Ripon

Ripon is a beautiful city in Yorkshire, and is located where the Laver, Skell and Ure Rivers meet. Standing in the centre of town is the 18th century obelisk, which is surrounded by a cluster of Georgian and medieval buildings. At 9 o'clock every night, you can see the ancient tradition of the Hornblower, who, for the last 1,000 years has 'set the watch' for the town, insuring citizen's safety.

If you want a unique experience, why not stay at a castle? Swinton Park, the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family, is an exclusive 30 bedroom luxury castle hotel. It is set in 200 acres of the most incredible parkland, lakes and gardens in all of Britain. All visitors get a complimentary hour in the spa, and a tour of the grounds. Enough cannot be stated about the food: it is heavenly. And it should be: there is a cookery school on the grounds run by celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager. The staff is also extremely accomodating, and the rooms may be nicer than any house you've ever lived in. Really.

Also of interest is the Ripon Cathedral. For over 1300 years, people have been coming to worship and pray at this spectacular building. At the heart of the Cathedral lies St. Wilfrid's Saxon crypt which built in 672. Other notable features include the art nouveau pulpit, 15th century choir stalls and the medieval screen.

The Bird of Prey Centre is open all day with plenty to see and do. You can see over 60 birds of prey including eagles, owls, falcons and vultures and the largest golden eagle in Britain. Also of note is the 'creepy crawly & reptile cave' which features huge 12 food pythons, lizards and 8 inch bird eating spiders. At 12:30PM daily, you can watch the reptiles being fed. At the on-site shopping village there are plenty of restaurants, snack bars, top brand clothing stores. Cost of admission for adults is £3.50.

You may also want to stop by Littlethorpe Potteries. This Pottery was founded in 1831 and is the oldest continually working pottery in the UK. It is also the only pottery in the country where you can see the manufacturing process in its entirety - 'From Pit to Patio'. You can take a tour of the site which shows you everything from the clay pit to the pugmill and water pump. You can also see pottery being made, and make your own on one of the cone driven wheels.

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See a Map of Ripon