Tourist attractions Harrogate

Cut across by the River Skell, these Cistercian ruins provide a wonderful record of monastic life in the Middle Ages. A long row of buildings (dormitory of the lay brothers) extends on the right-hand side of the abbey, with no cover. Note the tower ..

Harewood House (1759) is an example of Palladian architecture. The essentially neo-Classical interior is one of the finest works of architect Robert Adam (1728-92), who completed it on his return from Italy. The gallery is the most handsome room in..

John Aislabie , a Chancellor of the Exchequer who retired in disgrace, was able to spend his personal fortune during his retirement years (1720-1742) on transforming the sinuous valley of the River Skell into a spectacular romantic landscape with wo..

Newby Hall is an attractive house that dates from the 17C and 18C. It is renowned for its interiors by the architect Robert Adam (1728-92). Interesting features include the Gobelins Tapestry Room, the Gallery of Classical Sculpture, the Chippendale f..

A splendid five-storey mansion, built in 1611 with stone from the abbey. Behind the striking façade on the right bank of the River Stour is a museum with a large-scale model of the abbey.

The cathedral was started in 1154 on the Saxon crypt of St Wilfrid's church (672). The imposing Early English west front is "the finest in England" (Pevsner). The Transitional style tower, offers a striking contrast in style, as the south a..

The transept tower (1509-1528) dominates the harsh ruins of this Cistercian abbey which was created by the monks of Fountains Abbey in 1152.

The experimental gardens for the Northern Horticultural Society cover 28 ha on open land. A museum contains old gardening tools. The bulb plants garden, rose garden, perennial herbaceous plants, heather (in flower all year round) and winter garden ..

The Wakeman's House , a 14C, two-storeyed building, was the home of the last holder of the office, Hugh Ripley, who became the firs Mayor of Ripon in 1604, under the royal Charter granted by James I.

Standing above the vast Deer Park conservation area, set in a garden is St Mary's Church , a Gothic design, characteristic of the Victorian period, by William Burges. To the east is a long avenue, in line with the twin towers of Ripon Cathedral.

In the old prison, two centuries of policing are related, illustrated by various documents, prints and objects, including a pillory and whipping post used to punish the prisoners.

The Ripon Workhouse, a building dating from 1854, demonstrates the appalling living conditions (a display of 19C photographs) and the harsh workhouse regime, often the only resort for those on the fringes of Victorian society - beggars, orphans, old ..