A weekend in Ripon

A tiny cathedral city next door to Fountains Abbey

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Ripon is one of England's smallest cities, centred on a huge cobbled market square and a Saxon-crypt cathedral. Every evening at nine a hornblower sounds the watch, in a tradition that is said to go back more than a thousand years.

It is a quiet, friendly base, and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only a few miles away.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Walkers, Couples

Best time to goSpring to autumn for Fountains Abbey and its gardens. The Hornblower tradition runs every evening.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereLeeds: About 40 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Ripon

Plan your weekend in Ripon

Top attractions in Ripon

Ripon Cathedral

A beautiful cathedral with a Saxon crypt that dates back to the 7th century.

The Hornblower ceremony

Every evening at 9pm, a horn is blown in the market place, a long-standing local tradition.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

A vast ruined abbey in a landscaped water garden, a few miles from town.

Newby Hall and Gardens

A stately home and gardens a short drive away.

The market square

One of the largest in England, with a regular market and local shops.

Best things to do in Ripon

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

York Minster visit

York Minster is one of the largest medieval Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar walk

A circular walk from Malham village takes in Malham Cove, an 80-metre limestone cliff with a clints-and-grikes pavement on top, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge with a waterfall. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

Afternoon tea in York

York has a long tradition of tea rooms, and an afternoon tea is a favourite part of a weekend there. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

More things to do near Ripon

Fountains Abbey visit Near Ripon, North Yorkshire

Best areas to stay in Ripon

The market square

Central and convenient, with pubs and cafes.

Near the cathedral

Quiet, with easy access to the main sights.

Fountains Abbey area

Rural stays near the abbey and walking trails.

Best hotels in Ripon

Prices for a double room in Ripon typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Ripon

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Ripon

Spring to autumn for Fountains Abbey and its gardens. The Hornblower tradition runs every evening.

Seasons that suit Ripon well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Ripon

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Ripon

From Leeds: About 40 minutes by car.
From York: About 40 minutes by car.
From Manchester: About 2 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Ripon

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The market square.
Saturday: Start with Ripon Cathedral, then The Hornblower ceremony. In the afternoon, head to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Sunday: Visit Newby Hall and Gardens or The market square, then head home.

Packing list for Ripon

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

There is no railway station in Ripon, so visitors come by car or bus from Harrogate.
Fountains Abbey is large, so allow half a day.
Check opening times for the cathedral and abbey.