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3-star hotels in Ripon
This shortlist covers the 3-star hotels and inns in and around Ripon, England's smallest cathedral city, chosen for value, location and guest ratings. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a base for the cathedral, Fountains Abbey and the Yorkshire Dales.
Staying in Ripon
Ripon is a small, unhurried cathedral city in North Yorkshire with a Saxon crypt, an 18th-century obelisk in the Market Place, and a hornblower who sounds the watch at 9pm every night. It is not a tourist product: the pubs on Kirkgate and North Street are full of locals, the canal towpath is quiet, and the cathedral is free to enter. It suits people who dislike crowds, want somewhere genuinely old, and are happy with a slow evening that ends around 11. Fountains Abbey is four miles down the road, and the city is well placed for the Dales if you have a car.
These hotels sit mostly in and around Ripon itself, with a few just outside the city boundary. The Old Deanery is on Minster Road, steps from the cathedral; OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire is on North Street, one of the city's main pub streets; Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms is on Westgate; The Nook and Finest Retreats Market View are close to the centre; The George Carvery & Hotel is at Wormald Green, The Black A Moor Inn on Boroughbridge Road, and Church Farm Annex and Lake Farm Cottage are in nearby villages. The Bay Horse Country Inn, The Chequers Inn, Callender House Bed And Breakfast and The Masons Arms are further out, in Thirsk, Harrogate or Burton Leonard. For couples, the inns with gardens and restaurants work well; families have family rooms or cottages with kitchens; business travellers get free wifi and parking almost everywhere.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Bay Horse Country Inn
Sleights Lane, Thirsk, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA countryside inn on Sleights Lane with free parking and free wifi, The Bay Horse suits guests who want a quiet base with fishing nearby. Rooms come with a bath or shower, hairdryer and towels. Its 4.7 guest rating from 335 reviews marks it as one of the best-rated 3-star stays on this list, and the non smoking rooms keep things simple for couples and small groups.
See The Bay Horse Country InnThe George Carvery & Hotel
Dove Bank Wormald Green, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSet at Dove Bank Wormald Green, The George Carvery & Hotel pairs a restaurant and bar with a garden and terrace, so guests can eat and unwind without leaving. Free parking and free wifi cover the practical side, and special diets are catered for. With 4.6 out of 5 from 815 reviews, it draws travellers who want a full-service 3-star stay within reach of Ripon.
See The George Carvery & HotelThe Black A Moor Inn
Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Boroughbridge Road, The Black A Moor Inn offers a restaurant, bar and cafe on site, plus a garden for warmer days. Free parking and free wifi make it easy for drivers, and a 24 hour front desk handles late arrivals. Wheelchair accessible facilities and a shuttle service add convenience. Guests rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 563 reviews, suiting those who want meals and drinks close at hand.
See The Black A Moor InnThe Chequers Inn
Fountains Abbey Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Chequers Inn on Fountains Abbey Road gives guests a restaurant, bar and garden, with self-catering extras such as a kitchen, microwave and refrigerator in some rooms. Free parking and free wifi are included, and express check in speeds up arrival. A desk and sofa bed help longer stays. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 383 reviews, it works for families and guests who prefer to cook some meals.
See The Chequers InnThe Old Deanery
Minster Road, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Lounge
Why stay hereOn Minster Road, The Old Deanery combines a restaurant, bar and lounge with a garden and terrace, and allows pets. Free parking and free wifi are provided, family rooms and cots suit those travelling with children, and a games room adds indoor distraction. A 24 hour front desk and 24 hour security cover arrivals at any hour. It holds 4.5 out of 5 from 301 reviews.
See The Old DeaneryOYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire
61 North Street, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereOYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire sits on North Street and welcomes pets, with free parking and free wifi. Rooms include a desk, hairdryer and toiletries, and there is a garden plus golf course and fishing nearby. Guests rate it 3.9 out of 5 from 274 reviews, making it a straightforward choice for travellers who want a central, pet-friendly base.
See OYO The White Horse Ripon North YorkshireCallender House Bed And Breakfast
Straight Lane Burton Leonard Burton Leonardharrogate Hg3 3Se, Harrogate, United Kingdom
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereCallender House Bed And Breakfast on Straight Lane in Burton Leonard offers free wifi, a garden and luggage storage, with a bar on site. Its handful of facilities keeps the stay simple, suiting guests who want a small bed and breakfast base for exploring the area around Harrogate and Ripon.
