Alex Cann

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Sienna Spiro

Great Expectation

Listen Live

Ripon voted as Yorkshire's top market destination

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 13:18

Ripon is among the UK's best market towns (Images: Lilla Bathurst).

Ripon has been voted as Yorkshire's top market town to visit and second in a UK top ten league table.

The vote was made by customers of Lancashire-based coach company Bullocks, which has been bringing visitors to the city’s Thursday market for years.

Voters put the city ahead of York and Skipton.

BID manager Lilla Bathurst, told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog:

“This is another fine feather in the city’s cap and comes just a few weeks after we were awarded coach friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport.”

She added:

“In addition to this good news for market traders, it is a further boost for our independent retailers and hospitality businesses, because the coach companies who have so many locations to choose from when drawing up their tours programmes, listen to their customers and with that feedback they clearly have Ripon on their map.”

When unveiling its UK-wide league table, Bullocks, which has its headquarters in Cheadle, said:

“It’s easy to see why, every Thursday, the square fills with stalls selling fresh food, baked treats, and local goods.

“(It is) officially opened by the bellman at 11am and visitors also gather for the ancient Hornblower ceremony at 9 pm.

“Beyond the market there’s loads to explore, including Ripon Cathedral, museums, riverside walks, and quaint little shops down hidden alleys. It’s a proper Yorkshire gem.

“Many coach visitors go to Ripon specially for the unique market experience.”

More from Local News

Harrogate businesses log 57 town-centre incidents in eight weeks

More than 50 incidents have been reported through a new safety scheme for businesses in Harrogate town centre.
Ripon footfall rises following summer of city events

Footfall in Ripon city centre has increased following a summer of major events and family activities.
Racegoers invited to take part in Ripon Races Onesie Derby

Racegoers are being invited to wear their best animal onesies for a special race at Ripon Racecourse this Bank Holiday Monday.
Popular Harrogate café to host early-morning coffee rave

An early-morning coffee rave featuring a live DJ and percussionist is coming to Harrogate this autumn.
Councillor calls for answers over Knaresborough EE coverage

A Knaresborough councillor is calling for answers from EE following continued reports of poor mobile coverage across the town.
Harrogate ticketless parking rollout scheduled for autumn

New ticketless parking machines are set to be installed in council-run car parks across Harrogate and Ripon this autumn.
Town defender Cathal Heffernan joins Cambridge United

Harrogate Town defender Cathal Heffernan has joined Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee.
Ripon farmer shortlisted for prestigious national award

A farmer near Ripon has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award after transforming the way his family farm operates.
Festival crowds expected to make Leeds station busier than ever

Rail passengers travelling through Leeds are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys over the bank holiday weekend.
Free Harrogate run club grows beyond 100 members

A popular free Harrogate running club has grown to more than 100 members.
Harrogate theatre company to stage Legally Blonde musical

A Harrogate-based theatre company is bringing the hit musical Legally Blonde to the stage in Leeds.
Harrogate MP launches 'save our high streets' campaign

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a plan aimed at supporting struggling high streets and local businesses.
Harrogate Bee Social celebrates 'brilliant' first year

A Harrogate community group which helps local women make new friends is celebrating its first anniversary.
Railway station's beer festival to start next weekend

A weekend of steam trains, real ales and live music is coming to the Yorkshire Dales as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway gets set to host its Branch Line Weekend & Beer Festival.
Neurodivergent Harrogate mum opens up on 'permanent anxiety' during pregnancy

A Harrogate mum has opened up about experiencing "permanent anxiety" during pregnancy as part of a campaign calling for greater awareness of neurodivergent motherhood.
Thousands expected for Autumn Flower Show's 50th anniversary

More than 30,000 visitors are expected at Newby Hall as the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show celebrates its 50th anniversary.
North Yorkshire Council chief executive to retire after almost 40 years

North Yorkshire Council’s chief executive Richard Flinton has announced he will retire from his role at the end of March next year.
Fashion brand to open first northern store in Harrogate

British fashion brand Scamp & Dude is set to open its first permanent store in the North in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP set for Great North Run in aid of local hospice

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is preparing to take part in the Great North Run in aid of Saint Michael's Hospice.
Ripley Castle to open after dark for ghost tours

Ripley Castle is set to open its doors after dark for a series of ghost tours.