Best attractions and places to see around Catton, North Yorkshire, are concentrated near the historic market towns of Ripon and Thirsk. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage, featuring ancient religious buildings and notable landmarks. The landscape provides a backdrop for exploring historical sites and local traditions.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid, commonly known as Ripon Cathedral, and until 1836 known as Ripon Minster, is a cathedral in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. Founded as a monastery by monks of the Irish tradition in the 660s, it was refounded as a Benedictine monastery by St Wilfrid in 672.
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The square is in the very centre of Ripon and is mainly used as a short stay car park. The car park is closed on Thursdays to make way for Ripon’s market.
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Ripon has a stunning gothic cathedral as its centrepiece. It was Founded in the 7th century, the town centre has a mix of architecture dating back to the medieval period, including its Georgian town hall and the Market Place, which has been there since the 12th century.
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Ripon Cathedral, dates back a 1350 years and is free for everyone to visit and explore.
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Pub, restaurant and accommodation with car parking space for campervans. The Old Oak serves locally sourced food and drinks with an extensive menu. Food is served Mon to Sat from 11:30 - 14:00 & 17:00 - 21:00. On Sunday food is served from 11:30 - 20:30.
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An award-winning museum dedicated to the life, books and TV series of Alf Wright - the Yorkshire vet better known as James Herriot. It is the original 1940's home and practice better known as Skeldale House, although the film location is in Askrigg.
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The gothic Ripon Cathedral dates from the 7th century founded by Scottish monks in 662 but refounded as a Benedictine monastery in 672. Previously Ripon Minster, it became a cathedral in 1836. You can visit the cathedral and wonder at the spectacular architecture of this grade I listed building for free. For more details visit the website https://www.riponcathedral.org.uk/
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The area around Catton is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Ripon Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 7th century. Another significant historical landmark is the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place, which is the oldest free-standing obelisk in England.
Yes, the Catton area offers several family-friendly attractions. The World of James Herriot museum is an award-winning attraction dedicated to the famous vet, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Ripon Cathedral is also noted as family-friendly, and the Old Oak Tree Pub provides a family-friendly dining option.
The Catton area is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For gravel biking, explore options like the 'Old Oak Tree Pub – Muddy Path loop from Thirsk'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Bedale Market Town – Jervaulx Abbey loop from Thirsk'. Mountain bikers have trails like 'Boltby Forest Trails – View from Sutton Bank Junction loop from Thirsk'. You can find more details and routes in the respective guides for Gravel biking around Catton, Road Cycling Routes around Catton, and MTB Trails around Catton.
In Ripon, the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is located in a square that serves as a short-stay car park, though it is closed on Thursdays for the market. In Thirsk, the area around the Thirsk Market Place Clock Tower offers convenient parking facilities.
Yes, both Obelisk at Ripon Market Place and Ripon Cathedral are noted as wheelchair accessible. The Thirsk Market Place Clock Tower area also offers good accessibility.
The Obelisk at Ripon Market Place is a historical landmark, notable as the oldest free-standing obelisk in England. It stands 24 meters tall and marks the vibrant center of Ripon, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Both Ripon and Thirsk market places offer a variety of food and drink options. Around the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place, you'll find numerous shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Similarly, the area around the Thirsk Market Place Clock Tower provides many choices for eating. Additionally, the Old Oak Tree Pub serves locally sourced food and drinks with an extensive menu.
The World of James Herriot is an award-winning museum dedicated to the life and works of Alf Wight, the veterinary surgeon famously known as James Herriot. It is housed in his original 1940s home and practice, known as Skeldale House, offering a unique glimpse into his world.
Yes, you can visit Ripon Cathedral and admire its spectacular Gothic architecture for free. It is a Grade I listed building with a rich history dating back to the 7th century.
There are cycling routes catering to various skill levels. For road cycling, you can find easy routes like 'World of James Herriot – Decorated Post Box loop from Thirsk' (42 km) or more challenging ones like 'Jervaulx Abbey – Obelisk at Ripon Market Place loop from Thirsk' (116 km). Mountain biking also offers moderate to difficult trails, such as 'Boltby Forest Trails – High Paradise Farm Tearoom loop from Thirsk' (35 km). For detailed information, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Catton and MTB Trails around Catton guides.
Visitors appreciate the rich history and cultural heritage of the area, particularly the stunning architecture of Ripon Cathedral and the unique experience at the World of James Herriot. The vibrant market towns of Ripon and Thirsk, with their central landmarks like the Obelisk at Ripon Market Place and the Thirsk Market Place Clock Tower, are also highly regarded for their atmosphere and amenities.


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