Ripon Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Ripon Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Ripon packs a surprising amount of attractions into a compact city. The magnificent Ripon Cathedral (LS4 8AA) dominates the skyline and offers free entry daily from 8:30am-6pm. Its 1300+ years of history make it a must-visit, with TripAdvisor reviewers giving it 4.5/5 stars.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (HG4 3DY) sits just 3 miles from the city centre. This UNESCO World Heritage site combines medieval abbey ruins with stunning Georgian water gardens. Open 10am-5pm daily, it scores an impressive 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor.

History buffs should visit Ripon's Prison & Police Museum (HG4 1QS), housed in the former prison. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-4pm, visitors rate it 4.5/5 for its fascinating exhibits on crime and punishment through the ages.

Don't miss the Ripon Hornblower ceremony - a tradition dating back to 886 AD where the city's Wakeman blows a horn at each corner of the market square at 9pm every night. It's completely free and makes for great holiday photos!

Pet Friendly

Bringing your dog to Ripon? You're in luck! The city and surrounding countryside offer excellent options for four-legged visitors. Many local cottages feature secure gardens where dogs can play safely while you enjoy your hot tub.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park provides endless walking opportunities. We recommend Hackfall Woods (HG4 3DE) for a shaded walk with interesting follies and waterfalls - perfect for hot days.

For dog-friendly dining, try The Royal Oak (HG4 1PJ) which welcomes dogs in its bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. The Water Rat pub (HG4 3EN) along the canal path also accommodates dogs with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly section indoors.

Pack a portable water bowl for city exploration - Ripon's compact centre means you can easily see the sights with your dog. The market square has several benches where you can rest during your walk.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Ripon

Newby Hall and Gardens (HG4 5AE) is a stunning Georgian house with 25 acres of award-winning gardens. Open April-September, 11am-5pm. The adventure playground makes it ideal for families, while garden enthusiasts will love the double herbaceous borders and national collection of cornus. Recent visitors praise the miniature railway that circles the grounds. "Absolutely worth the entry fee - we spent a whole day here and didn't see everything," reports one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Ripon Racecourse (HG4 1UG) offers an exciting day out even for non-gamblers. Known as 'Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse', it hosts regular race meetings between April and September. The family enclosure provides activities for children, making it a full day out. "Much more relaxed than bigger racecourses, with great views of the whole track," according to recent visitors.

Lightwater Valley Theme Park (HG4 3HT) sits just outside Ripon and provides thrills for all ages. Open weekends and school holidays from 10am-5pm. While no longer home to The Ultimate (once Europe's longest roller coaster), it still offers over 30 rides and attractions. The park has refocused on younger families, with recent visitors noting: "Perfect for under-12s with minimal queuing times even in peak season."

Is Ripon good for a romantic break?

Absolutely! The small city size means you can explore hand-in-hand, with plenty of cosy tearooms and restaurants. Evening walks along the canal followed by a soak in your private hot tub make for perfect romantic days. The surrounding countryside offers secluded walks and nearby Masham has two breweries for tasting tours.

How far is Ripon from the Yorkshire Dales?

Ripon sits right on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You can reach spectacular landscapes within 15 minutes by car. Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty borders the city, with Pateley Bridge just 12 miles away offering access to stunning moorland scenery.

What's the best time to visit Ripon?

Spring and summer showcase the region at its best, with gardens in full bloom and longer days for exploration. However, autumn brings spectacular colours to the surrounding woodland. Winter visitors can enjoy quieter attractions and cosy pubs with roaring fires before returning to warm up in their hot tub.

Can I get around Ripon without a car?

The city centre is compact and walkable. Buses connect Ripon to Harrogate, York and Leeds. For exploring further afield, a car is recommended, though some attractions like Fountains Abbey can be reached by seasonal shuttle buses or a scenic 3-mile walk from the city centre.

Are there any annual events worth planning around?

Ripon hosts several notable events including the St Wilfrid's Procession in August, featuring a parade and carnival atmosphere. The Ripon International Festival in September offers two weeks of classical music performances. The Thursday market has run since 1693 and remains a weekly highlight.

What's the best view in Ripon?

Climb the cathedral tower (open on selected days, £8 per person) for panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside. For natural vistas, the viewpoint at Studley Royal Deer Park overlooks the abbey ruins and water gardens - spectacular at sunset when you can spot the deer herd grazing.

1. Visit Ripon Official Tourism Site
2. Fountains Abbey National Trust Information
3. Ripon Cathedral Visitor Information