Walking Routes
Prison & Police Museum
Step Back in Time: Discover Crime and Punishment in Victorian Yorkshire.
Explore the history of local policing in Yorkshire and beyond. There are fascinating stories from behind the bars exploring prison life, and the rogues from yester year. Step into the prison and hear the cell door slam shut. There are hands on activities to bring the harsh realities of Victorian prison and punishment to life.
Discover the harsh regimes of the Victorian prison system and the history of Yorkshire policing.
The Prison & Police Museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison, which later became Ripon Police Station. It is a fitting setting to explore the history of Yorkshire policing and the harsh realities of the Victorian prison.
Step through the gate into the prison yard, where you can “lock up” your friends and family in the pillory or experience the whipping post. Enter the museum, where our galleries are housed in the original atmospheric prison cells, with their white-washed walls and barred windows.
Downstairs you’ll discover the history of policing in Yorkshire, from the Anglo-Saxons to the formation of professional policing. Police uniform, insignia and transport are all displayed, with the chance to sit on an original police motorcycle.
Tread the stone stairs, worn by the feet of prisoners, to the first floor (or take the lift), where crime and punishment is the theme. Experience the isolation of our empty cell, turn the crank, and learn about other types of punishment, including transportation or the birching chair. Try your hand at detective work with our photo-fit challenge and learn about the science of fingerprinting.
Discover the harsh regimes of the Victorian prison system and the history of Yorkshire policing.
The Prison & Police Museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison, which later became Ripon Police Station. It is a fitting setting to explore the history of Yorkshire policing and the harsh realities of the Victorian prison.
Step through the gate into the prison yard, where you can “lock up” your friends and family in the pillory or experience the whipping post. Enter the museum, where our galleries are housed in the original atmospheric prison cells, with their white-washed walls and barred windows.
Downstairs you’ll discover the history of policing in Yorkshire, from the Anglo-Saxons to the formation of professional policing. Police uniform, insignia and transport are all displayed, with the chance to sit on an original police motorcycle.
Tread the stone stairs, worn by the feet of prisoners, to the first floor (or take the lift), where crime and punishment is the theme. Experience the isolation of our empty cell, turn the crank, and learn about other types of punishment, including transportation or the birching chair. Try your hand at detective work with our photo-fit challenge and learn about the science of fingerprinting.
City Centre Discovery Trail
This easy city stroll begins outside Ripon’s Georgian Town Hall, before taking you on a journey of discovery around the ancient City of Ripon.
City Centre Discovery Trail II
This easy city stroll begins outside Ripon’s Cathedral, before taking you on a journey of discovery around the ancient City of Ripon. In such a small area, ther
City Centre & River Skell Discovery Trail
This easy City centre stroll begins outside Ripon’s Georgian Town Hall, taking you on a journey past a rich tapestry of historic buildings, the Spa Gardens & a
Studley Royal Circular
This circular walk takes you along the River Skell to Studley Royal Deer Park before returning to Ripon through picturesque fields.
Riverside Ramble
Starting outside Ripon Town Hall, this route takes you on a journey through historic streets, past a 12th Century Chapel & along sections of the River Skell & U
Canal Walk
Starting outside Ripon Town Hall, this walk snakes its way along Ripon Canal & seamlessly blends the glorious Yorkshire countryside with Ripon’s unique urban en
The Mayor's Walk
A One mile route through Ripon's historic streets with the opportunity to visit three social history museums.
The Miller's Walk
A 1.5 mile walk along the River Skell featuring views of Ripon Cathedral and Ripon's historic architecture.
The Fishermen's Walk
A city and country walk including stretches of Ripon's two main rivers and views of the surrounding countryside.
The Navigator's Walk
Explore Ripon Canal and encounter a diverse range of wildlife.
The Monk's Walk
Walk in the footsteps of Monks with this moderate walk to Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey.
The Fountains Way
A rewarding way to arrive at Fountains Abbey on foot, via rural paths from Ripon and the stately lime avenue through Studley Royal Deer Park.
Hell Wath Nature Trail
Wander down Hell Wath path in Ripon, along the River Skell, through woodland glade, meadows and hedgerows.