Jobs in Ripon | Pictures of Ripon

Ripon is a quintessential historical city steeped in a tradition that still sees the Hornblower sounding his horn at 9 o'clock every night, where the market dominates the town centre and where its 16,000 residents make for a fascinatingly diverse place in socio-economic terms.

It is a city purely on account of the fact that the bishopric moved here over 1,000 years ago but in every other aspect, Ripon is a small town with a big personality and an equally surprising amount of things to do and see.

Getting around Ripon
Given the size and remoteness of Ripon, most people commute to work by car. The city is located a short distance from the A1 and is easily reached by the A61, part of which forms the Ripon bypass making And once you reach the city centre, there are half a dozen car parks offering short and long stay with Victoria Grove being the biggest of them all.

In terms of public transport, the bus station is just off Market Place with services running to and from Leeds, York , Harrogate and Skipton. Whereas the closest railway stations to Ripon are located at Harrogate and Thirsk. Harrogate can be reached by a transfer at either Leeds or York railway stations.

Eating, drinking and shopping in Ripon
Despite its size, Ripon has a surprisingly strong retail offering with a mix of independent stores and boutiques such as Phillip Hall of Ripon – the city's very own department store. However, if you are a stickler for the more familiar high street names then Harrogate and Leeds are your best bet.

Famed for its market, Ripon city centre is dedicated to the market every Thursday, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers and fresh fish to clothes, jewellery and much more. Other markets are also held here several times a year, including farmers' markets, craft fairs and also a French market, where traders come over from France to sell their local cheeses, wines, jams, textiles and more.

Ripon's unique shopping culture is mirrored by its culinary offering, with a variety of award-winning cafes and eateries scattered throughout the main city centre and in the surrounding villages. The pick of the bunch is The Old Deanery , a contemporary dining option with a high reputation and located opposite the cathedral. Elsewhere, Perk Up and Lockwood's are just as popular. The main concentration of places to eat are along Kirkgate and the Market Place and are all within walking distance of each other.

And wherever you are, you will never be too far away from a pub. Ripon has around 25 pubs that err on the traditional side. Indeed, there are a high proportion of pubs that have been serving pints since the days of Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice Through the Looking Glass during one of his many visits to Ripon during the 1850s.

Steeped in history and surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside in England , Ripon has no shortage of things to keep you occupied when you have some down-time. The Cathedral dates back to the time of its founder, St Wilfrid, in 672, and is highly regarded as an architectural masterpiece. Whereas the Sir Christopher Wren-designed Newby Hall, a highly impressive 17 th century mansion which was the setting for the TV dramatisation of Mansfield Park is said to be one of England 's finest Adam houses, is also worth a visit. But the jewel in Ripon's attractions crown is unquestionably Fountains Abbey.

The Abbey is Britain 's largest monastic ruin which along with Studley Royal Water Garden , forms one of the most striking examples of Georgian wealth in the UK – a factor that has contributed to it being designated a World Heritage Site.

Elsewhere, the Prison and Police Museum and Workhouse Museum are both noteworthy places to while away a few hours as is the Thorpe Prebend House Heritage Centre.

Ripon may not have a famous football or rugby team but it does have one of the best racetracks in the country, Ripon Racecourse, with a number of meetings taking place throughout the season from April to September. But if you prefer to participate in sport, Ripon is home to its own public swimming baths, a golf course, tennis centre and leisure centre along with a good choice in water sports that are offered at the marina.

Main residential areas
The cathedral city of Ripon is noted for its strong community spirit which ensures that the city is anything but quite. Whilst being a small place with a population that makes it the seventh smallest city in the UK , there are a few notable parts of Ripon that are more desirable than others.

High Saint Agnes Gate, which is by the cathedral in the city centre, is characterized by a number of large manor houses with gardens backing onto the river. Whereas Littlethorpe Lane is also popular. And with the strong reputation of Ripon Grammar School , the Clotherholme Road area continues to be one of the most sought after parts of the city.

If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Ripon.

Take a closer look
A picture is worth a thousand words. You can see some images from in and around Ripon below.

Looking for local vacancies? See all current jobs in Ripon or find out more information on the local area.