Ripon Racecourse Marina : Local Info

Courthouse Museum (1 mile)

The Georgian Courthouse remains much as it was when built in 1830. When the court closed in 1998 it was opened as a museum a year later. The exhibition 'One Way to Botany Bay' tells of the people who were transported to Australia for stealing as little as a pair of boots. Among the exhibits is a cat o'nine tails, which was used on the transport ships. An audio-visual presentation tells of cases heard in the Courtroom's opening session. Stand in the dock and be sentenced, learn about the 18th century King's Proclamation against Vice.

Tel: +44 (0)1765 690799
Web: www.riponmuseums.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/CourthouseMuseumRipon.htm 

Lightwater Valley Theme Park (3 miles)

Lightwater Valley Theme Park, just North of Ripon is a thrilling place for a family day out. Board the Lightwater Express, which takes you round the park. You will find 'The Ultimate', the longest rollercoaster in Europe. 'Eagle’s Claw' a tummy churning ride. Water babies will enjoy 'The Falls of Terror' a giant triple shoot water slide and much more. Visit the Birds of Prey Centre, to see a Golden Eagle, catch a flying show and visit the Creepy Crawly Cave and meet 'Murphy' a 10 foot Burmese Python. Treat the family to lunch in the Granary restaurant and indulge yourselves in the shopping village.

Tel: +44 (0)8717 200011
Web: www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/LightwaterValleyThemePark.htm

Ripley Castle (7 miles)

Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilby family since 1308/9. Visiting the castle today you can still see musket ball holes in the 15th century Gatehouse, where Oliver Cromwell’s troops shot prisoners. Find out how ‘Trooper Jane’ Ingilby held Cromwell at gunpoint in the castle library! When the Gunpowder plot was discovered in 1605 nine of the eleven conspirators were connected to the Ingilbys. When you visit the castle you will hear the full story. Today the gardens hold the English National Collection of Hyacinth, large herbaceous borders, a fountain and a woodland walk and a children’s play area.

Tel: +44 (0)1423 770152
Web: www.ripleycastle.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/RipleyCastle.htm 

Sion Hill Hall (9 miles)

Sion Hill Hall, one of the finest houses built during the Edwardian era, was designed in 1912 by York Architect Walter H. Brierley, "The Lutyens of the North". The Royal Institute of British Architects designated it as being of "Outstanding Architectural Merit". Sion Hill is set in its own grounds, and is home to the H.W. Mawer collection of fine antique furniture, porcelain, paintings and clocks all in superb room settings. Take a Connoisseurs Tour by special arrangement with Michael Mallaby, an expert in the decorative and fine arts who has been involved with the house and its collection for thirty years.

Tel: +44 (0)1845 587206
Web: www.sionhillhall.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/SionHillHall.htm 

The Prison And Police Museum (1 mile)

The Prison And Police Museum, Ripon, first opened in 1984 and underwent complete refurbishment in 2004. Visiting the Museum gives an insight into the harsh conditions endured by prisoners in the past. Visit the cells and shudder as you hear the door clang shut. Are you going to be imprisoned in chains? No, you are going to be let out to try your hand at shot drill, try on prison uniforms, turn the crank and work the treadmill. In bygone times the Museum was the House of Correction for vagrants (1686-1816), the Liberty Prison (1816-1878) and the Police Station (1887-1956).

Tel: +44 (0)1765 690799
Web: www.riponmuseums.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/RiponPrisonMuseum.htm

The Workhouse Museum (1 mile)

Almost all the buildings of the 1854 Ripon Union Workhouse still remain. In 1996 the Trust opened the Workhouse Museum in the cell block which had housed male vagrants. Today you can visit the ablution room where prisoners were deloused, see the dining room where prisoners sat down to a meagre bowl of gruel. At night they were locked into one of the 14 cells. Come daybreak there would be plenty of hard work to do, such as chopping wood or breaking stones in the work yard. During the recreation of the cell block, care was taken to replicate its grim conditions.

Tel: +44 (0)1765 690799
Web: www.riponmuseums.co.uk

For more detailed information, please visit:
Web: www.aboutbritain.com/RiponWorkhouse.htm