THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend an evening at Ripley Castle that pairs a two-course meal at The Boar’s Head with a guided village ghost walk and an exclusive after-dark tour of the Grade I listed house. Pre-booking is required; places are limited.
Spend an evening at Ripley Castle that pairs a two-course meal at The Boar’s Head with a guided village ghost walk and an exclusive after-dark tour of the Grade I listed house. Pre-booking is required; places are limited.
Book with Ripley Castle Estate
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ripley Castle Estate · Ripley, England
On a chill autumn evening in Ripley, North Yorkshire, the Ripley Castle Festive Ghostly Tour & Dinner stitches together local lore, atmospheric walks and a fireside castle visit. The experience begins at The Boar's Head (Ripley, HG3 3AY), an historic village pub where guests gather at 6pm for a specially prepared two-course meal. At 7:30pm the group departs under gaslight-style streetlamps for a guided walk through Ripley Cross, past the church and its old graveyard, and toward the castle’s gate. What makes the night memorable is the way ordinary village corners become set pieces for storytelling. The route moves from the snug pub to the hushed stones of Ripley Church, then up to Ripley Castle, a Grade I listed house whose ancient stairways and drawing room host the castle tour. Paul Forster of the Harrogate Ghost Walk leads the narration here, combining documented history with local folklore and unexplained sightings that have circulated through generations. Key scene features include the graveyard’s weathered headstones, the castle’s stone walls and staircases, and the Drawing Room, where mince pies and mulled wine are served after the interior tour. The evening highlights local architecture and the estate’s long history, offering a tangible connection to centuries of life, loss and rumor. Guests should note the physical constraint: Ripley Castle is Grade I listed with no lift, so the tour involves stairs and requires comfortable stair use. This is a small-group evening: pre-booking is essential, places are limited and bookings are non-refundable. The event is designed for an adult audience and typically runs two to four hours depending on the program (scheduled times: meet 6pm, dinner 6:30pm, walk 7:30pm, finish around 9–10pm). Organizers collect menu choices and allergy information after booking to tailor the two-course dinner. Why book it? The combination of local pub hospitality, a guided village walk and exclusive access inside Ripley Castle creates a layered experience that’s part culinary night out, part walking history lesson and part theatrical ghost story. It’s a rare chance to move from public streets into private rooms of a notable English country house after dark, with a storyteller who knows both archival detail and the stories people still whisper. Practical notes: meet at The Boar’s Head, bring warm layers, comfortable footwear and be prepared for stairs. Perfect for history lovers, ghost-story fans and visitors seeking an atmospheric evening in Ripley village. Tickets are priced at £40 per person and must be pre-booked; the estate limits groups to around 30 guests and the experience suits those aged 16 and over. On arrival at The Boar’s Head you’ll be asked to enter your car registration. Notify the reservations team of dietary needs after booking to ensure your two-course menu is ready.
All bookings are non-refundable; please confirm availability and details before purchasing.
Meet at The Boar’s Head, Ripley (HG3 3AY) at 6pm for dinner and briefing; the walk departs around 7:30pm.
The experience is intended for adults and the event description notes suitability for those aged 16 and over.
Ripley Castle is a Grade I listed building with no lift; the tour involves stairs and is not suitable for those unable to manage steps.
Yes—after booking the reservations team will contact you for menu choices and to record allergies or dietary requirements.
Groups are limited (around 30 guests) to preserve atmosphere and provide exclusive access during the castle tour.
Ripley Castle Estate, located in Ripley, England, is an historic estate offering access to extensive gardens and parkland. Featured on The Adventure Collective, the estate welcomes visitors to explore the Walled Gardens, a collection of tropical plants, ancient trees, and seasonal spring displays. Visitors can stroll through the deer park to observe diverse wildlife and admire majestic oak trees, experiencing a blend of nature, history and tranquillity. The estate currently offers Gardens & Grounds access while the Castle is closed; this option focuses on outdoor landscapes, horticultural interest and peaceful walks across the grounds. In addition, Ripley Castle Estate hosts Market Days and Real Markets in the Castle Courtyard from February to June 2025, showcasing local food, drink and handmade goods. During Market Days, visitors receive free access to the estate grounds, encouraging community engagement and support for independent producers. Information presented here reflects the estate’s scheduled offerings: Walled Gardens and deer park access, seasonal Market Days in the Castle Courtyard, and free grounds access during markets. Ripley Castle Estate’s combination of curated garden spaces and community markets provides a reliable outdoor destination for visitors seeking nature, local produce and artisan goods. Practical details, dates and access conditions are provided so visitors can plan day visits focused on gardens, wildlife viewing and market experiences. Advance checking of dates and event details is recommended to confirm opening times and specific market dates during February–June 2025. Information helps visitors plan arrival, parking and accessibility for garden walks and market visits and amenities.
Book with Ripley Castle Estate