A Family Day Out to Ripon from York
2 weeks ago
A Family Day Out to Ripon from York
All around York, there are an array of unique places to visit for a fun-filled family day out. In a little over an hour, you can be transported to rural moors, coastal towns, and major cities. There is also a smaller city that provides a perfect day out for all ages: Ripon has many great attractions and a traditional Yorkshire charm that makes it a terrific place to visit all year round.
From York, you can travel direct to Ripon and back on the North Riding 82, 83, and 84 bus from Monday to Saturday. Starting early in the morning and running hourly until late afternoon or early evening, a full daytime outing is to be enjoyed easily and affordably. This can all be done at the current capped fare price on East Yorkshire Buses. When in Ripon, you’ll have plenty to do. The immediate attraction is Ripon Cathedral - confirming its city status and towering majestically in the Ripon skyline. This beautiful building has over 1350 years of fascinating history and is maintained as a vibrant living church - and you can explore it all for free!
Elsewhere, a couple of magnificent museums offer intriguing visits: Ripon Workhouse Museum steps back in time to see how poor Victorian people lived, worked and slept in the Workhouse; and staying in the Victorian era, The Prison & Police Museum brings to life time in a Victorian prison. With family trails, guided tours, drop in activities and interactive journeys, these museums are an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Returning to the present day, you can head to an altogether more beautiful space for a piece of nature. Ripon Spa Gardens is a floral park which is wonderful to walk; enjoy the flowers, wildlife and birds, plus pieces of woodcarving commemorating the part Ripon played in Lewis Carroll’s creation of Wonderland. Surrounding Ripon’s unique attractions are streets of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants - with a local feel of traditional independence maintained alongside more modern amenities.
Indeed, you might return home from Ripon with books, plants, clothes, gifts, toys, homeware, antiques and more - and every Thursday and Saturday, Ripon Market fills the central square with stalls of quality goodies.
Whatever time you get to Ripon, and whatever you choose to do here, you’ll surely want to sample the local food and friendly hospitality. For breakfast or lunch, Oliver’s Pantry serves delicious homemade grub in a stylishly quirky setting. For dinner, Mario’s Restaurant 27 cooks up Italian excellence for Yorkshire appetites. But however much you’re enjoying it, remember not to miss your 82 bus back to York - after all, you can always return to Ripon for another family day out.