Spring comes to Ripon
Openings and events
The hedgerows are becoming lush again, the birds are nesting, flowers opening - and organisers rushing round in preparation for Easter openings and programmes of walks, displays, and events.
Ripon is already a lively place to visit: in Spring it positively blooms with attractive flower and window displays, and the re-opening of some of our key visitor attractions.
Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens are open year-round. The Cathedral’s popular Spring Food, Home and Garden Show returns on 13th April. Fountains Abbey also has a full programme of events starting with an Easter trail and followed by numerous wildlife and geology walks and events for children.
The three Ripon Museums now have longer opening hours and an extensive programme of events that really brings them all alive. From the 23rd March both the Workhouse Museum and Police and Prison Museum are open from 10 am - 4 pm. You can also book one of the new season’s brilliantly entertaining Ripon Heritage Ghost Walks which start and end at the Workhouse Museum.
In contrast to the Ripon Museums telling stories of hardship, the medieval, moated and much-loved family home of Markenfield Hall describes itself as, “the loveliest place you’ve never heard of”. It’s particularly pretty in the Spring and Summer. Their ‘tiny tours’ are highly recommended.
Yorkshire’s ‘Garden Racecourse’, Ripon Racecourse has hosted some of the most exciting, prestigious and enjoyable racing in the country for more than 300 years. This year’s first meet will be on 18th April. The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park just outside Ripon also opens on the 18th April, when visitors can walk around the glorious gardens (particularly known for its rhododendrons) and see over 60 contemporary sculptures.
Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park re-opens on 28th March. Younger visitors will love their events programme featuring popular characters such as Peppa Pig.
Newby Hall also re-opens on the 28th March. Their events and attractions appeal to all generations and include the House (don’t miss the Chippendale furniture), extensive gardens, adventure playground, miniature railway trips and dolls house exhibition.
