Castle and Gardens
Our 700 year history is one of political, military, religious and social turbulence, of plague and persecution, of renaissance, enlightenment and industrial revolution. It is a tale of romance, courage, loyalty and recklessness. There is no final chapter because we are still here, still enjoying the adventure.
The Ingilby family are one of the ten oldest families in the country still in the same residence and celebrated 700 years of history in the castle in 2009. Consequently there are fascinating stories to be told about the Castle and its inhabitants and because it has belonged to the same family for 26 generations, Ripley’s colourful and sometimes gruesome history is well documented.
In addition to the normal tours of the Castle, which are held between 11.00am and 3.00pm, there are special tours specifically for children with an accompanying adult every weekend between 31st March and 4th November and daily during the school Summer holidays and half terms (excluding February). These take place daily at 11.30am and 1.30pm and are very amusing and informative. In December there will be a children's tour at 12.30pm on December 1st & 2nd and 15th & 16th. They are geared for children between the ages of five and sixteen.
Once you have visited this fascinating Castle there are then the delights of the magnificent grounds. Ripley Castle’s grounds contain some of Britain’s largest herbaceous borders, interspersed with fountains and lawns. The Walled Gardens are a pleasure to visit at any time of year and in April contain the National Hyacinth Collection giving a riot of colour in Spring as well as a magnificent aroma.
The kitchen gardens contain rare collections of herbs and spices, fruit trees and vegetables. A walk around the wooded pleasure grounds leads to the lakeside path where herds of Fallow and Red Deer graze peacefully under ancient oak trees. There are fine vistas over the lake and deer park and a walk around the lake will take you over bridges and waterfalls.
