Ripon - From Shakespeare to Rollercoasters

The historic market town of Ripon is located just 20 minutes drive from Harrogate and is a vibrant place to take a break.

Ripon Race Course, often called "Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse" comes to life in early Spring and offers fun days out for both horse lovers and families alike. The up and coming race meetings are as follows;

16th May  Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse Handicap, first race starts at 2.10pm
25th May  Nick-Wilmot Memorial Handicap, first race starts at 2.10pm
2nd June  Director's Cup, first race starts at 6.40pm

For further details call Ripon Race Course 01765 602156

For family fun, Ripon has a great to deal to offer, Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Bird of Prey Centre is a superb family day out, located just to the North of Ripon. The thrilling theme park comprises of some amazing rides, including Europe's longest rollercoaster - The Ultimate, as well as the stomach churning, mighty Eagle's Claw, However, if you prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace, you can take a gentle stroll around our picturesque lake, enjoy a relaxing game of crazy golf or just climb aboard the Lightwater Express for a round-the-park train ride. The awe inspiring Birds of Prey Centre was established to raise awareness of a wide selection of breath-taking birds. It boasts the largest Golden Eagle in England!

Family tickets, for 4 people are available from £66.00.  If you book your tickets online and in advance you'll save money. Why not click on www.lightwatervalley.co.uk or ring 0871 720 0011 to check opening times.

For a more sedate day out you may want to visit the stunning Fountain's Abbey and Studley Royal The World Heritage Site run by National Trust, just 4 miles West of Ripon. Explore the remains of this 12th century Cistercian abbey and enjoy the elegant ornamental lakes and the medieval deer park with over 600 deer.  There's also a couple of great coffee shops and a children's adventure play ground.

Enjoy an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's The Tempest at Fountains Abbey, on the 10th July.  Click through on the link for details.

If a trip to Ripon looks like it might appeal then take a look at our properties, they are all suited to couples or families and are centrally located, just tak a look at the links below.

College Court Penthouse - Sleeps 4-6 people

Cowsgate Cottage - Sleeps 5-6 people

St Wilfrid's Loft - Sleeps 4