Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Ripon Cathedral traces its history back to its foundation by St Wilfrid in 672AD. The Anglo-Saxon crypt of St Wilfrid's church remains and is open to visitors. Choral evensong takes place Tuesday to Friday at 6pm and Sundays at 3.30pm. Details of all services may be found on our website. We are open to visitors daily throughout the year and entry is free, though we rely on generous donations to continue this practice. Most of the building is wheelchair accessible with the exception of the Library and the Anglo-Saxon crypt. There is a touch-screen computer interpretation of the crypt at ground level for those unable to access it.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
70 within 3 miles
Manchega
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Realitea
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Attractions
39 within 6 miles
Courthouse Museum
83
261 ftSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Prison and Police Museum
155
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David Stead Gallery
1
477 ftArt Galleries
The Ripon Hornblower
270
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Workhouse Museum
432
0.2 miHistory Museums
Ripon Visitor Information Centre
31
0.2 miVisitor Centers
Ripon Market
26
0.2 miFlea & Street Markets
Spa Gardens
105
0.3 miGardens
Ripon Canal
92
0.3 miBodies of Water
Sigma Antiques
7
0.2 miAntique Shops
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,705 reviews
Excellent
1,206
Very good
434
Average
52
Poor
8
Terrible
5
Charles S
Greater Manchester, UK31 contributions
Feb 2022
We received a very genuine welcome from helpful staff and volunteers, yet were given the freedom to wander and explore this really interesting building. There are beautiful stained glass windows, and some unusual carvings in the choir. We really liked the historical figures of kings and bishops at the end of the nave. The history of Ripon depicted on many cushions is also worth a look. The crypt is simple, but special, being the most ancient part of the cathedral. It is a very peaceful place, and unlike some cathedrals there's no entry fee, but donations are welcome.
There's a car park nearby in St. Marygate, and there are a lot of cafes also nearby in the town.
There's a car park nearby in St. Marygate, and there are a lot of cafes also nearby in the town.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK800 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Park in St Marygate car park (£2 all day at time of writing), head uphill and the Cathedral is clearly visible on the left. Free to enter, donation box on exit. Compared to other cathedrals it is small but nonetheless impressive with great architecture. Definitely worth a walk around, and if like us, you may be treated to the organist practising and filling the air with incredible music from the huge organ.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
T-SGlobetrotters
Preston, UK2,317 contributions
Apr 2021
The cathedral is free to enter although donations are welcome and there is a £3 camera fee if you want to take photos. Entry is covid secure with a one way route around the building.
The building is undergoing some restoration externally so there is scaffolding up on one side. Internally it is beautifully maintained. At the time of our visit, there were extensive Easter displays, so everything was very colourful. Worth combining a visit to the Cathedral with the Ripon canal walking route nearby for a pleasurable hour or so.
The building is undergoing some restoration externally so there is scaffolding up on one side. Internally it is beautifully maintained. At the time of our visit, there were extensive Easter displays, so everything was very colourful. Worth combining a visit to the Cathedral with the Ripon canal walking route nearby for a pleasurable hour or so.
Written April 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sallybelinda
Northampton, UK152 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
I have visited many Cathedrals in this country and abroad, but rarely have I felt such a warm embrace as I did on entering Ripon Cathedral. This may seem a bit “over the top”, but it really was how it felt. It is a beautiful space and had been stunningly decorated for Christmas. The “History Cushions” that run done both sides of the nave are, not only beautifully worked, but also tell the history of Ripon and its environs. Unfortunately we only had about 30 mins available and could definitely have spent more - so will have to return! I would thoroughly recommend a visit, even if it’s the only thing you do in Ripon!
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
callcentreman
Horwich, UK207 contributions
Nov 2021
Free entry to a lovely example of a 11th century cathedral. The stain glass windows and architecture is stunning and makes you wonder how they built it. The choir and main windows equally stunning and the memorial plaques including some of those that fell in the Great War are worth a visit on their own. The poppy displays for remembrance are equally moving.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bmoe
uk204 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Very interesting Cathedral. All the staff were super friendly and full of knowledge. Have attached a copy of the highlights leaflets . I especially liked the Ripon cushions telling the story of Ripon and the Medieval Screen in fabulous technicolor.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I8582GAstephanies
San Francisco39 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Wow! What a place. I went today with my best friend. When we walked in we were greeted by a lovely elderly volunteer who took the time to give us information and then left us to enjoy the experience. I spent time reading and photographing the stunning stained glass windows, the crypts and the beautiful ceilings etc. The library and the crypt were incredibly interesting so much so that I completely lost track of time.
