Welcome to Ripon

The gallery sits right in Ripon town centre, and it's one of those places that rewards a proper look round rather than a quick pass-through. You'll find contemporary work alongside local artists' pieces - the kind of space that takes itself seriously without being stuffy about it. The building itself has character, and the staff know what they're talking about, which makes all the difference when you're trying to work out what you're actually looking at.

Historically minded visitors and anyone interested in Yorkshire's art scene will get the most from a visit. It's not a sprawling mega-gallery, so you won't need half a day here - ninety minutes covers it comfortably, longer if you fancy browsing the gift shop or catching a special exhibition. Free admission is a genuine bonus for what's on offer.

If you're staying at Riverside Meadows Caravan Park, just under a mile away, this makes an easy morning visit before heading out to explore the wider area. Ripon Cathedral is practically on your doorstep, and the town itself has decent pubs and cafes for lunch afterwards. For a longer park-based holiday, it slots nicely between outdoor time at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park and the quieter appeal of Sleningford Watermill nearby. Worth the trip if you're in the area, though I wouldn't necessarily plan a holiday around it alone.