What to do at your summer Ripon reunion
Whether you’re returning to Ripon for the first time in years, or you’ve been back recently, summer is a perfect time for an alumni reunion! Whilst we know many alumni reunions include a drink or two to catch up, reminisce and see how much your student haunts of changed, we’ve pulled together a few alternatives for what you could do during your reunion this summer.
For sunny days
Reminisce at the old campus
You can still see some of the original and early campus buildings in Ripon today. Now converted into apartments and houses, you can walk by and admire the original facade from the grounds. Just remember to be respectful of those now living in the area and keep an eye out for any no entry signs.
When we visited last December, we had a quick wander around the grounds and enjoyed seeing how much, or little it had changed from our earliest archive photographs!
Experience Ripon’s Walled Garden
If you’re looking for a slower pace, or a good place to meet for the day, why not enjoy Ripon’s Walled Garden?
Originally used as the kitchen gardens for the Bishop’s Palace, since the 1990s the space had been run by a local charity and includes a walled garden, Victorian apple orchard, sensory garden, woodland, and cafe! This free garden is the perfect place for a low cost reunion, especially in warmer weather.
You can find out more about the garden on the Visit Ripon website.
Enjoy a canal walk
How often did you sit by the canal in summer weather? Now managed by the Canal and River Trust, the towpath takes you from the city centre into the countryside and back again, the perfect way to enjoy the summer weather!
You can learn more about the canal on the Canal and River Trust website.
Return to Fountains Abbey
How many times did you visit Fountains Abbey as a student? Relive your student days with a visit to this historic location. Whilst the cost of entry might have gone up since your student days, it’s still well worth a visit, especially on warm summer days. Why not take a picnic and enjoy the view?
You can learn more about visiting Fountains Abbey, including parking and accessibility requirements, on the National Trust website.
For the rainy days
Summer might be the time we all wish for sunshine, but we all know the weather can be fickle! If your planned reunion days includes rain, why not head inside?
Step back in time at Ripon Cathedral
With a crypt dating from 672 AD, it’s the oldest cathedral structure in England still in use today! Ripon Cathedral is free, and there’s plenty to see and enjoy, including mementos from Ripon College and Ripon Campus’ past.
During the summer months, the Cathedral is also hosting a range of events, including Ripon Theatre Festival performances and a summer beer festival in August!
You can find out more about Ripon Cathedral on their website.
Learn about Victorian Ripon
Ripon has three fantastic museums which uncover the realities of Ripon’s past. Learn more about life in the workhouse, what really happened in Victorian courts and what life was like behind bars across their three sites.
You can find out more about the museums and upcoming events on the Ripon Museums website.
No matter what you do during your next visit to Ripon, we hope you enjoy a wonderful reunion! If you’re thinking about planning a reunion, we’ve made a quick guide for things to consider.
