Saxon Cross

The Saxon Cross stands in Ripon like a survivor from another world - a weathered stone monument that's genuinely ancient, not the sort of thing you see every day. It's believed to date from around the 7th century, which means it predates most of the cathedrals people flock to see by several hundred years. The cross itself is modest - a simple stone shaft - but that's rather the point. There's no visitor centre, no ropes, no entrance fee. You just walk up and there it is, quietly marking a spot where people have stood for over 1,300 years.

Historians and archaeology types will find this properly absorbing, even if casual visitors might spend ten minutes looking at it before moving on. It's the kind of place that rewards reading up beforehand - the journey matters more than the destination itself. That said, it's right in Ripon, so combining it with the cathedral and market square makes perfect sense as a morning walk through town.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Sleningford Watermill and Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park are both within six miles - the cross is an easy addition to a wider Ripon exploration. The watermill parks are lovely for families wanting somewhere quieter than town, and Ripon's only a short drive. The cross itself takes five minutes of your time, ten if you're the type to stand around contemplating 1,300 years of history. Go if you're in the area; don't make a special trip.