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A quiet village just north of Harrogate, with a magnificent stately castle, surrounded by lovely gardens and parkland. Ripley Castle and All Saints Church face each other across the village's cobbled square. The church contains the tombs of several of the Ingilby family, who's descendants still live in the castle today. Within the churchyard is one of the few remaining 'weeping' crosses in Britain - a pedestal with a hole in the top for the reception of a larger cross and surrounded by small recesses where penitents could kneel in certain discomfort.

Ripley Castle Central Courtyard © Paul Buckingham (CC2)

Ripley Castle

Home of the Ingilby family since 1250. Contains many historic family treasures including a rare collection of Royalist armour. The castle has known wars and plagues and narrowly escaped destruction during the civil war. The old tower wing contains a very fine spiral stairway. There are several secret rooms and hiding places, used mainly by catholic priests to escape persecution during the reign of Elizabeth I.

The castle is set in extensive grounds, landscaped by Capability Brown, with an orangery, Victorian walled garden, a large lake with a cascading weir and a beautiful deer park. The garden is a real joy in spring time, with the national Hyacinth collection and other spring displays of snowdrops, daffodils and primroses. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside walks through the dear park, with bridges, waterfalls and peaceful woodland trails.

Guided tours available with special interest tours for children.

Opening times: open for guided tours only - see website for details. Admission Charge
Location: Ripley (near Harrogate), HG3 3AY - Tel: 01423 770152 - Website
Facilities: Parking, cafe, restaurant, shop

Map of Ripley

North East England

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