Transdev in Harrogate and the Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Harrogate have teamed up with Visit Harrogate and Visit Ripon to provide you with some of the district’s leading visitor attractions all easily accessible using the 36 service.
Ripon Cathedral
People have been coming to worship and pray within the spectacular interior of Ripon Cathedral for more than 1,350 years. The Cathedral was begun in the 7th century when St Wilfrid built one of England's first stone churches on this site, and the Anglo-Saxon crypt can still be visited. The building including elements of Anglo-Saxon, Romanesque and English Gothic architecture. The cathedral is especially famous for its 35 misericords (carved wooden seats) in the choir and for the high quality of its music. The cathedral is open between 8.30-6 and is free to visit. Guided trails are available round the building and visitors are warmly welcome at any service.
Ripon Cathedral website »
RIPON Cathedral
Bishop Monkton
The surrounding fields of Bishop Monkton provide the ability for visitors to venture on foot around the area on a variety of walks, including the Ripon Canal Bishop Monkton Circular, and many of these beautiful walks can end (or start) at one of the two traditional village pubs: The Lamb and Flag or the Mason’s Arms.
Alight at Bishop Monkton Crossroads, Wormald Green.
www.bishopmonktontoday.btck.co.uk »
Bishop Monkton
Newby Hall & Gardens
Designed under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren, this graceful country house, home to the Compton family, epitomises the Georgian ‘Age of Elegance’. Its beautifully restored interior presents Robert Adams at his best and houses rare Gobelins tapestries and one of the UK’s largest private collections of classical statuary. The award winning gardens, created in the early1920s boast one of Europe’s longest double herbaceous borders and are of interest to specialist and amateur gardeners alike. Newby also offers a large, thoughtfully designed Adventure Garden for children, a miniature railway, excellent restaurant, shop and plant centre.
Alight at Ripon Bus Station and take 142 bus.
The 142 York-Ripon service connects with the 36 bus to link Ripon with Newby Hall. There is magnificent mile-long walk up the drive, which passes the gorgeous Church of Christ the Consoler.
Discover Ripon website »
Newby Hall
The Three Horseshoes
The Three Horse Shoes is a cosy country pub close to Harrogate & Ripon serving home cooked food made from local produce. A popular local public house, serving quality food and real ales. With an additional covered and heated outdoor area and fantastic fresh coffee on offer as well as free Wi-Fi & Sky Sports available, this is a really great pub year-round.
Alight at Killinghall The Three Horeshoes.
The Three Horseshoes website »
The Three Horseshoes
Markenfield Hall
From the first glimpse of the Hall from between the farm buildings, to the moment the Mediaeval Courtyard opens up as visitors pass beneath the Tudor Gatehouse, Markenfield never fails to astound. Starting in the Undercroft – the original Mediaeval kitchen and storage area – where the scars of the vaulting can be clearly seen – the history of this great house begins to unfold. From here, upstairs to the Great Hall and on to the Chapel, which in turn leads to the Four Poster Bedroom, visitors are kept informed by the Hall’s friendly Volunteers. An ideal end to the visit is a walk around the moat. Originally built defensively, the moat is now patrolled by a pair of black swans.
Alight at Hollins Cottages.
Website »
Markenfield Hall
The Red Lion
The Red Lion in South Stainley has recently undergone a £325,000 makeover under the control of the Pesto group who endeavour to provide a local establishment with award winning food. The ‘Lion’s Den’ Children’s Soft Play Barn has been popular for many years, combining a fun and adventurous play area, the ability for children to have fun and to play safely whatever the weather, with praised food and drink facilities, this is bound to be a popular venue for years to come.
Alight at Bishop Monkton Crossroads, Wormald Green.
Read more »
The Red Lion
Workhouse Museum & Garden
You are invited to walk in the steps of the Victorian pauper. The grim workhouse atmosphere has been carefully maintained to give a sense of life in a Victorian Workhouse. See the cells where unfortunates were locked in at night and the original kitchen garden tended by inmates.
Location: 75 Allhallowgate Ripon HG4 1LE
Workhouse Museum website »
Workhouse Museum
Ripon Market Place
Ripon dates from the 7thC and has evolved into a Yorkshire city of charm and character. The tradition of the Wakeman; the original keeper of the law, which has been unbroken for over 900 years, is celebrated every night at 9 o'clock as the Hornblower sounds his horn to show he is on duty.
Alight at Ripon Bus Station
Discover Ripon website »
Ripon Market Place
Lightwater Valley
Escape to Lightwater Valley and discover the excitement of a day bursting with thrills, chills and adventure; catapult to dizzying heights aboard Whirlwind, a typhoon of screams that’ll twist even the bravest of souls, and hurtle through some of our deepest, darkest forest aboard Europe’s longest roller coaster – The Ultimate. Explore the swashbuckling world of Skeleton Cove, from the spinningly explosive Powder Kegs to the mighty Black Pearl, before venturing into the mysterious subterranean world of Raptor Attack’s abandoned mineshaft, shooting the raging water of the Wild River Rapids and ‘taking to the skies’ in the powerful grip of the
Eagle’s Claw.
