Ripley Castle

Inspiring Gardens and a Riot of Colour

Ripley Castle is an historic attraction open to the public all year round and makes for a

fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location, with memorable surroundings.

Because it has belonged to the same family for twenty six generations, Ripley’s colourful and

sometimes gruesome history is well documented. If the Castle walls could talk they would tell

the story of kings and queens, civil war, plagues and numerous clandestine affairs. The guided

tours are very entertaining and informative as there are so many humorous anecdotes about the

castle and the family. You get to see some 16th century books, Royal Greenwich Civil War

armour and the secret priest’s hiding hole, only discovered by accident in 1964. The Ingilbys

were prominent Catholics. Francis was martyred in York in 1586 and several others were

implicated in the Gunpowder Plot. ‘Trooper Jane,’ a redoubtable loyalist, held Oliver Cromwell at

pistol point in the Castle Library. There are also special children’s tours which are hugely

popular.

There are delightful walled gardens; impressive hot houses, herbaceous borders and kitchen

gardens with herbs, rare vegetables and fruit trees. Visit the Walled Gardens in April where

there is a collection of Hyacinths giving a riot of colour and a lovely aroma. There is a play trail

for children and a lovely walk around the lake and deer park. Following your tour of the Castle

and Gardens visit the Gift Shop which is full of inspiring presents to suit all ages, and sample

delicious fayre made with local produce in the Tearoom. The cobbled village has several shops;

an Art Gallery, an ancient church and a charming Inn, The Boar’s Head,

with bar, brasserie and beer garden.