Ripon campsites

Begin your stay at Ripon with a visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. See the deer at the medieval deer park and enjoy a picnic in the Georgian water garden before soaking up the history as you explore the ruins of Fountains Abbey. This National Trust property also has a kids playground on site to keep the little ones occupied.

If the kids are wanting more than climbing frames, treat them to a day on the rides at Lightwater Valley. Spin around on board the Black Pearl and ride on the Eagle’s Claw for an adrenaline fuelled ride in the air. Those who aren’t afraid to get a little wet can ride along the Wild River Rapids.

Catch your breath with an afternoon stroll at Ripon Spa Gardens. Tuck into some lunch by the Victorian bandstand or head to the café for a bite and a hot cuppa.

Enjoy sightseeing with a twist on the Ripon Treasure Hunt Trail. Keep your eyes peeled as you try to solve the clues hidden around the city. Get the whole family involved in this fun way of exploring Ripon.

When you’ve completed the trail, head to Ripon Treetop Nets. Bounce around on giant trampolines suspended high in the trees and jump on the walkways, tunnels and grab a sack for a ride down the slides. 

After mucking about in the trees, soak up a bit of Victorian history at the Workhouse Museum. Walk through the Master’s study and head into the kitchens of this old Victorian workhouse.

Continue your museum tour with a visit to the Prison and Police Museum. Put on your prison uniforms, explore the prison cells and sit on the police motorbike.

When you’ve finished admiring the displays, take the kids to Newby Hall. The youngsters will love a runaround through the climbing frames in the adventure playground whilst older kids can ride a pedalo boat in the water play area. Don’t miss out a ride on the miniature railway either!

Head out of the city and into an area of natural beauty. Explore Nidderdale and see the Brimham Rocks before taking the kids to meet the animals at Nidderdale Llamas. Ripon also isn’t far from Mother Shipton’s Cave – head to the Petrifying Well and learn more about the mysterious prophet.