Ripon

The horn blows every night at nine o'clock sharp. It's been that way in Ripon's market square for over a thousand years, and the ancient ritual of the Hornblower still draws crowds to this handsome Yorkshire cathedral city.

Ripon feels like a proper market town should. The cathedral dominates everything - a magnificent Norman structure that's been watching over the Ure Valley since 672 AD. But there's more here than just ecclesiastical grandeur. Lightwater Valley theme park brings families from across the north, while the Pennine Brewing Co keeps the locals well-supplied with excellent ales.

Just outside town, the landscape opens up into classic Yorkshire Dales territory. The mysterious Thornborough Henges - often called England's Stonehenge of the North - sit in fields a short drive away. These Neolithic monuments are far less crowded than their southern cousin but equally atmospheric. Canada Wood offers lovely walks through ancient woodland, while Lingham Water provides decent fishing if you fancy a peaceful afternoon by the water.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Ripon sits bang in the middle of North Yorkshire, perfectly placed between Harrogate and the Dales. The A61 runs straight through town, and you're only 30 minutes from the A1.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. Camp Kátur offers proper glamping experiences just outside town, while Sleningford Watermill provides a more traditional camping base. You're close enough to nip into Ripon for supplies or a pub lunch, but far enough out to enjoy the countryside properly. The Dales are on your doorstep, Harrogate's just down the road, and you've got easy access to both the North York Moors and Yorkshire's spa towns.