Entrance to the Archbishop of York's palace

The gateway to the Archbishop of York's palace sits right in Ripon town centre, a proper statement of medieval authority that stops you dead in your tracks. You're looking at one of England's most important ecclesiastical residences, though I'll be honest - what's visible from the street is just the entrance. The ornate archway and gatehouse give you a real flavour of the scale and grandeur of what lies beyond, even if you can't wander the full grounds.

Historians and architecture enthusiasts will get the most from this one. There's genuine medieval craftsmanship on display, and the setting in the heart of Ripon - a town that orbits around its cathedral and religious heritage - makes the whole thing click into place. You're not spending hours here, but ten minutes stood in front of it tells you plenty about how much clout the Church wielded in northern England.

Access and opening details aren't entirely straightforward from the street, so ring ahead if you want to know about access to the palace grounds themselves. The location works brilliantly if you're based at Riverside Meadows or Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park - both within easy reach - since Ripon's compact enough to tick off the cathedral, the market square, and this gatehouse in a single morning. It's the kind of spot that rewards a proper wander around the town rather than a flying visit.