Summer 2025 in Ripon: Your Guide to Family Fun & Holiday Highlights
Summer is here, the schools are out and Ripon is buzzing with energy right through to the end of August.
Whether you’re a local family, a day-tripper, or a holiday visitor, there’s a packed programme of events to enjoy. From magical AR trails and markets to beach parties, and foam-filled discos—Ripon has something for everyone.
🌟 Major Summer Highlights
Ripon BID Alebrije AR Trail (19 July – 31 August)
Track down 10 magical Alebrije creatures around Ripon’s city centre. These colourful Mexican folk-art animals spring to life in Augmented Reality when you scan their QR codes. Take selfies, film videos, and complete the 45-minute FREE trail to unlock an exclusive e-book. A brilliant summer holiday adventure for the whole family.
Lightwater Valley: Summer of Fun (12 July onwards)
Just outside Ripon, Lightwater Valley is running its ultimate family event of the year: – 35+ rides and attractions for under-12s. – Dance-Along Discos, Sports Day Showdowns, and mascot races. – Brand-new Inflatable Adventure Zone. – End every visit with the legendary Foam Party.
🎨 Family Activities & Kids’ Fun
Get to Work! Family Trail at Ripon Workhouse Museum & Garden (From 1 August)
Step into history with a fun, interactive family trail. Explore the museum and gardens while learning about life in the Workhouse. Perfect for curious kids who love a hands-on challenge.
Ripon Cathedral Kids’ Crafts (Tuesdays in August)
Creative sessions every Tuesday (10:30 am–12 noon, £3 per child): – 12 Aug – Tree of Life – 19 Aug – Hidden Treasure – 26 Aug – Birds of the Air
YMCA Summer Craft Club (21 August)
A fun craft club for children, run by YMCA Ripon. Kids get creative, make something special, and bring their creations home.
🎶 Parties, Markets & Entertainment
Super Summer Saturdays (Throughout August)
Ripon’s streets come alive every Saturday in August with street performers, family activities, and live entertainment across the city centre.
Fairground Rides & Jazz Band (Selected Summer Dates)
Enjoy a nostalgic mix of funfair rides and live jazz music—perfect for a summer afternoon.
Little Bird Artisan Market (Selected August Dates)
Browse stalls from independent makers, bakers, and creatives. Great food, unique gifts, and a friendly community vibe.
Black Swan Beach Party (Summer Event)
The Black Swan pub hosts a summer beach party, complete with sand, music, and plenty of atmosphere. A local favourite for families and friends.
Ripon Racecourse
25th August – Bank Holiday Family Day. Gates open 11:30am, First Race 2:05pm, Last Race 5:33pm.
26th August – Afternoon Racing. Gates open 12:05pm, First Race 2:05pm, Last Race 4:35pm.
🎆 Evening Highlights
Newby Hall Summer Events
23 August – Fireworks Championships: A spectacular evening of music and pyrotechnics where the audience helps crown the winner.
24 August – Generation Groove Band: Live music on the Restaurant Lawn, included in standard Gardens admission.
🛍️ Weekly Traditions
Ripon Thursday Market
Held in the historic Market Square, with around 120 stalls offering local produce, gifts, and more. A must-do for locals and visitors alike.
The Hornblower
Don’t miss this ancient “setting the watch” ceremony at 9pm every night at the obelisk the Market Square. Dating back over 1,000 years to Saxon times, it started as a precaution against Viking raids. In 886, King Alfred the Great gifted the people a horn and a Royal Charter, advising vigilance. Every night at 9pm, the Wakeman would sound the horn, a tradition still upheld today. The ceremony draws tourists and has not been missed in over 1,100 years.
📅 Ripon Summer Calendar at a Glance
Date Event
Throughout August Ripon BID Alebrije AR Trail
Throughout August Get to Work! Family Trail – Workhouse Museum & Garden
Throughout August Ripon Thursday Market, Ripon Races, Lightwater Valley Fun
21 August YMCA Summer Craft Club
23 August Super Summer Saturdays at Spa Gardens
23 August Free Fairground rides & Jazz in Market Square
23 August Newby Hall – Fireworks Championships
24 August Little Bird Artisan Market
24 August Black Swan Beach Party
24 August Newby Hall – Generation Groove Band
25 August Little Bird Artisan Market
26 August Cathedral Crafts: Birds of the Air
✨ Final Word
Ripon is bursting with life this summer—whether you’re hunting magical Alebrijes, getting creative at crafts clubs, dancing at discos, or marvelling at fireworks. With so much going on through August, families and visitors alike will find plenty to keep them entertained.
Ripon really is the place to be this summer. Keep checking our social media and www.visitripon.co.uk/events to keep up to date.
Facebook: @visitripon @RiponBID
Instagram: @visitriponyorkshire
LinkedIn: Ripon BID
