Walking Routes

Thorpe Prebend House

Thorpe Prebend House

Historic building with plaque indicating that King James I Stayed here in 1617.

Thorpe Prebend House is one of Ripon's oldest buildings with the current building mainly dating back to circa 1700. It is thought that the current building was either rebuilt or remodelled during the mid 17th Century (1600's) using an existing mediaeval Prebendary house as a base structure. The building had some famous guests in 1617 when Mary Queen of Scots and her son, James VI of Scotland who later became James I of England stayed overnight. Having been used as accommodation for cathedral clergy over many years, Thorpe Prebend house was handed over to Ripon City Council and in 1914, the building became the city museum, a role it played until its closure in the 1950's. 

Laying empty for many years, the building fell into disrepair and between 1999 & 2002, the building was extensively renovated and restored before reopening as the Ripon Heritage centre showcasing the history of Ripon Through the years.  This heritage centre then closed and the building is currently used as offices for the Cathedral and as an events space for school visits and community groups. 

The name Thorpe Prebend derives from the old english words for parish or Thorpe and prebend, a portion of the revenues of a cathedral church granted to a member of the chapter as a stipend.

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.