Visiting Ripley Castle from Harrogate
Ripley Castle stands in the village of Ripley, a short trip from Harrogate. It is privately run, so opening arrangements follow the castle's own programme and can change. The gardens and grounds are open every day, while the castle interior is visited on a guided tour only.
Castle tours are available again in 2026. They run Tuesday to Saturday and can be booked online or on arrival, depending on availability. That makes Ripley an easy half-day add-on to a Fountains Abbey or Nidd Gorge outing.
Ripley Castle and Yorkshire day trips from Harrogate
Castle, countryside and abbey trips with live prices and availability.
Castle tour prices and days
Tour prices for 2026. Garden entry is a separate matter, so check the current price before you go.
| Ticket | Price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult | £19.50 |
| Over 60 | £16 |
| Great houses members (Yorkshire's Great Houses, HHA) | £16 |
| Child aged 6 to 18 | £5 |
| Under 6 | Ask when booking |
Tours run Tuesday to Saturday. In the month's last weekend, when the Sunday market takes place, the tour runs on Sunday instead of Saturday. For most visitors, the adult tour plus a walk through the grounds fills a relaxed morning.
Gardens, grounds and market Sundays
What to expect outside the castle.
Gardens and Grounds
You enter through the gateway in the castle wall. Opening hours for the gardens are 10:00 to 16:00 daily. Café hours are longer than garden hours, so do not plan your arrival around them.
Market day
On the last Sunday of the month a market takes place. The gardens and grounds are free to enter that day, but parking charges still apply.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome in the gardens and grounds on a lead. They are not allowed in the castle, the Deer Park or the Showfield.
The village
Much of Ripley was rebuilt in the early 19th century, and the castle and village still belong together. Allow time to walk through the village as well as the grounds.
Walkers can link Ripley with Knaresborough along the Nidd Gorge. A Ripley Castle to Knaresborough Castle walking route links the two. Read more on our walks page.
Before you go to Ripley Castle
Four points that save a wasted trip.
Pick the right day
Castle tours run Tuesday to Saturday, so a Sunday or Monday visit means gardens and grounds only. On the last Sunday of a month the tour moves from Saturday to Sunday.
Book if you can
You can book a tour online or on arrival, depending on availability. Online booking is safer in busy weeks, because places are limited.
Allow time
A tour, a walk through the gardens and a stroll through the village fill a relaxed half day. Add the grounds on market Sunday, when entry to the gardens is free.
Mind the rules
Dogs stay on a lead in the gardens and grounds and are not allowed in the castle, the Deer Park or the Showfield. Parking charges apply even on market Sunday.
Combine Ripley with other stops
Nearby places that work on the same day.
Fountains Abbey
World Heritage ruins and the Studley Royal water garden.
Knaresborough
Castle, viaduct and rowing boats on the River Nidd.
Things to do near Harrogate
York, Ripon and Harewood by train and bus.
The castle is privately run, so tour dates and prices follow the castle's own programme. Check the current tour days before you travel.
Ripley Castle: frequently asked questions
Is Ripley Castle open to visitors in 2026?
Yes. The gardens and grounds are open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, and castle tours run again in 2026, Tuesday to Saturday.
How much is a Ripley Castle tour?
In 2026 an adult tour costs £19.50, over 60s and great houses members pay £16, and a child aged 6 to 18 pays £5. Check the current price before you go.
Do I need to book a castle tour?
You can book online or on arrival, depending on availability. There is no general rule that booking is compulsory, but tour places are limited.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a lead in the gardens and grounds. Dogs are not allowed in the castle, the Deer Park or the Showfield.
When is the Ripley market?
On the last Sunday of each month. The gardens and grounds are free to enter that day, and parking charges still apply.
Can I see inside the castle every day?
No. The castle interior is visited on a guided tour, which runs Tuesday to Saturday in 2026. The gardens and grounds are open daily.