Beautiful cathedral city with its own ‘mini Stonehenge’ just half an hour away
- UK Hidden Gems
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
A beautiful Yorkshire city sits less than an hour away from a remarkable landmark that’s often compared to Stonehenge.
This hidden gem is just a 30-minute drive from Ripon, and together they make the perfect pair for an autumn day out before the colder months set in.
Around this hidden gem, visitors can explore peaceful woodland paths and scenic cycling routes, ideal for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
The monument has almost 200 years of history and is found near the village of Ilton, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Built in the 1800s, it offers a wonderful mix of history, mystery and natural beauty hidden within a quiet forest.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “You could easily spend most of the day here and never get bored, especially when the weather’s good.
“Park at the tea rooms and make sure you’re wearing proper shoes. Walk up the hill into the woods, there’s another car park there if you’re not planning on stopping for tea and cake afterwards.”
“Then start exploring! The ruins are great fun to wander around, and the kids (aged 4–11) absolutely loved it.
“The woodland around the site is perfect for adventure, and it’s full of photo spots for anyone who enjoys taking pictures. There are plenty of big rocks to climb on, and our dogs had the best time too.
“Afterwards, we went back for tea and cake and discovered a lovely little play area with an old-fashioned hand water pump. They even offer overnight stays, which we’ll definitely be trying next time!”
The nearby city of Ripon is also worth exploring, with its magnificent cathedral, fascinating history and beautiful old buildings. It’s one of Yorkshire’s most charming small cities and full of character.
You can also take a relaxing stroll along the Ripon Canal, a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
One TripAdvisor user shared: “We were staying in Ripon one rainy weekend. It was so nice to escape the showers for a while and take a walk along the canal. It was so peaceful, and watching the narrowboats drift by made it even more enjoyable.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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