Video Credit: National Trust in the North of England
HISTORY
The little city that packs a big punch. Ripon is a Cathedral city steeped in history and home to magnificent historical buildings and long-observed traditions - it’s origins can be traced back to as early as the 7th century.
In 658, Ripon was founded by a man called Wilfrid who would become Bishop of York - some of the earliest settlers, who were plasterers and glaziers, came from Rome and Lyon.
Ripon is actually the oldest city in England, and the third smallest, with a population of only 17,000.
LOCATION
Kirkgate Cottage is situated in a peaceful historic court just a stones throw from the epic 500 year old Ripon Cathedral. You get a great view of the breath-taking architecture from the bedroom window and if you stay with us over a weekend, you may be lucky enough to have the bell ringers wake you from your Sunday slumber.
The Ripon Cathedral Society of Change Ringers practise each Wednesday evening from 7:30 - 9pm and before the Sunday morning service - usually between 09:30-10:30am.
1910 Whit Walk procession on Kirkgate
Although in a tranquil, secluded courtyard the cottage is only a few meters from Kirkgate - a bustling cobbled street packed with an array of independent shops, pubs, restaurants, antiques and art galleries with plenty of surprises and treats from local businesses.
Ripon is a superb place from which to explore the magnificent Yorkshire countryside, The Moors, The Dales and the many thriving towns, villages and National Trust destinations dotted across this glorious region of England.
RIPON MARKET SQUARE
Ripon Centre is within a 2 minute walk - a historic 12th century market place offering great shopping, artisan markets and a weekly general market every Thursday.
You can witness the City’s proud 1000 year old tradition of blowing the horn by The Ripon Hornblower. Since 886, a Wakeman has kept watch over the city ensuring the townspeople that there was someone on guard during the night. Every evening at 9:00 for the past 1125 years, the horn-blower has sounded his horn 4 times around the Obelisk each evening at 9pm (yes it’s true).
OUR TOP 3
LOCAL AREA
We whole heartedly encourage you to explore our wonderful region during your stay. The area offers hidden gardens, spectacular architecture, award winning afternoon tea, a cracking pint of local ale, scenic canal walks, challenging Tour de France cycle routes, fantastic beaches (with fish and chips to match), home made ice-cream, artisan markets, live music and loads more . . .
Sounds EPIC doesn’t it?
You can find more info in our Guides section over on Instagram which features our Top 3 Stately Homes, Outdoor Destinations, Top Pubs, Brews and Restaurants:
The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid, commonly known as ‘Ripon Cathedral’ was founded as a monastery by monks of the Irish tradition in the 660s, it was refounded as a Benedictine monastery by St Wilfrid in 672.
Not to be missed are the the medieval woodcarvings that decorate the choir stalls, which are believed to have inspired Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland. You can also follow in the footsteps of Wilfred Owen, the war poet as he recuperated here during WW1 and wrote many of his famous poems . . .
“In AD 672 St Wilfrid built a church on this spot. You can still see the crypt of that church – the oldest complete Saxon crypt in any English cathedral”
Veiled in a secluded valley, this National Trust property promises to surprise and captivate with its vast Cistercian abbey ruins, Georgian water garden, a medieval deer park, Elizabethan Hall and Gothic church.
“Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site”