A ripping & relaxing itinerary for a great day out to Ripon on the 36
Join the 36 Bus at Leeds Bus Station
You’ll see the traders setting up their stalls in the ornate Kirkgate Markets next to Leeds City Bus Station before embarking on your delightful bus journey. Look out for the splendour of the Victorian Grand Arcade and then the bookstores and boutiques of Chapel Allerton and Moortown as the bus makes its way to Harrogate, past the beautiful Harewood House, crossing the River Wharfe and through the fascinating village of Pannal.
Alight your bus at Harrogate Bus Station
Enjoy a 10-minute walk across the lovely Spa town, perusing the range of boutique, independent and chain stores, then looking out onto the plush and green Montpellier Quarter as you make your way to the delectable and famous Betty’s for breakfast.
Enjoy breakfast at Bettys
Bettys is world famous and dates back to 1886, when it was first known as Taylors. This lovely tea room serves the most incredible breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea and is very much the ‘go to’ place for those visiting Harrogate – perfect for special occasions and to impress the ones you love!
Walk to the The Turkish Baths
It’s a short walk up Parliament Street from Betty’s but be sure to take in the lovely Victorian architecture – there’s really something enchanting and interesting to see in every building!
Enjoy a fabulous Turkish Baths experience
Enjoy an exhilarating experience like no other, immersing yourself in this fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Relaxation, rejuvenation, surrounded by Moorish decor, arabesque painted ceilings and Islamic arches, briming with elegance. Indulge yourself perhaps in one of the many treatments – pampering is very much the name of the game here!
Take a walk back to Harrogate Bus Station
It’s an enjoyable 15-minute walk across town – up Parliament Street, then left into Oxford Street, turning right into Cambridge Road then leftwards into Cambridge Street, where the Bus Station is at the end of the road.
Back on-board the 36 to Ripley Castle
Harrogate is left behind as New Park and Killinghall beckon and the bus crosses the River Nidd to reach the charming village of Ripley and a short stroll to Ripley Castle. Be sure to check out the famous village store with its renowned ice cream!
Alight at Ripley Castle and peruse this amazing place
Ripley Castle is a wonderful Grade I listed 14th century house with blissful gardens. The Castle is 700 years’ old and steeped in history, whilst the surrounding grounds including paradisical lakes, a deer park, walled gardens, hothouses and a kitchen garden!
Back on-board the 36 - this time to Ripon!
The view from the window on the 36 continues to delight as the bus goes through South Stainley, with the Grade II listed St. Wilfrid’s Church. On the right of the bus the views open up across the wide expanse of the Vale of York and the enveloping North Yorkshire Moors beyond as Ripon gets closer and closer.
Arrive in Ripon - with its many delights
Enjoy a visit to the lovely Ripon Cathedral and maybe a short stroll down the river and canal or peruse the Spar Gardens. Be sure to check out the Grade II listed Ripon Town Hall. If it’s a Thursday, there’s also the bustling Market to visit to, with its amazing variety of goodies on offer!
Get on-board the 36 again - back to Leeds
Relax in the comfort of the 36 and unwind further, enjoying the leather seats and maybe the free Wi-Fi! Don’t forget to power up your phone with the on-board charging points, whilst gazing out the window, taking in the scenery once more, including the majestic Harewood House and its beautiful grounds. Make a note of this place for a follow-up trip on the 36 quite soon, as there are plenty of special events ensuing here and lots to see and do.
Arrive back in Leeds, it's time for tea!
The bright lights of Leeds are visible on the horizon and very soon the bus nestles its way into the City Centre and the Bus Station. Take a short walk westwards across the City on your way to an amazing restaurant.
Dinner at SukoThai
This is one of our favourite restaurants in Leeds. If you love Thai food, then, award-winning SukoThai is the place to be – with an incredible range of fresh, flavoured culinary treats! The beauty of Leeds, though, is that there is something for everyone, so whatever your penchant, there’s the most diverse and cosmopolitan and affordable eateries on every street corner!
Nocturnal Leeds awaits and with it plenty of fun!
Leeds is renowned for its pulsating nightlife. Live music is played in the The Domino Club in Grand Parade, whilst fab cocktails are ready to be devoured at Mojo in Merrion Street, so too The Maven in Call Lane. Dance yourself dizzy at Popworld in Cookridge Street or The Key Club, also in Merrion Street.
If you fancy a thriller or something a little more cultural, then The Everyman Cinema is a true delight, with its upmarket setting, cosy sofas and food served at your seat in the auditorium. For performing arts, The Grand Theatre & Opera House, in New Briggate really is top of the range and a real gem!
Other great places to visit if you are staying longer!
Pateley Bridge is a delightful village only 55 minutes away from Harrogate on the 24 bus. The bus is plunged into the heart of the stunning Nidd Valley with spectacular views and Pateley Bridge is home to charming, quaint tea-rooms and England’s oldest sweet shop! The Nidderdale Museum is also fab, epitomising classic Yorkshire life! Take a look at this link to find out more about this wonderful journey – 24 Harrogate – Pateley Bridge – Great Scenic Journeys
Harewood House and Gardens is set over 120 acres with incredible panoramic views, fantastic architecture and oozes with enthralling history and enchantment, capped with an eclectic range of special events all-year round.
The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is truly captivating. It’s the national museum of arms and armour and has thousands of incredible artifacts. The Museum is free to visit and is worth combining with a wander round the rejuvenated Leeds Docks area, which is known as ‘The Creative Quarter’ and home to stylish lifestyle brands and cool places to hang out!
