Walking Routes
Workhouse Museum
Explore the Victorian Workhouse and discover real stories of Yorkshire’s most vulnerable.
See how people lived and worked in the workhouse, meeting interesting characters and exploring stories of poverty, separation and social inequality. Enjoy family trails, fun drop-in activities, and thought-provoking exhibitions. Experience what life was really like in Victorian Yorkshire —it’s an educational adventure for all ages!
The Workhouse Museum occupies two buildings in the centre of Ripon.
Your visit starts in the original Gatehouse building, where you can follow an inmate’s journey through the workhouse, from admittance in the Guardian’s Room, through the indignity of the baths and fumigation process, to the cells where vagrants slept.
Then take a look around the Main Block where you can see the Master’s study and dining room, the pantry, classroom and inmates’ dining hall. Outside the building, you’ll find the Master and Matron’s front garden, which was restored in 2018 with authentic planting.
During your visit save some time to look at the original Workhouse Kitchen Garden, located to the rear of the Workhouse Site, this would have been tended by the inmates and been used to feed them and we use 1860s gardening techniques to cultivate heritage crops.
The Workhouse Museum does not have a cafe, but you can relax and reflect on your visit with a cup of quality Rijo coffee and a biscuit at the end of your visit.
The Workhouse Museum occupies two buildings in the centre of Ripon.
Your visit starts in the original Gatehouse building, where you can follow an inmate’s journey through the workhouse, from admittance in the Guardian’s Room, through the indignity of the baths and fumigation process, to the cells where vagrants slept.
Then take a look around the Main Block where you can see the Master’s study and dining room, the pantry, classroom and inmates’ dining hall. Outside the building, you’ll find the Master and Matron’s front garden, which was restored in 2018 with authentic planting.
During your visit save some time to look at the original Workhouse Kitchen Garden, located to the rear of the Workhouse Site, this would have been tended by the inmates and been used to feed them and we use 1860s gardening techniques to cultivate heritage crops.
The Workhouse Museum does not have a cafe, but you can relax and reflect on your visit with a cup of quality Rijo coffee and a biscuit at the end of your visit.
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.