Ripon - North Yorkshire - A Beautiful Market Town By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Ripon - North Yorkshire - is a city that is located on the banks of the River Ure. It was founded more than 1300 years ago and holds a status as a Cathedral City which has monasteries that date back to the seventh century.

There are many attractions within the city boundaries that include plenty of historic buildings and museums as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops. The most famous building is the cathedral. It is believed that church was first constructed at the site during the year 672 and people have been travelling to worship here ever since. Legend has it that the original structure was begun by Saint Wilfrid who brought glaziers, plasterers, and stonemasons from as far afield as Italy and France. The evidence of this is still visible today in the majestic architecture.

Another interesting site worth visiting is Fountains Abbey. This was founded by thirteen Benedictine monks in the year 1132 that were after a very simple and austere life. Many of the buildings were sold off over the years and today they are now open to the public. There are guided tours and cultural events held in the evenings that include both opera and theatre.

For the fitter individual, a trip can be made to the Brimham Rocks that lie just ten miles outside of Ripon. These were formed out of the sandstone that was built up over hundreds of millions of years over this part of Yorkshire. They have been crafted by the elements into wondrous shapes and designs.

A trip to Ripon would not be complete without a visit to the prestigious Ripon Racecourse. This has been holding events for more than three hundred years and now features a giant screen so that you cane easily watch your horse cross the finishing line.

Ripon is ideally connected to other towns and cities in Yorkshire. Leeds can be reached by road in under an hour and smaller settlements such as Harrogate and Thirsk are even closer.

For accommodation in Ripon check this list of Ripon hotels.

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