The North Yorkshire city of Ripon offers many attractions for visitors ranging from its historic old buildings and popular racecourse to its wide selection of shops and weekly market.
Ripon stands on the River Ure and its origins date back 1,300 years when it was a site of religious importance. These days, it is famous as a cathedral city but also as a bustling and attractive market town.
There are an abundance of shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs alongside the many historic sites and there is a market on the city's Market Square every Thursday, selling fresh food, clothing, jewellery and more. The city also hosts other markets throughout the year including craft fairs, farmer's markets and a French market.
Ripon Cathedral is one of the oldest in England and the Crypt of St. Wilfred has seen more than 1,300 years of continuous worship. Just outside the city is Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site where there are remains of a Cistercian Abbey as well as several other historic buildings and Studley Royal Park with its beautiful water garden and medieval deer park.
Ripon Race Course hosts horse racing from April to August each year. Races have taken place here for more than 300 years and it offers a great day out.