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Visit
Ripon & The Skell Valley
Step off the hamster wheel of life: explore Ripon, full of special treasures. Delight in awe-inspiringly beautiful and ancient buildings, quirky details and places to visit, all set in the lush green frame of Skell Valley and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding
At the heart of Yorkshire’s smallest city is the cobbled market square. It was described by Defoe as ‘the finest and most beautiful square… of its kind in England’ and is surrounded by splendid places to shop,
eat and drink.
Ripon 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.
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These layers of history make Ripon a comforting place to visit: the city is also full of contemporary businesses run by independent people, proud of where they live.
Ripon’s neighbouring attractions are impressive. Ripon hosts a wealth of attractions such as Newby Hall, Lightwater Valley and a variety of museums.
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A short drive from Ripon lies the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Park. You can still experience the peace and tranquillity that attracted the original monks,
almost 900 years ago.
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As the signs to Ripon proudly suggest, it’s well worth planning to ‘stay awhile amid its
ancient charms’.