This lovely cathedral city makes a splendid destination at any time of the year. The magnificent ‘Cathedral of the Dales’ is an appropriate port of call around Christmas and Easter.

Ripon boasts three museums with a law and order theme, and a value-for-money ticket covers the lot. The museums – a workhouse, a police station/prison and a court – close between November and March, though arrangements can be made to visit during these months.

Family-orientated events continue in the build-up to Christmas, especially at nearby Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. The shopping village at nearby Lightwater Valley is open throughout the year, though the amusement park closes between November and March. The Dickensian Festival, held there between 1–4 December 2011, will have more than 100 Christmas market stalls and festive entertainment including everything from carol singers to real reindeer. At Ripon's Cathedral and Market Square on 31 December, there will be a Watchnight Service and Torchlight Procession to bring in the new year, from 11.15pm.

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