A North Yorkshire location that has been called 'picturesque' has been ranked fifth in the UK's prettiest locations thanks to its stunning views and quaint streets.
Despite actually being a city, Ripon has been named in The Telegraph's UK prettiest town list among some of the most impressive locations that you can find in the UK.
Receiving a score of 41 out of 50, based on shop fronts, historic architecture, litter and traffic, views and greenery, there weren't many things that The Telegraph didn't like about Ripon.
The city, known for its cathedral, scenic views and market, the location was praised for its mix of independent shops, its café and restaurant culture and its quaint feel.
Travel journalist Helen Pickles gave Ripon nine out of ten for its historic architecture, while scoring it eight in shop fronts and seven in views.
In the ranking, The Telegraph said: "Technically, Ripon is a city, but to the 16,000 locals it’s a town that just happens to have a cathedral.
"Visit on market day (Thursday) and the central market place is filled with the buzz and chatter that only local town markets – cheese stall, artisan breads, farm-produced sausages – can engender.
"Running off the market place are wiggly streets of independent shops – from an art gallery and bookshop to butchers and an eco-shop – plus places to eat and drink, including an Anglo-Indian tea shop and French-inspired bakery and restaurant."
Ripon was also praised for its friendliness of its locals, alongside the green spaces that are dotted around.
Its best viewpoint was ranked from the lower end of cobbled Kirkgate, with its "colourful shop fronts", towards the "golden-hued" west front of the Cathedral.
The Telegraph also mentioned Valentino’s, an Italian restaurant with five townhouse-smart rooms as the place to stay when visiting.
In her assessment of Ripon, Helen Pickles said: "Buildings are a pleasant jumble of Georgian and Victorian with the odd half-timbered Tudor façade while sitting modestly just off-centre is the medieval cathedral with its wide-open welcoming doors, Anglo-Saxon crypt and Tudor misericords.
Recommended reading:
- MP explains why bid to reopen hospital A&E failed to progress despite 2019 pledge
- Proposed council tax rises on empty County Durham homes aim to help housing crisis
- Council bid for more homeless accommodation and support across County Durham
Subscribe to The Northern Echo and get a Premium Plus subscription for just £6 for 6 months
"Other historic buildings house the town’s three well-run museums.
"With three rivers, a canal, plus the spa gardens (bowling green, bandstand, crazy golf), there are numerous walks and quiet spaces.
"Alternatively, a decent programme of live music can be found in both its pubs and churches as well as at an annual beer festival in the cathedral’s gardens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here