Ripon is one of England's smallest cathedral cities, a compact market town with a big square, a Gothic cathedral and a long tradition of looking after visitors. It sits at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, close to Fountains Abbey and Harrogate, and it makes a good base for those who want a quieter stay than the spa town offers. A walking food tour is a pleasant way to meet the place. A local guide leads you between independent food and drink venues, with tastings along the way and stories about the town's history, from its medieval wool trade to the ancient custom of the hornblower who sounds a horn in the square every evening. Ripon has a good tradition of baking, butchery, cheesemaking and pubs, and the tastings give a sense of the produce of the surrounding farmland. Because the town is small, the walking is easy and relaxed, and you cover a lot of ground without noticing. It is the kind of tour that works especially well on a slower day, or as a way to rest between longer excursions in the countryside.
How to visit
Confirm the meeting place and time when you book, and arrive a little early. Small-town tours usually run on selected days, so check the calendar before you choose your dates. Inform the operator about any food allergies or dietary needs beforehand.
What to expect
You walk between a handful of venues on flat streets, tasting at each. The portions are generous, so the tour can replace lunch. Weather matters between stops, so bring a layer. The group is usually small, which makes it easy to talk to the guide and ask for recommendations, and the pace is relaxed.
Making the most of it
Add the cathedral to your day, as it is just a few minutes from the square and is one of the great buildings of the north. Stay to see the hornblower in the evening if your timing allows. Then drive or take a taxi to Fountains Abbey, one of the finest monastic ruins in Europe, on another day.
Who it suits
Couples, friends and food lovers who want something a little different from the bigger tourist stops. It is less suited to travellers who want lots of activity, since the pace is gentle. Children may enjoy parts of it, but the format is aimed at adults.
Planning around it
Ripon works well as a base for a quiet stay. The market place is the heart of the town, with a weekly market that has run for centuries, and the cathedral, with its Saxon crypt, is a short walk away. The hornblower ceremony each evening is a charming local tradition.
For walkers, the Ripon Canal and the River Skell provide gentle paths, and the countryside around the town offers longer routes. Parking in the town is easy compared with the bigger places, and the town is a reasonable alternative to Harrogate for those who like small places.
Alternatives
If you want a bigger menu and a livelier town, the Harrogate tour suits better. For something different, the Beverley tasting tour offers a similar format in the east of the county.
Good to know
The tour is a good way to find places to return to, so keep a note of any shop or pub that you like.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of Ripon with tastings at local food and drink venues.
Best time
Any day of the year; spring to autumn for the best weather between stops.
How long
A few hours.
Tips
Come hungry, report dietary needs in advance and add the cathedral to your visit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who like small towns.
- Families
- Check the age policy before bringing children.
- Couples
- A slow, tasty afternoon suits couples.
- Pair with
- Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey.
- Time needed
- A few hours.
Good questions
What is Ripon known for?+
It is a small cathedral city and market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its Gothic cathedral and the nightly hornblower tradition.
What does the tour involve?+
A guided walk between local food and drink venues with tastings and local history.
Is it a full meal?+
The tastings are usually generous enough to replace lunch.
Can I tell them about allergies?+
Yes. Report dietary needs when you book.
What else is nearby?+
Fountains Abbey and Harrogate are both close.
