Royal Oak

A lovely cathedral town

by jayhawk2000

The cathedral is open daily from 7.30am to 6.30pm. A choral evensong service is given most evenings at 5.30, except on Wednesdays.

For more info on the town click to http://www.ripon-internet.com or ring the local Tourist Info Centre on 01765 606 625

You can contact the cathedral on 01765 603 462 or visit http://www.riponcathedral.org.uk

Ripon does not have a train station but there are frequent bus connections to Leeds, York, Harrogate and Knaresborough. It is just off the A1 motorway via the A61, about halfway between Leeds and Middlesbrough. One late afternoon in spring I came across this lovely bed of tulips near the cathedral.

Find the Green Man

by leics

The Green Man is a pagan symbol of fertility and new life.

He is always depicted as a face (occasionally a torso/whole body)with leaves growing from and around him.

Although he is a pagan symbol, dating far back into prehistory, he can be found in many Medieval churches and cathedrals in the UK and Europe.

I think Christians tolerated him in their holy places because they felt allowing him to be seen there brought more converts to Christianity. They could link the Green Man with the 'new life' that Christianity offered.

I always look for him in Christian buildings from Medieval times.

There are at least two Green Men in Ripon cathedral. One is upside-down, on one of the misericords in the choir. The other is high up in the stonework above where the gift shop is now sited (to the left of the main entrance.

Keep your eyes open for this pre-Christian symbol in a Christian church.

Ripon

by Andrew_W_K

"Cathedral City"

I would describe Ripon as a market town but having a cathedral qualifies it as a city so lets call it a cathedral city.
I found the cathedral to be an impressive building without having the "wow" factor of say, York or Worcester. All the Norman tick boxes are ticked in the design and execution of the building and the only real thing that sets it apart from other Norman cathedrals is the original Saxon crypt.
Don't get me wrong, I would still recommend a visit but I'd try and combine it with a visit to nearby Harrogate or Knaresborough.

Ripon

by NEILHALLIDYA

I went to Boarding School here.

Its still an interesting place. Although, to my surprise and that of the vehicles facing me, there is now a one way system in the town centre.

The Cathedral is worth a look. And in general there are lots of things to do.

Ripon: North Yorkshire's Other Cathedral City

by Tom_Fields

"Ripon"

Most visitors to North Yorkshire naturally want to see York. That's definitely the place to go. But if you've seen it, and want to take in more of North Yorkshire, then Ripon should be the next stop. It is similar to York, but much smaller. Like York, it has an imposing cathedral (albeit smaller), some nice museums, and very pleasant medieval streets. Not a bad place for a day trip.