Cut across by the River Skell, these Cistercian ruins provide a wonderful record of monastic life in the Middle Ages. A long row of buildings (dormitory of the lay brothers) extends on the right-hand side of the abbey, with no cover. Note the tower ..

John Aislabie , a Chancellor of the Exchequer who retired in disgrace, was able to spend his personal fortune during his retirement years (1720-1742) on transforming the sinuous valley of the River Skell into a spectacular romantic landscape with wo..

The cathedral was started in 1154 on the Saxon crypt of St Wilfrid's church (672). The imposing Early English west front is "the finest in England" (Pevsner). The Transitional style tower, offers a striking contrast in style, as the south a..

A splendid five-storey mansion, built in 1611 with stone from the abbey. Behind the striking façade on the right bank of the River Stour is a museum with a large-scale model of the abbey.

Newby Hall is an attractive house that dates from the 17C and 18C. It is renowned for its interiors by the architect Robert Adam (1728-92). Interesting features include the Gobelins Tapestry Room, the Gallery of Classical Sculpture, the Chippendale f..

The Wakeman's House , a 14C, two-storeyed building, was the home of the last holder of the office, Hugh Ripley, who became the firs Mayor of Ripon in 1604, under the royal Charter granted by James I.

The Ripon Workhouse, a building dating from 1854, demonstrates the appalling living conditions (a display of 19C photographs) and the harsh workhouse regime, often the only resort for those on the fringes of Victorian society - beggars, orphans, old ..

In the old prison, two centuries of policing are related, illustrated by various documents, prints and objects, including a pillory and whipping post used to punish the prisoners.

Standing above the vast Deer Park conservation area, set in a garden is St Mary's Church , a Gothic design, characteristic of the Victorian period, by William Burges. To the east is a long avenue, in line with the twin towers of Ripon Cathedral.

One of the largest in the north of England. The Obelisk dates from 1781 and commemorates William Aislabie's 60th anniversary as a Member of Parliament. The Town Hall , built by Wyatt in 1801, has an Ionic portico with a frieze bearing the carved m..