has some beautiful stained glass windows and an art nouveau pulpit, Nikolaus Pevsner regarded the west front one of the noblest in England.
The writer Lewis Carroll was a regular visitor as his father was the residentiary canon here in 1853 it is said he drew inspiration for his writing here. The town has a good mix of independent shops cafes pubs and restaurants all within an historic setting.
Nearby attractions, include the light water valley amusement park for the children and shopping village for mum. Ripon is also home to the law and order trail where you can visit the prison and police museums.
The annual Ripon international festival takes place in the cathedral and other historic buildings, a procession is held every august to commemorate St Wilfrid.
The town interestingly carries on a centuries old tradition when every night at 9pm the Wakeman or Ripon Hornblower sets the night watch by blowing his horn at the four corners of the obelisk.
Activities in Ripon
Cathedrals
Ripon Cathedral - Cathedral of the Dales
Family Fun
Forbidden Corner - Strangest Place in the World
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