Overview

Ripon Cathedral was founded by St Wilfrid in 672 AD. The Anglo-Saxon crypt of St Wilfrid’s church is open to visitors. Details of all services can be found on the website.

Things to do

Ripon Cathedral is a must-visit for those interested in history, architecture, and art. The Cathedral, which has a rich history spanning over 1350 years, is known for its stunning stonework, woodwork, and stained glass. Visitors can book bespoke 60-minute tours in advance with the Cathedral’s team of experienced guides who are experts in its history. Alternatively, visitors can explore the Cathedral at their own pace by picking up informative pilgrimage or welcome booklets.

The Cathedral welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and regularly holds free workshops during school holidays for children to unleash their creativity and interact with their surroundings. Interactive trail sheets are also available year-round to encourage children to explore inside and outside the Cathedral.

For music lovers, the Cathedral hosts weekly free concerts every Thursday lunchtime in the Quire. These concerts feature various musicians and performances annually, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to absorb the atmosphere and forget about the stresses of daily life.

Visitors can explore this magnificent medieval building, including its Anglo-Saxon crypt, the oldest intact structure of any English cathedral still in use today, dating back to 672 AD. Ripon Cathedral also boasts unusual treasures of art and design, some of which are thought to have inspired Lewis Carroll to write ‘The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.’

The Cathedral offers free entry, and a warm welcome awaits all visitors. It is a place that will take visitors’ breath away and take them on a journey of enlightenment and discovery.

Food & Drink

There is no restaurant or cafe inside the Cathedral grounds. However, Ripon boasts a thriving food scene filled with independent restaurants, cafes, and food producers. It is also home to Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall.

From family-run Italian restaurants to Indian tapas, delicatessens, and artisan bakeries, Ripon is a foodie paradise. You can stroll along the winding cobbled streets and enjoy the best Yorkshire food and drink.