News from Ripon BID

Ripon Awarded Prestigious CPT Coach Friendly Status – A Major Boost for One of England’s Most Welcoming Small Cities

Ripon has officially been awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), marking a significant milestone for the city’s visitor economy and reinforcing its position as a standout destination for group travel.

The accreditation follows a coordinated effort led by Ripon BID, with vital support from Visit North Yorkshire, who together delivered a series of improvements to enhance the experience for coach operators, drivers, and visiting groups.

A Partnership That Delivered Real Change

To secure Coach Friendly status, Ripon BID and Visit North Yorkshire worked closely with CPT representatives and local partners to demonstrate the city’s commitment to welcoming coach groups. Key achievements included:

• New coach park signage, designed by Ripon BID and funded by Visit North Yorkshire, improving navigation and arrival for drivers.
• Removal of the four‑hour parking limit, lobbied for by Ripon BID, enabling groups to enjoy a full, relaxed day in the city.
• Hosting an official CPT familiarisation visit, showcasing Ripon’s attractions, accessibility, and group‑friendly infrastructure.

These improvements ensure Ripon is not only ready for coach tourism—but actively investing in it.

Tony Watson, Head of Economy and Tourism at North Yorkshire Council, said:
“We are delighted that Ripon has been awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport. This accreditation is a strong endorsement of the collaborative work taking place in Ripon to ensure the city is easy, welcoming and inclusive for group visitors. As part of our ongoing work as Visit North Yorkshire to promote and support sustainable travel, we were pleased to support Ripon BID in extending free coach parking, improving signage, and encouraging local businesses to take part in accessibility initiatives.

“Coach travel plays an important role in supporting local economies and sustainable tourism, a priority within North Yorkshire’s Destination Management Plan, and Ripon’s Coach Friendly status sends a clear message that the city values coach operators, drivers and passengers alike. We look forward to building on this success to continue strengthening Ripon, and North Yorkshire’s appeal as a high-quality, coach friendly destination.”

The Official Presentation

To mark the accreditation, Andy Shaw and Alistair Timmis of the CPT returned to Ripon on 13 April to make a formal presentation on the Cathedral forecourt to Mayor Barbara Brodigan and Dean John Dobson, celebrating Ripon’s achievement and its commitment to welcoming coach visitors.  Also present were Lilla Bathurst of Ripon BID, Richard Taylor representing Ripon Museums Trust and Helen Suckling of Visit North Yorkshire.

A Welcome from Ripon BID

Lilla Bathurst, Manager at Ripon BID, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to receive CPT Coach Friendly status. This recognition reflects the hard work and collaboration across our city to make Ripon even more welcoming and accessible for group travel. Coach visitors play an important role in our local economy, supporting our shops, attractions, cafés, and cultural venues. With these improvements in place, we’re excited to welcome even more groups to discover everything that makes Ripon such a special place to visit.”

Andy Shaw, CPT Coaching Manager, said: “Ripon is a compact, walkable and welcoming city with terrific heritage. It’s exactly the kind of destination that benefits from strong coach connectivity.

“This accreditation gives clear reassurance to coach operators, drivers and passengers that they will be welcomed and well supported. Ultimately, it should generate more visitors to Ripon to spend money in local businesses and support the regional economy.”

Why Ripon Is a Brilliant Destination for Coach Trips

Ripon offers a rare blend of heritage, beauty, culture, and convenience—all within a compact, walkable city centre. Highlights for group visits include:

• Ripon Cathedral – A breathtaking 7th‑century masterpiece featuring the Anglo‑Saxon crypt, stunning architecture, and world‑class choral music.
• UNESCO‑listed Studley Royal Water Garden & Fountains Abbey – One of the UK’s most spectacular heritage landscapes, perfect for leisurely strolls and group exploration.
• Historic Market Square and surrounding streets – The heart of England’s third‑smallest city, filled with charm, independent shops, cafés, and the famous nightly Hornblower tradition.
• Ripon Museums Trust – Three award‑winning museums (Prison & Police, Workhouse, Courthouse) offering immersive, group‑friendly experiences.
• Coach‑friendly city layout – Easy drop‑off points at a central coach park, accessible routes, and plenty of space for groups to gather and explore.
• Vibrant events calendar – Cathedral concerts, festivals, parades, trails, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
• Beautiful riverside walks – Gentle, scenic routes along the Skell and Ure, ideal for stretching legs after a journey.
• Great food & drink – Independent eateries, cosy pubs, and local producers offering warm Yorkshire hospitality.
• Compact, walkable, welcoming – Everything close together, making it easy for groups of all ages to enjoy a full day out.

A City Ready to Welcome More Visitors

Achieving CPT Coach Friendly status positions Ripon as a top choice for tour operators planning itineraries across Yorkshire and the North of England. With its rich heritage, accessible layout, and newly improved coach facilities, the city is perfectly placed to welcome more group visitors throughout the year.

Ripon BID and Visit North Yorkshire will continue working together to promote Ripon to the coach tourism sector, ensuring operators, drivers, and visitors enjoy a seamless and memorable experience.