southyorkshireda

THE RACECOURSE, located on the outskirts of RIPON is an excellent base for exploring NORTH YORKSHIRE and the DALES. There is the magnificent CATHEDRAL and a busy MARKET SQUARE in the city. Markets are held on THURSDAYS, when the car park in the square is closed but there is a large pay and display car park just off the square. Farmers markets are held at various times during the year. The town square is also the scene of a rather unusual spectacle - the HORNBLOWER. Each night at 9:00 p.m. he will 'set the watch' by blowing his horn from each corner of the market square around the 90ft obelisk which was built in 1703. This tradition dates back to the 11th century.

It might take a good hours walk from the site into RIPON, but you can walk along the canal for most of the way. There are also walks in the other direction along the canal which lead to a marina and eventually back round to the main road past the site.

NEWBY HALL is a short drive away as is the small town of BOROUGHBRIDGE and the Roman settlement of ALDBURGH. THIRSK, another market town is twenty minutes or so by car. A run out to MASHAM will find the BLACK SHEEP BREWERY where a conducted tour with beer tasting can be arranged (charge applies) followed by a meal in the brewery bistro if you wish. LIGHTWATER VALLEY theme park is also in the area.

HARROGATE and KNARESBOROUGH are about 20 minutes away by car. There are a number of pubs serving bar meals in the area and more than a few take - aways in the city centre.

The racecourse itself has a level, well - groomed field close to the lake and the hall is available for get - togethers during the evenings. There is usually a car boot sale in the field at the other side of the racecourse on Sunday dinner time, there is a small charge for entry but it is a 'proper' car boot sale.