I would highly recommend this if you have time although I’m not sure that young children would enjoy it much.
It’s a place I would definitely go back to when I go to Ripon again.
(Please excuse my rubbish photography)
I would highly recommend this if you have time although I’m not sure that young children would enjoy it much.
It’s a place I would definitely go back to when I go to Ripon again.
(Please excuse my rubbish photography)
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graham Hulme
Preston, UK1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
Had a wonderful time in this awe-inspiring g building! There is so much history to enjoy as well as the architecture. Our visit was made even more special as we were educated and entertained by ‘Brian’. His knowledge and passion was infectious as we learnt about the building and the people who made it and who made them. Highly recommended.
Written March 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BackPacker732994
Stone, UK62 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Mid- afternoon visit to Ripon cathedral.
Guides were really well informed and happy to help/chat.
The cathedral is beautiful, at the time of visiting there was 10,000 paper angels on the ceiling, pictured. A very effective display.
The crypt underneath is an interesting area to see, with lots of history to go with it.
Little shop was also lovely to visit.
Atmosphere here is quiet and reflective, easy to relax into.
Guides were really well informed and happy to help/chat.
The cathedral is beautiful, at the time of visiting there was 10,000 paper angels on the ceiling, pictured. A very effective display.
The crypt underneath is an interesting area to see, with lots of history to go with it.
Little shop was also lovely to visit.
Atmosphere here is quiet and reflective, easy to relax into.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cl4ir3
Hampshire, UK133 contributions
Aug 2021
Beautiful building which currently has a display of vintage wedding dresses and also an art installation of 10,000 paper angels in honour of the NHS. The angels are positioned up high and catch the light beautifully as you walk round the building. The architecture is wonderful, and there was no time limit so we could wander freely and take our time to look at everything. We also went down into the crypt which was very interesting. We very much enjoyed our visit.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Linda S
Long Eaton, UK110 contributions
Are dogs allowed if carried?
Scampydoo
Leeds51 contributions
Go to Selby Abbey instead as dogs are very welcome there...my dog attended our wedding blessing there! It's a fabulous church and very welcoming. All God's creatures should be allowed in church in my opinion
Kimberley R
Leigh, UK
Would a small dog be allowed inside? If he was held? We will be visiting the area and it would be a shame to miss.
Armando S
Barcelona, Spain923 contributions
Sorry for delay, I have just seen it. I don't have any dog and I saw none inside the cathedral but we were few people. In a web about "Ripon Cathedral Wedding Venue" they show "Pet friendly No". I recommend you to ask in Cathedral Office on 01765 603462 or Chapter House: 01765 602072. In Salisbury cathedral web page they write: "We understand that your pets are an important part of your family and we welcome well behaved dogs on leads".
Wizzy1959
5 contributions
is there an entrance fee into the cathedral
Theresa F
Durham, UK139 contributions
No, there is no compulsory entrance fee.
There are donation boxes available at the entrance, donations to light candles.
Worthy of a token donation though, beautiful peaceful cathedral.
Crypt worth a visit too and the silverware displays worth a look (if display room up stairs is open)
JackyS20142014
York, UK7 contributions
I have e-mailed your hotel on the old LuaBay e-mail address - if it has changed would you let me know please. Also do you still do a pool towel service. Thanks. Jacky Sedgwick
Frequently Asked Questions about Ripon Cathedral
- Ripon Cathedral is open:
- Sun - Sun 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Hotels near Ripon Cathedral:
- (0.03 mi) The Old Deanery
- (0.10 mi) The Royal Oak Hotel
- (0.15 mi) The Unicorn
- (0.10 mi) Warren House Farm
- (0.39 mi) Crescent Lodge
- Restaurants near Ripon Cathedral:
- (0.03 mi) Cathedral View Cafe
- (0.04 mi) The Old Deanery
- (0.10 mi) Manchega
- (0.07 mi) Wilfrid's Cafe
- (0.06 mi) Chimes Cafe