Ripon's Waterways and Lanes: A Car-Free Family Guide

How to spend two unhurried days around Ripon's rivers, canal basin and cathedral quarter using only trains, buses and your own two feet.

Day trips without a car and when to come

Two easy excursions work well from a Ripon base. First, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, four miles southwest, reachable by a seasonal bus service or a pleasant walk along the Skell Valley; the abbey ruins and the water garden fill a whole day and the deer park is free to roam. Second, Newby Hall near Skelton-on-Ure, open roughly April to September, with buses from Ripon on selected days and a miniature railway that appeals to younger children. Both reward arriving early.

May, June and September are the sweet spot: long evenings, manageable crowds and the canal at its greenest. July and August bring the busiest Saturdays and higher room rates in Ripon and Harrogate, so book ahead. Winter is quiet, and the cathedral and museums stay open, but some gardens close and river paths flood after heavy rain. For a two-night stay with children, I would choose a hotel within the old centre, walk the canal and cathedral on day one, and give Fountains Abbey a full second day.

Questions, answered

How do you get to Ripon without a car?

Take the train to Thirsk or Harrogate, then a bus into Ripon; the ride from Thirsk takes around 35 to 45 minutes and from Harrogate slightly less. Buses drop at Market Place, a short walk from most central hotels.

Is Ripon a good base for a family trip in North Yorkshire?

Yes. It is small enough to walk, central for Fountains Abbey, Newby Hall and the Dales, and quieter than Harrogate. Families who want to avoid daily driving should stay near Market Place or the cathedral quarter.

How long is the Ripon canal walk?

The towpath from the canal basin to Oxclose Locks is about two miles each way on flat ground, taking roughly 45 minutes at child pace. Allow more time for locks, boats and birdwatching, and wear trainers after rain.

How much does Ripon Cathedral cost to visit?

Entry is free, with donations welcome. Some guided tours and tower climbs carry a small charge and should be booked in advance. The crypt of St Wilfrid is included and is the highlight for most visitors.

When is the best time to visit Ripon with children?

Late May, June and September offer the best balance of weather and space. July and August are busiest, particularly Saturdays, and winter brings closures in the gardens plus flooded riverside paths after heavy rain.

Can you visit Fountains Abbey without a car from Ripon?

Yes, a seasonal bus runs from Ripon in the warmer months, and the walk along the Skell Valley takes around an hour and a half each way. Check times before setting out, as services are limited outside summer.

What is there to do in Ripon on a rainy day?

The Workhouse Museum, the Prison and Police Museum and the cathedral all work in wet weather, and combined museum tickets save money. Shops and cafes around Market Place fill the gaps between showers.

What time is the Ripon Hornblower?

The horn is sounded at the obelisk on Market Place at 9pm every evening, free to watch. It is a short walk from central hotels and makes a good end to a family day.

← North Yorkshire's page