Ripley Castle and Gardens is a 14th-century lakeside estate that includes scenic grounds and a resplendent building. Tours of the mansion and the surrounding gardens trace the history of generations of the affluent Ingilby family. Bring the whole family to learn about the estate’s relation to the Gunpowder Plot and the British monarchy.
Embark on a 1-hour guided tour and find yourself in a world of chandeliers, period furniture and regal portraits. Among the six rooms included on the circuit are the Library, Drawing Rooms, Knights Chamber and Tower Room.
Admire the stained-glass windows and elegant spiraling staircases. Let your kids take the Children’s Tour to hear about tales of ghosts and a wild boar hunt that almost killed King Edward III. Activity days at the castle include body-zorbing and archery.
Find out about the various members of the Ingilby family. Henry Ingilby collected taxes for the monarchy, while his brother William was knighted after saving the king’s life. The Blessed Francis Ingilby was executed for being a Catholic priest and later, many of the Ingilbys were conspirators in the infamous Gunpowder Plot.
To remember your visit to Ripley Castle, purchase a souvenir at the gift shop. Opposite the shop is the Tea Room, where you can order breakfast and sandwiches. Consider extending your visit with an overnight stay in the Boar’s Head lodgings.
Note that the castle tour is available to visitors daily in summer and on weekends in autumn. Pay a fee for the castle and gardens combo. In January and February, it is free to enter the gardens, while the castle tour is only accessible via prior reservation.
Ripley Castle and Gardens is in the village of Ripley in the southeastern corner of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Drive north from the center of Harrogate for around 10 minutes to reach the castle. Check out the surrounding attractions, such as All Saints Church Ripley, Ripley Town Hall and the Old Farmyard, Ripley.