Ripley's Castle
Ripley's Castle history is one of political, military, religious and social turbulence, of plague and persecution, of renaissance, enlightenment and industrial revolution. It is a tale of romance, courage, loyalty and recklessness. There is no final chapter because we are still here, still enjoying the adventure.
For any family to occupy the same house for 700 years is truly remarkable. All those letters, deeds and documents that tend to get lost, damaged or thrown away when you move from one house to another have survived, and give a unique record of the family's history, their births, marriages and deaths, their trials and their tribulations, during the course of the last sevencenturies. It gives some indication how the family survived, despite plagues, civil wars, attempts at regicide, religious and political conspiracies, broken marriages, inept heirs and, yes, numerous periods of dire economic hardship!
The Castle Gift Shop is where you go to purchase your tickets for the castle and gardens: follow the 'Castle Entrance' fingerpost signs from the village car park and Market Square.
Here you will find greetings cards of every shape, size and variety, and gifts
for every occasion, including: soft toys, humorous cushions, soaps and perfumery, aromatherapy products, films, books, guides and maps, games, cards, bath bombs, soaps and candles. The Ripley Castle postcards, guide books and mementoes always attract lots of attention. A stall outside the shop offers a wide range of flowers, plants and herbs for sale.
There are some fascinating stories to be told about this 700 year old castle and its inhabitants over the years and the Castle's experienced guides have tailor-made the tour to specifically interest the children.
Children's Play Trail and Treasure Hunt
Within the pleasure grounds of Ripley Castle there is a small children's play trail. Let your children release their energy and hunt for clues on our informative Treasure Hunt whilst you wander around and take in the magnificent surroundings.A treat for those with the right answers, ask for details at the admissions desk in the Gift Shop.
Ripley is a fantastic place in which to hold a high profile corporate event. The setting is stunning, the service is friendly and efficient, and the catering is exceptional.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Times & Tariffs:-
CASTLE TOURS
PLEASE NOTE: ON SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST THE LAST TOUR OF THE CASTLE WILL BE AT 12.00PM AND THE GARDENS AND GROUNDS WILL CLOSE 1.00PM
(Entrance by guided tour only)
When the Castle is open tours are available hourly from 10.00am until 3.00pm. On Bank Holiday and Event days extra tours may be put on due to demand).
Easter to September
Daily
March, October and November
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Please note: the Castle will be also be open daily during the October half term
December, January, February
Weekends only
CHILDREN'S TOURS
The Castle's experienced guides have tailor-made a tour specially for children. These are available at 10.30am and 1.30pm every Saturday and Sunday and daily during the schools holidays (excluding February half term). The tour takes approximatley 60 minutes and is specifically geared for children aged 5 -16 years and their familes. Children must be accompanied by a adult.
GARDENS
Open daily throughout the year (except Chrismas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day)
9.00am - 5.00pm (4.30pm winter months)
No dogs allowed except Guide Dogs
Tarrifs
(Prices may be subject to change on event days, please see news and events for information)
| CASTLE & GARDENS |
GARDENS ONLY |
| Adults |
£8.00 |
Adults |
£5.50 |
| Concession |
£7.50 |
Concession |
£5.00 |
| Groups (20+) |
£7.00 |
Groups (20+) |
£4.50 |
| Children (5-16) |
£5.00 |
Children (5-16) |
£3.50 |
| Children (Groups) |
£4.50 |
Children (Groups) |
£3.00 |
| Children under 5yrs |
Free |
Children under 5yrs |
Free |
| Family Ticket(2 adults and 2 children) |
£21.00 |
Family Ticket(2 adults and 2 children) |
£14.50 |
RIPLEY CASTLE GARDEN'S PASS
Purchasing our garden's pass offers unlimited access to the Castle Garden's and one tour of the Castle. The pass is valid for one year and can be purchased at the gift shop admissions desk or over the telephone on 01423 770152.
| |
SINGLE |
DOUBLE |
ONE ADULT AND TWO CHILDREN |
TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN OR 1 ADULT AND 3 CHILDREN |
2 ADULTS AND 3 CHILDREN OR 1 ADULT AND 4 CHILDREN |
| ADULT (NEW MEMBER) |
£22.00 |
£44.00 |
£50.00 |
£58.00 |
£69.00 |
| CONCESSION (NEW MEMBER) |
£20.00 |
£40.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| ADULT (RENEWAL) |
£19.25 |
£38.50 |
£43.75 |
£50.75 |
£63.00 |
| CONCESSION (RENEWAL) |
£17.50 |
£35.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Location:-
Ripley is 3½ miles north of Harrogate, off the A61 between Harrogate and Ripon.
By Car:
Approximate journey times:
Harrogate (Railway Station) 15 minutes
York (Railway Station) Approximatley 45 minutes
Leeds (Railway Station) Approximtley 45 mintues
A1 junctions with A61 and A59 20 minutes
Leeds / Bradford Airport 30 minutes
Newcastle Airport 90 minutes
Manchester Airport 90 minutes
York and Leeds (City Centre) 45 minutes
Newcastle (City Centre) 70 minutes
London (reasonable traffic) 240-270 minutes
From the south on the M1 or A1:
M1 north until it joins the A1, nine miles south of Wetherby. A1 north for 14 miles to the junction with the A59 (York, Harrogate and Knaresborough) Take the first exit towards Knaresborough and Harrogate. 2 ½ miles turn right at the roundabout to Knaresborough. Follow the A59 straight through the town centre, until you reach the second set of traffic lights at the bottom of the High Street. Turn left, and then immediately right onto the B6165 to Ripley. Second exit off the roundabout to Ripley. The Boar's Head is straight ahead of you as you enter the village. For the Castle, turn left down the side of the cobbled village square, past the Church, to the Castle Gatehouse.
From the M62 (West) and Leeds:
M62 / M621 to Leeds. Pick up the A61 in Leeds and follow it through Harrogate towards Ripon. 3 miles north of Harrogate take the first exit left at roundabout to Ripley.
From the North:
A1 south to the junction with the A61 (Ripon and Thirsk). Turn right to Ripon, following the signs around the by-pass directing you (still on the A61) towards Harrogate. Seven miles south of Ripon you come to a roundabout: take the second exit, to Ripley. The Boar's Head is on your right in the centre of the village: turn right past the Boar's Head to reach the Castle.
By Bus:
The 36A service Leeds/Harrogate/Ripon runs every 20 minutes for most of the week (Sundays every 30 minutes). Contact Harrogate District Travel 01423 566061 for details.
By Train:
Regular GNER Inter-City 125 service from London King's Cross, Newcastle or Edinburgh, connecting at York or Leeds to Harrogate, which is 15 minutes from Ripley by taxi. The regular bus service from Harrogate to Ripon also stops at Ripley.