Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ripon

"One of the most complete medieval abbeys in the UK, Kirkstall Abbey was founded over 800 years ago as a Cistercian Abbey. It’s another great free day out in Leeds with kids, with regular family events and activities during holidays, including trails and art packs. Whenever you visit, you can stroll through the ruined abbey buildings and the lovely parkland on the banks of the river, plus more about the monks who lived here, on display at the visitor centre."

"Explore one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in Britain. Set in wonderful parkland along the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey boast historic architecture amid a haven of wildlife and greenery"

"Clifford’s Tower offers stunning views of the city from it’s vantage point on top of a mound. The tower is what’s left of the York Castle which was built by William the Conqueror. 1 mile(s) from the Minster.Tower St, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9SA, United Kingdom"

"Things to Do, Attractions"

"The Treasurer's House is more than just a museum but also includes a beautiful garden and pleasant cafe. Now owned by the National Trust the Grade I listed property was once the home of the treasurer of York Minister. What we see today is mostly a 17th century house built over a supposedly haunted Roman cellar."

"This historic home, which once housed York Minster's medieval treasures, is an anomaly: in the 19th century it was bought by Yorkshire industrialist Frank Green as a collection of rundown interconnected..."

"This Grade I listed Georgian church was nearly lost in the 1950s, but was saved when church officials decided that it was a building of historical and architectural importance. While it’s still a place of worship, Holy Trinity Church is also a lively community space and they put on all manner of events for you to enjoy, including art exhibitions, vintage fairs and live music – the acoustics are fantastic. Holy Trinity Church, Boar Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6HW."

"The Victoria Quarter of Leeds is a series of Victorian shopping arcades whose opulent style and extravagance have led them to house some of the most expensive retail stores in Leeds. The County Arcade is perfect for an Instagram shot with its wonderful mosaic floor, gilt designs and marble columns…"

"Address: 2D Oxford Buildings, Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DA. Already a thriving pub in the vibrant Leeds City Centre, North Bar arrived in Harrogate back in 2016 and has since developed a sterling reputation as one of the most happening bars in Harrogate. Having been successful in leads for over 20 years, North Bar has developed a winning formula for what makes a great drinking establishment."

"Just a short walk from the thriving Leeds hub of bustling restaurants, bars, and shopping stores, Malmaison Leeds is an intimate overnight stay like no other. Upon arrival the boutique feel like overtake anything else, with dimly lit corridors and 100 modern rooms waiting to be used. Each room has huge beds with comfy bedding, not forgetting the wonderful bathroom facilities and products."

"Malmaisons are dotted across the country but the Leeds outpost manages to feel like an independent boutique hotel. This plush, atmospheric establishment set in a Victorian office block is imposing and intimate at the same time. It makes a perfect overnight stay for anyone wanting a weekend in the city."

"Malmaison Hotel is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style located in Leeds. Beautifully refurbished cool and sexy rooms with power…"

"Enjoy a little fresh air with an invigorating walk around Chevin Forest Park, a short drive from Leeds overlooking the town of Otley. The walk shows off the best of Yorkshire’s natural scenery, taking in dramatic views, rocky outcrops and moorlands scattered with beautiful purple heather."

"Source: Photo by user Charlesdrakew used under PUBLIC DOMAIN. Lister Park is located outside the downtown area and is one of the city’s biggest attractions, given to the city of Bradford by Samuel Cunliffe Lister. The park has been effectively revamped, the lake has been re-opened for boats and a Mughal water garden has been developed."

"It is one of the city’s main parks and was given to the City of Bradford by Samuel Cunliffe Lister, who built Lister’s Mill. The park has been effectively reconditioned in recent years. The lake has been re-opened for boats and a Mughal Water Garden constructed."

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, many of its most memorable features date to Tudor times. Entrance is through the original Norman archway, which leads to a Tudor courtyard with a yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659, and beyond that a warren of rooms to explore. Grab the informative free illustrated guide to the castle from the ticket office, available in several languages."

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles..."

"Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year."

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, many of its most memorable features date to Tudor times. Entrance is through the original Norman archway, which leads to a Tudor courtyard with a yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659, and beyond that a warren of rooms to explore. Grab the informative free illustrated guide to the castle from the ticket office, available in several languages."

"What makes Skipton Castle so fascinating is its splendid state of preservation, providing a striking contrast to the ruins you'll see elsewhere. Although it is lauded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles..."

"Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year."

"One of the largest parks in Europe, Roundhay Park – not far from the city centre – stretches over a whopping 700 acres. With lakes and woodland in the park, as well as activities galore and some open-air theatre in summer, you can also visit Tropical World, the largest collection of tropical plants outside Kew Gardens. There are also a string of walking routes, including past the castle ruins and around the lake, and several play areas to entertain younger kids."

"Tropical World at Roundhay Park is one of Leeds’ most popular family attractions which offers a unique opportunity to explore the habitats of the Tropics and other hot places from around the world. It includes jungle, desert, nocturnal and aquatic habitats with plants and animals such as crocodiles, lemurs, butterflies, bats, snakes and a gorgeous family of meerkats complete with babies!"

"Fitting in perfectly with our list is Tropical World, which is actually situated in Roundhay Park. This is fantastic for you, not only is it a popular attraction but it will also offer you some shelter from the weather should it turn bad. There is a small admission fee of £5 for adults, or £2.50 for children, but it’s more than worth it for what you’ll be seeing."