Ripon in North Yorkshire is one of the oldest cities in England. One of the most unique things about this city is the Hornblower who has blown a horn at 9pm every night for over a thousand years to ‘keep watch’ and is a much loved tradition that dates from the building of the cathedral when residents were called back at night to the safety of the settlement. For heaps of history and lots of things to do, Ripon is a must on any trip to North Yorkshire. The city lies on the corner of the stunning Yorkshire Dales and is known as the ‘Cathedral City of the Dales’.
History is everywhere you turn, with mediaeval and Georgian buildings surrounding the quaint marketplace. Although a city, Ripon has a market town feel and a friendliness about it that some cities are unable to exude. The market occurs every Thursday and attracts visitors and locals alike. For information on Things to do in Ripon, go to https://www.localthingstodo.co.uk/locations/things-to-do-in-ripon/
The cathedral demonstrates a mixture of architectural styles and the crypt is the only remaining evidence of Saxon foundations that were laid in 672. The current building is actually the fourth church to have stood on the site. The cathedral used to boast three spires but unfortunately none of these remain. For history lovers, there are even more attractions nearby to pique your interest, such as the courthouse, the Ripon Prison and Police Museum, the Workhouse Museum of Poor Law and the Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO world heritage site.
