Welcome to Stately Homes

Romance and drama, villainy and heroism: all feature strongly in the fascinating and ongoing 700 year history of the Ingilbys of Ripley Castle. If only the castle walls could talk they would tell you tales of Kings and Queens, civil war and plagues, of the secret hiding place concealed behind the Knight's Chamber panelling, of the swashbuckling daughter who held the victorious enemy general at gunpoint in the Library, of numerous clandestine affairs. Imagine being able walk, room by room, through an ancient castle, occupied by the same family for 690 years: learning the history, savouring the atmosphere, admiring the furnishings and works of art. You can, by joining one of the highly entertaining guided tours of the castle: we are open to the public all year round.

The setting, in a thousand acres of majestic Yorkshire countryside 10 minutes from the charming spa town of Harrogate and 45 minutes from York and Leeds, could hardly be more beautiful. The castle and gardens are open to the public twelve months of the year, and ample free parking, shops and tearooms help make the visit even more enjoyable. In recent years the castle has also become one of Britain's premier venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions, special dinners and banquets, meetings, concerts and training and team-building days. First-class accommodation and food is available at the castle's adjacent Boar's Head Hotel, the 2001 winner of the Johansens Traditional Inn of the Year Award.

Weddings

Ripley Castle has witnessed many dramatic events over the last seven hundred years. Some of the more memorable involved cauldrons of boiling oil being tipped over the battlements. Thanks to OPEC price hikes and the crippling level of fuel duty, the only thing they can afford to throw nowadays is confetti. Five of the castle's main reception rooms, including the 16th century oak-panelled Library, are licensed for civil weddings. There can be few more romantic venues than Ripley Castle with a log fire crackling in the hearth and candlelight flickering on the ceiling. Guests can sip champagne on the terrace, enjoy the fantastic views over the lakes and deer park, or take a tour of the older parts of the castle with one of their guides. The setting is stunning, a photographer's dream. With such a backcloth, the photographs will grace the finest album.

Their wedding package includes a champagne reception, the wedding breakfast, all wines and mineral waters with the meal, and beautiful flower arrangements, again prepared in-house to your specifications. Crèche facilities can be set up so that parents can enjoy themselves without worrying what their offspring are up to.

Conferences and Meetings

They will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that everything is perfect for your business meeting, seminar or conference. The Main Castle can accommodate up to 70 and the East Wing up to 150 theatre style. The East Wing opened in 2005 enabling you to enjoy conferences in great comfort, in rooms overlooking the castle courtyard, lakes and deer park.

For the more adventurous they can organise activity and team building sessions, involving clay pigeon shooting, quad bikes, or the use of the low and high ropes training course. Their rates are very competitive, and they offer a 24 hour rate including dinner bed and breakfast at the adjacent Boar's Head Hotel, a short stroll from the castle. The Boar's Head, which won the Johansen's Traditional Inn of the Year 2001 award, has one of the best restaurants in the north of England.

Opening Times - 2010:

Castle:
Guided Tours start at 10 am - 3 pm.
Easter - end September: daily.
March, October & November: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
December, January, February: weekends only.

Please telephone before you visit as opening times may be altered without prior notice.

The Castle is open daily throughout the year for pre-arranged group tours.

Gardens:
Open all year: daily, 9 am - 5 pm (4.30 pm winter months)
Except Chrismas Day, Boxing Day & New Years Day

Admission Prices - 2010:

Castle and Gardens:
Adult - £8
Child (5-16) - £5
Child (under 5yrs) - Free
Concession - £7.50
Family (2+2) - 21

Groups (25+):
Adult - £7
Children - £4.50

Gardens Only:
Adult - £5.50
Child (5-16) - £3.50
Child (under 5yrs) - Free
Concession - £5
Family (2+2) - 14.50

Groups (25+):
Adult - £4.50
Child - £3

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.