See Callender House Bed And BreakfastChurch Farm Annex
Church Farm Low Gate Lane Sawley, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereChurch Farm Annex at Low Gate Lane in Sawley is a self-contained option with a kitchen, microwave, oven and refrigerator, plus a washing machine for longer trips. The garden, non smoking rooms and parking add ease, and pets are allowed. It suits families or couples who want to cook and settle in rather than eat out every night.
See Church Farm AnnexLake Farm Cottage
Lake View Eavestone, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereLake Farm Cottage at Lake View in Eavestone provides a kitchen with dishwasher, oven and refrigerator, a washing machine, and a jacuzzi in the bathroom setup. There is a garden, a TV and DVD player, and parking, with non smoking rooms throughout. It suits guests who want a private cottage base with space to relax and self-cater.
See Lake Farm CottageValentinos Restaurant With Rooms
14 Westgate, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereValentinos Restaurant With Rooms on Westgate pairs a restaurant with banquet facilities, so dinner is a short walk from the room. Bathrobes, a minibar and a safe are provided, along with free wifi and free parking. A business centre and desk help those mixing work with the trip. It suits guests who want an evening meal and a comfortable room in one place.
See Valentinos Restaurant With RoomsYurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt
Eavestone Lake, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereYurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt is a glamping stay with a spa, sauna, steam room and swimming pool, plus a jacuzzi and massage services. The yurt has a fireplace, kitchen and kitchenette, and pets are allowed. Yoga and entertainment activities are on offer, with free parking. It suits guests looking for a nature-focused break with wellness facilities on site.
See Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch YurtThe Masons Arms
St John's Road, Harrogate, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Masons Arms on St John's Road has a restaurant and bar, and rooms include a kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, oven and washing machine. Free wifi and free parking are provided, and pets are allowed. A balcony and non smoking rooms round things out. It suits longer stays and guests who want to prepare their own meals near Harrogate.
See The Masons ArmsThe Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parking
18A Fishergate, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Nook is a two bedroom loft on Fishergate with a kitchen, dishwasher, microwave, oven and washing machine, plus a terrace. Free wifi and free parking are included, and cots are available for families. Non smoking rooms and a TV keep the setup comfortable, suiting small groups or families who want a modern self-catering base in Ripon.
See The Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parkingGrange Farm Lodge
Grange Farm Lodge, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereGrange Farm Lodge provides a kitchen and kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, a garden and garage, plus free wifi and free parking. Rooms are carpeted and non smoking, with a hairdryer, iron and board, and TV. It suits guests who want a quiet self-catering stay with parking and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
See Grange Farm LodgeFinest Retreats Market View
Market Place South, Ripon, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereFinest Retreats Market View sits on Market Place South, an apartment-style stay with a kitchen including dishwasher, microwave and oven, plus a washing machine and terrace. Free wifi and free parking are included, pets are allowed, and a 24 hour front desk supports late check in. It suits guests who want a central Ripon base with space to self-cater.
See Finest Retreats Market View
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Bay Horse Country Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| The George Carvery & Hotel | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| The Black A Moor Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| The Chequers Inn | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | – |
| The Old Deanery | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | Yes |
| OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| Callender House Bed And Breakfast | ★★★ | – | – | – | – |
| Church Farm Annex | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| Lake Farm Cottage | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms | ★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt | ★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes |
| The Masons Arms | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes |
| The Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parking | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| Grange Farm Lodge | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | – |
| Finest Retreats Market View | ★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Old Deanery has family rooms, a games room and a garden, and is a short walk from the cathedral. The Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parking offers a full kitchen, a cot and a washing machine, while Finest Retreats Market View adds a dishwasher and a central Market Place address. Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt has family rooms and a swimming pool but is a more unusual option.
The Old Deanery · The Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parking · Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt · Finest Retreats Market View
For couples
The George Carvery & Hotel has a garden and terrace and holds a 4.6 rating from 815 reviews. The Chequers Inn pairs a kitchenette and patio with a pool bar. Lake Farm Cottage offers a private jacuzzi, and Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms is a Westgate address with bathrobes and a restaurant on site. All are quiet but close to Ripon's centre or its villages.
The George Carvery & Hotel · The Chequers Inn · Lake Farm Cottage · Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms
For business travellers
The Black A Moor Inn has a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service and free parking on Boroughbridge Road. Finest Retreats Market View adds express check-in and a Market Place address, and Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms has a business centre and free wifi. All three are practical for a working stay and are within easy reach of Ripon's main streets.
