Ripon, in North Yorkshire, is a medieval cathedral city that feels like a market town. But its twisting streets bristle with a community that cherishes the unique experience of living in Ripon. So what could you expect if you move to Ripon?
Ripon, to offer some bearings, is located between the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, encouraging a geographical jealousy through its proximity to both of Yorkshire's two National Parks. The residents take great pride in their city, a sentiment that can't be conveyed better than the fact that Ripon is home to the longest running unbroken daily ceremony in the world (more on which later). Ripon has well-regarded schools and a host of great independent stores. Intrigued? Let's delve a little deeper as we take you on a whistle-stop tour.
Stop 1:
First up - it would be unforgivable to miss the awe-inspiring 7th century cathedral: the qualifier of Ripon's city status (in turn making it the country's third smallest city). As well as being a spellbinding place to worship, the cathedral hosts many events including free lunchtime concerts and art fairs.
Stop 2:
From the cathedral, let's wend our way towards the market square. The walk will only take about 5 minutes, but once there we can indulge ourselves with cakes, coffees or pastries from many independent establishments. If it's a Thursday, the market will be active with over 100 stalls (so don't forget to stock up on some of your 5-a-day).
Let's linger a while in the market place. After all, Daniel Defoe thought it 'the finest and most beautiful square' in England.
Uncorroborated Fun Fact: Legend has it, Ripon's market square inspired in Defoe the tranquility associated with a desert island.
Stop 3:
If our market place lingering turns into a languorous afternoon spent people watching, then an evening of fine-dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants (a firm favourite being Lockwoods - just up from the market), we might as well hang about until 9pm to hear the Hornblower sound his horn.
Corroborated Fun Fact: The horn has been blown from Ripon's market on every day that's followed some date in 886AD. To give you some context: Dublin was founded by the Vikings 45 years previously. That's some seriously dedicated horn-blowing.
Stop 4:
As our evening has drawn to a close, may we suggest taking in a film? The first Curzon to appear outside the M25 was built in Ripon in 2013 and has gone from strength-to-strength plying the Ripon community with blockbusters and arthouse lustres with everything in between.
After that we should really find your next place to live and settle in for the night. Shame we couldn't take in the neighbouring Fountain's Abbey - or even a stroll along the renovated canal. But, we can explore that another day. There's plenty going on!
In the meantime, if you're tempted by Ripon and would like more details about properties for sale or to homes to rent in and around the city give us a call on 01423 501211. If you're thinking of starting your own business in Ripon and need premises we can help with that too. Just ask for our commercial team when you call.