Ripon Hornblower

“Every night of the year without fail, a horn is blown at the four corners of the Obelisk in Ripon Market Place to set the ‘watch’ and then outside the house of the Mayor. This ceremony commemorates the time in the Middle Ages when Ripon’s first citizen, the Wakeman, was responsible for crime prevention in the city from 9 pm until dawn …. The city has 4 horns, the oldest of which is known as the Charter Horn, since according to ancient tradition it symbolised the granting of charter rights to Ripon in AD 886. Whatever the truth of this legend, the horn is many centuries old…” Read more on the Ripon City Website

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

A fantastic day out for all the family! Plenty of space for the kids to run around, including an great adventure area, plus ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site.

One not to be missed!

Newby Hall & Gardens

Another jewel in Ripon’s historical crown is the grade I listed Newby Hall & Gardens. A beautiful manor house which boasts a superb collection of fine furniture, paintings and extensive gardens. There is also a fantastic adventure playground complete with a boating lake and it even has its own miniature railway which runs through the estate and along the banks of the River Ure.

Plan your visit on their website Newby Hall.

River Laver & River Skell

The River Laver is a tributary of the River Skell, itself a tributary of the River Ure, all of which entwine and surround Ripon which provides plenty of walks for everyone. No matter your fitness or ability there will be something for you, right from the marketplace!

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park

16 minutes from our front door in Ripon you’ll find 45 acres of beautifully planted woodland gardens, lakes and an arboretum dotted with 85 striking sculptures and enhanced by the sounds of wildlife.

Hackfall Wood

One of our favourites! Bit of a steep hill at the start and at the end but the adventure at the bottom of this is absolutely brilliant! This ancient woodland has been restored to its former glory and boasts original features such as grottos and glades, rustic temples and waterfalls, as well as carpets of bluebell in spring and an impressive number of woodland birds.

Brimham Rocks

The go to for many an advernture for both families and adults alike. Offering an amazing collection of remarkable rock formations, you’ll be able to simply enjoy a beautiful walk through the edge of the Nidderdale or scrabble up and over and around these monstraties or even squeeze your way through a smartie tube!

Don’t take our word for it, it’s received 4.5 stars from over 2,500 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Eavestone Lake

One of the best kept secrets (or so we think) until now! The secluded and tranquil lake is something of a hidden gem and a lovely area for a peaceful walk.

Find it on google maps here, Eavestone Lake.

Ripon Rowel Walk

“This route is an elongated long loop around the lower Ure valley, starting and finishing in the ancient city of Ripon, and following recognised public rights of way and permissive paths. The route visits villages, historic sites, wooded valleys, rivers, lakes and streams. Particular highlights are Markenfield Hall, the romantic and magnificent Fountains Abbey, Studley Water Gardens and Park and the beautiful St Mary's Church. There are visits to the tranquil River Skell's Valley of the Seven Bridges and to Eavestone Lakes, Dallowgill, Ilton-Cum-Pot, a 'Druids' Temple', and Hackfall Woods.”

Continue to read on the Long Distance Walkers Association page.

Plenty of Nature Reserves

Leave Ripon in any direction and you’ll quickly stumble of a Nature Reserve including High Batts Nature Reserve, Quarry Moor Nature Reserve, Marfield Wetlands, Nosterfield Nature Reserve and Ripon City Wetlands Nature Reserve all of which are abundant with both fauna and flora!

Lightwater Valley

After a recent revamp, this is now truly a Family Adventure Park which also includes Tree Top Nets. It’s perfect for a full day of fresh air and entertainment but is now aimed at children aged 12 and under. So this is not the Lightwater valley of old, with The Ultimate rollercoaster! This recommendation does come with a slight caveat that their may be seasonal activities not to everyone’s liking, so please have a look at their website before arriving to see what is on.

Ripon Canal

Beginning at the dock basin overlooked by Ripon Cathedral, this is one of the shortest waterways in Yorkshire, being 2.3 miles in length, but it's also one of the prettiest. Offering enjoyable activities for both those on the water or walking alongside the water.

Bethel Church Ripon

Whatever brings you to Ripon, we hope you enjoy your stay and please know that you are more than welcome to join us on a Sunday morning for our Family Service!!! To find out what this may look like have a read of our article “What does church on a sunday look like? Or to find out more about what we believe as a church have a read of the Bethel Church Ripon - FIEC Statement of Faith.