The Unicorn Hotel

The Unicorn Hotel sits on Ripon's market square, a timber-framed building that dates back to the 16th century and still operates as a working pub and hotel. Walk past and you'll spot the characteristic black and white facade - the sort of place that makes you do a double-take because it actually looks like it belongs in a history book, not on a high street.

Inside, there's proper old England: low beamed ceilings, crooked floors, and the kind of narrow staircases that'll make you duck. It's a functional pub rather than a museum piece, which means you can grab a drink and actually sit where Tudor merchants and Georgian travellers once did. The beer's decent, the atmosphere is genuine, and there's none of that theme-park fakery.

History enthusiasts will find the building interesting - it's the sort of thing that rewards a proper look around and a chat with the landlord if he's in the mood. Families with kids will get bored quickly unless they're the type who appreciate old architecture and can sit still for a pint and a meal. Allow twenty minutes if you're just photographing the exterior, longer if you're stopping for food.

Ripon itself is a solid market town with decent walking territory, and the holiday parks nearby - Riverside Meadows is closest at under a mile away - make this a natural stop during a park-based break in North Yorkshire. The Unicorn is worth a diversion if you're exploring Ripon proper, but don't expect visitor facilities or extended opening hours. Ring ahead if you're planning a visit.