The Black A Moor Inn · Finest Retreats Market View · Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms
For dog owners
The Old Deanery and OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire both allow pets; the first adds a garden and a 24-hour desk, the second is on North Street with free parking. Church Farm Annex and Lake Farm Cottage are pet-friendly cottages, the latter with a jacuzzi and a garden, though both are in quiet villages outside the city.
The Old Deanery · OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire · Church Farm Annex · Lake Farm Cottage
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Ripon has no railway station — the line closed in 1967. The options are the 36 bus to Harrogate, a taxi to Thirsk or Northallerton on the East Coast Main Line, or a car. The 36 is frequent and comfortable but adds 35 minutes to every arrival and departure. By car, Ripon is 20 minutes from Harrogate and 40 from York; Pateley Bridge is 25 minutes, Masham 20, Leyburn 35 and Hawes about an hour. It is one of the better-placed towns in the county if you have a car, and one of the worst if you do not.
When to go
Ripon's Market Place is at its best on a Thursday when the market stalls are up, and the 9pm hornblowing happens 365 nights a year, whatever the season. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking the canal towpath and visiting Fountains Abbey, with fewer people than in high summer. Winter is quiet and cold, but the city's pubs and the cathedral remain open, and the horn still sounds. If you dislike crowds in York in August, Ripon in the same month is a different experience entirely.
Things to do near Ripon
- A Car-Free Ghost Trail Through Ripon
- Autumn Eating for Two in Ripon and Whitby: Pubs, Tasting Menus and Harbour Cafes
- Spa towns and market towns: a three-day route from Harrogate to Masham
- Masham vs Ripon: Which Yorkshire Town Should You Book?
- October 2026 in Ripon and Whitby: Couples' Events, Timing and Where to Base Yourselves
- Ripon area guide: where to stay for Fountains Abbey and the cathedral
- Ripon Cathedral Concerts, Spa Gardens and Canal Walks: Where to Stay in North Yorkshire
- Ripon's Cathedral Quarter: A Self-Guided Half-Day Walk
Questions, answered
Do these hotels have free parking?
Yes, nearly all of them do. The Old Deanery, The George Carvery & Hotel, The Bay Horse Country Inn, The Chequers Inn and OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire all list free car parking, as do the cottages such as Church Farm Annex and Lake Farm Cottage. The Black A Moor Inn also has free parking, but lists a surcharge for its shuttle service.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in Ripon?
Yes, several. The Old Deanery on Minster Road allows pets, as does OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire on North Street. Church Farm Annex in Sawley and Lake Farm Cottage in Eavestone also allow pets, and The Masons Arms in Harrogate is another option. This makes a dog-friendly break in the city straightforward.
Which hotel is closest to Ripon Cathedral?
The Old Deanery, on Minster Road, is the closest — the cathedral is on the same street. Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms on Westgate and The Nook on Fishergate are also within a short walk, as is Finest Retreats Market View on Market Place South. OYO The White Horse Ripon North Yorkshire on North Street is a few minutes further.
Which is the top-rated hotel on this list?
The Bay Horse Country Inn has the highest guest rating at 4.7 out of 5 from 335 reviews, though it is in Thirsk rather than Ripon. Among the Ripon addresses, The George Carvery & Hotel is rated 4.6 from 815 reviews, and The Black A Moor Inn and The Chequers Inn also score 4.6.
Do any hotels have a pool or spa?
Only Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt lists a swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and massage, at Eavestone Lake near Ripon. Lake Farm Cottage has a jacuzzi but no pool. The Chequers Inn has a pool bar, which is a bar rather than a swimming pool.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Old Deanery has family rooms, a cot, a games room and a garden, and is central. The Nook A modern 2 bedroom loft with parking has a kitchen, cot and washing machine. Finest Retreats Market View also has a sofa bed and full kitchen, and Yurtshire Eavestone Lake Birch Yurt is family-friendly with a pool.
Do the hotels serve breakfast?
Valentinos Restaurant With Rooms lists breakfast and breakfast in room, along with a restaurant. The George Carvery & Hotel has a restaurant and special diets, as does The Old Deanery. Several others are inns with bars and restaurants, so food is usually available, but only these list breakfast specifically in their facilities.