Alight at Bishop Monkton Crossroads, Wormald Green.
www.bishopmonktontoday.btck.co.uk »
Lightwater Valley
Prison & Police Museum
At the Prison & Police museum visitors can sit in a prison cell, hear the door slam shut and imagine the harsh conditions of Victorian prison regimes. Try on prison and police uniforms, imagine the horror of being set in the pillory, strapped in a restraint chair or hung in chains. You can experience hard labour by turning the crank, carrying out shot drill or climbing the treadmill.
Alight at Ripon Bus Station
Discover Ripon website »
Prison & Police Museum
Courthouse Museum
The Georgian Courthouse museum remains virtually unchanged since it was built in 1830. Stand in the dock to hear your fate or sit at the magistrates’ bench to deliver the verdict. Displays tell the story of the courthouse and the people who have passed through.
Location: Minster Road Ripon HG4 1QS
Alight at Ripon Bus Station
Discover Ripon website »
Courthouse Museum
Ripon Races
More commonly known as Yorkshires Garden Racecourse, Ripon has hosted some of the most exciting and prestigious racing for more than 300 years. With 16 flat meetings from April to September including stating special events such as Ladies' Day, Family Day and in mid-August the ‘Great St Wilfrid Stakes', it certainly is one of Yorkshires hidden gems. Impressing with its outstanding back drop, Ripon Racecourse offers the ultimate day out for all the family with u18s going free.
Alight at Ripon Bus Station
Ripon Races
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
In this tranquil valley of the river Skell you'll find two masterpieces of creative genius. The first is the magnificent ruin of Fountains Abbey; established in the 12th-century by Cistercian monks seeking a simpler life. The second is Studley Royal; a rare 18th-century water garden, created by the Aislabies to delight their friends and visitors. Today, you'll need a whole day to explore the dramatic ruins and Georgian pleasure gardens of this World Heritage Site. There are also 800 acres of medieval deer parkland, a Victorian high Gothic church, Jacobean manor house and the only surviving Cistercian corn mill. Visit all year round to enjoy the seasonal colour and charm of this beautiful landscape. The Ripon Roweller (number 139) connects with the 36 bus to link Ripon with Fountains Abbey.
Alight at Ripon Bus Station & take the Ripon Roweller 139
Discover Ripon website »
Fountains Abbey
Ripley Castle
Ripley Castle, home of the Ingilby family for twenty-six generations, dates from the 15th Century and provides the centre of this small yet ever popular village. The Castle itself often holds exciting themed weeks to entice visitors. Ripley village on the Castle's doorstep is a model estate village with individual charming shops, an art gallery, delicatessen, Farmyard Museum and the famous Ripley Ice-cream.
Alight at Ripley The Cross.
Discover Ripon website »
Ripley Castle
Turkish Baths
Turkish Baths bathing ritual were widely used during Victorian times; only seven remain which date back to the 19th Century. None of them is as historically complete in full working order as Harrogate’s Turkish Baths. Since the doors opened in 1897, emphasis is on the ancient traditional SPA bathing rituals but the treatment menu evolves continuously to meet the ever-changing needs of the clients.
Alight at St George Hotel.
Visit Harrogate website »
Turkish Baths
The Hydro
The Hydro features three swimming pools, a café, crèche and the Brimhams Fitness Centre. Swimming lessons and water aerobics are available. See their Get up and Go brochure for the timetable and guide to the full range of sessions on offer.
Alightt at Ripon Road Hydro.
The Hydro »
The Hydro
Montpellier Quarter
The Montpellier Quarter is home to an array of exclusive shops, pavement cafes, bars, award winning restaurants and the 'Antiques and Art Centre of the North'. Take a walk from Betty's Tearooms down Montpellier Hill and experience the truly cosmopolitan atmosphere of the area. Visit the Mercer Art Gallery, Royal Pump Room Museum and take a stroll in the beautiful Valley Gardens and discover for yourself the real Harrogate as it was in a bygone era. Beautiful Views, the ‘Harrogate Picture Frame’; a perfect tourist photo opportunity and a game of Pétanque are all available at the pier, situated adjacent to the famous Betty’s Café.
Alight at Parliament Street nr. Montpellier Road
www.montpellierharrogate.com »
Montpellier
Harrogate Royal Hall
Harrogate’s Royal Hall, a stunning Edwardian Theatre built in 1903, is a venue for events, arts and entertainment.
Restored to its original magnificence and the glittering jewel in Harrogate International Centre's crown, this has to be the ultimate backdrop for sophisticated banquets, memorable conferences and magical shows. Seating 1000, this “Palace of Glittering Gold” and Northern Cultural Centre provides the perfect setting for banquets, conferences, concerts and shows.
Alight at St George Hotel.
Visit Harrogate website »
HARROGATE Royal Hall
Transdev
The 36 standard...
• Comfortable leather seats
• Extra space and legroom
• Free wi-fi on board
• Fully accessible
• Buggy friendly
Transdev website »
Marina & Canal
Originally designed in 1766 by John Smeaton, the canal starts at the canal basin in the centre of Ripon. It was restored in 1996 and it is now possible to take a very pleasant walk along the towpath, for approximately 1.5 miles, until the canal joins the River Ure. The marina, which is alongside the racecourse, is home to 160 craft, not to mention a whole host of wildlife who reside amongst the wetlands. A Visitor Centre has recently been added to the site with interpretation boards and nature walks. Bird hides are also available. In the summer months it is possible to hire canoes on the canal.
Alight at Bishop Monkton Crossroads, Wormald Green.
Discover Ripon website »
Canal
