Wow - the ruins were much larger than we expected, though makes sense as it was one of the most powerful and richest religious houses in the country. Tip: Do take the National Trust's small map guide from the visitors centre as it has information about the abbey - which is useful as there are no signs amongst the ruins. The path down to the ruins is paved, but does have an incline. The walking paths to the water gardens are also nice for a relaxing stroll, though the signs showing distance seem incorrect as one said 1/4 mile but our GPS watches indicated 2-3x this distance. Facilities: Large car park, gift shop, visitors centre, and car park.

We had the best day here for the creepy carnival. Never been before, but will definitely return! The whole event was amazing and the girls loved the rides! Thank you to all the staff, who looked fantastic in their costumes and went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable day!

We stopped off at Ripon Cathedral and although it isn’t that impressive from the outside, we found a welcoming working place of worship. Our voluntary and very helpful guide told us what we needed to know without being overbearing. The beautiful true medieval cathedral was built directly over a crypt dug by St Wilfrid (connection from last year’s visit to Lindisfarne) after 660AD. The spires collapsed in the 1600s and much Victorian refurbishment brings the ceilings alive. The modest, intimate crypt is a place of pilgrimage and open to the public. Although one of the oldest we’ve visited, this beautiful space is obviously still used; it felt lived in. Great find.

A few months before I lost my wife to cancer, I surprised her with a day date to Newby Hall before she was due for another round of chemo, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and memorable days we got to enjoy together. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the stunning, meticulously maintained gardens. Each corner revealed another breath-taking view – vibrant flowers, serene water features, and a sense of tranquillity that felt like stepping into a dream. A place we could actually allow ourselves to relax, be at peace, and breathe a little deeper as we escaped for even a few hours, from all things cancer related. One of the highlights was the miniature train ride. We couldn’t stop giggling as we squeezed into the tiny seats, and the charming ride brought out our inner kids as we enjoyed the fun and scenery together. It’s a lovely touch that adds such whimsy to the experience. Lunch at one of their on-site restaurants was equally delightful – delicious food, friendly service, and a peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place to pause and refuel before continuing our day. We ended our visit with a relaxing boat ride along the River Ure. The calm water and picturesque surroundings created a perfect, serene close to our outing. It was such a simple pleasure but made us feel deeply connected and at peace. Newby Hall is a treasure. The staff are welcoming, the setting is immaculate, and the experience is filled with thoughtful touches that make for an unforgettable day. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a magical escape into nature and beauty! Both romantic and fun.

I attended an event here (Ripon Triathlon Festival) rather than a race meeting, and camped for the weekend. Apart from the weather, it was a fabulous weekend and Ripon Racecourse was a great venue to hold it. It's a very attractive setting. We were in the centre of the course with a view towards the grandstand and the fabulous lake. The facilities are very good and well suited to a camping event, with good toilets and shower facilities together with fresh water and chemical waste disposal. The race course is within walking distance, or a short drive, to Ripon city centre where there's lots to see and do and ample shopping, pubs and restaurants. You could walk along a canal towpath to get there.

Wonderful surprise, and larger than we expected. We did debate going based on the price, but are glad we did. It's across two buildings, the first is about vagrants (temporary "visitors") and the second is the workhouse. There are great signs throughout and learnt a lot about the history of workhouses in the UK, how people were admitted, elements in them like schools, infirmaries, and sleeping arrangements, and what daily life was like. We spent about an hour, but could've taken a little longer. Very friendly and informative staff. Facilities: clean toilets albeit slightly dated. Most is on the ground floor, but they seemed to have a lift to access the two rooms that are upstairs.

Excellent place, lovely walk not ideal for prams and wheelchairs..cafe is OK queue was rather long..staff were lovely..parking is £4 per vehicle, not many spaces , toilets were lovely and clean ..there's an Easter trail on for the kids due to Easter around the corner. The temple was great. The walks are all post signed, and there's a map so you don't get lost. Would definitely recommend it.

Very well presented interesting museum, grandchildren loved it

Just had a half day flying event with my missus, her birthday present. What an absolutely fantastic day. The 3 presenters were friendly, real well informed and answered every single question thrown at them. The birds were brilliant and they all looked really relaxed and happy. Would I go again, definitely, in an instant. Thoroughly recommend a visit and if you fly the birds you will 1000% enjoy it. Brilliant day our.

I first came here for a wedding in 2004 and so it was good to go back and see the property again. It is a fortified farmhouse and has not been significantly altered since it was built hence it is quite unique. The moat also is quite rare too. There is a lot of freedom to wander inside the property and outside.

Lovely gardens and also so well kept. Bandstand is always amazing and lots of seats so you can relax and take it all in. Toilets and a cafe plus crazy golf and a bowling green as well. The entrance gates are really lovely and we're made and supplied by The Royal Engineers who are based at Clotherhome about 1 mile away. There is also a back exit down a few stairs to bottom main road. Nice wood sculpture of Alice in Wonderland which had been there now for a good few years. Obviously Ripon Cathedral is just along the road back into city centre. Dog friendly as well.

Hard not to give a canal walk five, especially on a sunny day. Good information boards and well maintained towpath.

Short, but if you’re willing to take a slow pace and read all of the information put up in the courtroom, it’s absolutely worth it. The staff is also so nice! It’s actually my favorite of the three museums, but they’re all incredible, and I recommend purchasing the £19 ticket to see all three.

A very helpful young man spent some time with us a gave us lots of ideas for places to visit

We had the best day here for the creepy carnival. Never been before, but will definitely return! The whole event was amazing and the girls loved the rides! Thank you to all the staff, who looked fantastic in their costumes and went above and beyond to make it an unforgettable day!

Well worth the walk from the centre of York. A true gem full of history. Open daily and so joyful to spend time inside quietly reflecting on those who have gone before. Do visit.