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Ripon voted as Yorkshire's top market destination

Tuesday, 19 May 2026 at 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.”

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