News
Ripon Cathedral welcomes you this summer!
Come and explore the cathedral’s 1350+ years of faith and history, taking in the beautiful surroundings and hidden treasures, including the famous Anglo-Saxon crypt. All to be enjoyed free of charge.
June 27, 2024
We have already been enjoying a glorious summer with the annual organ festival bringing a great audience to enjoy the sight and sounds of the magnificent pipe organ.
Looking ahead, the cathedral is hosting an exciting range of events within these historic walls. From concerts and guided tours to family activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Or simply take a seat in the cool of the nave and enjoy the deep peace of this sacred place of pilgrimage and prayer.
Here’s a little taster of what’s to come:
For heritage enthusiasts
Discover centuries of craftsmanship in stone, stained glass and wood, including delightfully intricate carvings which are thought to have inspired author Lewis Carroll. Step into St Wilfrid’s underground Anglo-Saxon crypt from 672AD, the oldest built structure in any English cathedral.
During August, you can join a free tour at 2pm every Thursday. Alternatively, pick up a leaflet to explore the cathedral’s many historic features at your own pace.
The cathedral is in the heart of the city and entrance is free. Soak up the cathedral’s breath-taking architecture and discover a unique oasis of peace in a busy world.
For families
Join us at the cathedral on Tuesday mornings during the school summer holidays for some fun range of activities changing each week from creating animal masks to finger knitting scarfs for sheep! Please book ahead.
Every day, young visitors can pick up a free trail sheet and stickers from the welcome desk and discover just a few of the animals in our Cathedral Ark.
For music lovers
Enjoy a wonderful mix of concerts in the cathedral nave with its natural acoustics. The cathedral choir will be showcasing some of the music they are taking on tour to Germany later in July when they will be performing and participating in a series of concerts and services in magnificent Bavarian places of worship.
Get ready to be serenaded by The King’s Men, the renowned a capella group of the Choral Scholars of The Choir of King’s College as they perform beautiful harmonies and timeless classics in the stunning setting of Ripon Cathedral. It’s a concert you won’t want to miss!
If your music taste is more pop classics, then join us for one of the brilliant tribute acts who perform in the cathedral by candlelight.
For worshippers
Worship is at the heart of all we do here at Ripon Cathedral. There are at least three services every day of the year Morning Prayer, Holy Communion, and Evening Prayer or Choral Evensong. At least 6 of these per week during term time are sung by our wonderful choir, including on Sundays at 10.30am and 3.30pm.
During the summer when our choir is taking a well earned rest, we are often blessed with wonderful visiting choirs who will share evensong with us. You are very welcome to join us, see the Worship and Music Sheet for the details.
Choral evensong is a truly beautiful service, held at the start of most evenings. It is the perfect time for contemplation after a busy day. With minimal active participation, evensong allows you to enjoy a reflective, quiet atmosphere with wonderful music in the stunning setting of the quire.
Travelers’ Choice Award
We are delighted to announce that we have won a Travelers’ Choice Award for a fourth consecutive year on Tripadvisor.
As an organisation, we are extremely proud to be known as a warm, welcoming, and informative space and look forward to welcoming you!