Ripley combines specific market dates with local history, gardens and routes through varied landscapes. This gives you several points to consider when choosing when to travel: you can make a market or event the focus of your visit, or take your cues from the area’s historical and landscape features. For the walking routes, it is worth looking closely at the landscapes described; they differ considerably from one another.
Market dates on Ripley Green
The Ripley Farmers’ Market takes place on the second Saturday of each month, from 9 am to 1 pm, on Ripley Green. Its clearly defined time window can help with planning your day if the market is an important reason for your visit. The recurring June market brings together more than 70 local producers. These include local wine, beer and spirits producers, and there is also live music. So, alongside food, local drinks and music are highlights of this June edition. Check the latest market notice and that year’s programme before travelling.
Circular Walks and Landscapes
The “Ripley ramble circular walk” is a flat circular route around Papercourt Lake, through open fields and along a short section of the River Wey Navigation. The route starts and ends at the free parking areas on Ripley Green. The lake, open fields and section along the River Wey Navigation give the walk its specific landscape features. As path conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.
The “Exploring Ripley” walk runs along the edge of Ripley Common. This is a different landscape from that of the “Ripley ramble circular walk”: here, the focus is on the edge of the Common, while the other route is a circular walk featuring a lake, open fields and a short section along the Navigation. So, when choosing between these two named options, you can base your decision on the landscape you would like to experience along the way.
Gardens and Local History
Dunsborough Park in Ripley, Surrey, dates back to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The estate covers 100 acres and includes a series of historic gardens designed around sightlines and garden architecture. These design features make spatial connections within the gardens an important part of their character. The year 1997 is also significant to the history of the site: after being restored by Dolf Sweerts de Landas Wyborgh and his wife Caroline, the gardens reopened to the public that year. If you would like to include a visit in your trip, check the latest visiting arrangements in advance.
The Send & Ripley Museum is another cultural point of interest in Ripley; it is an Arts Council England-accredited museum. Another historical trace leads to the market square, which was known as “The Green” in the 18th century. Ripley was also an important destination in the early years of recreational cycling. This local history can be considered alongside specific events, without equating it with any single present-day date.
Events Throughout the Year
At St Mary Magdalen in Ripley, a “Cyclists Service” is held every May. Many cyclists take part on historic bicycles; dates and arrangements may vary. The Ripley Event takes place in July, though programme details may change. Ripley also holds a Christmas Fair every year on the first Sunday in December; its programme may change too. Together with the monthly Farmers’ Market, these events offer different seasonal reasons to visit. Check the latest event dates and programmes before travelling.
When deciding when to visit Ripley, both the regular market schedule and the individual events throughout the year are worth considering. If your travel dates are not tied to an event, the historic gardens, museum and varied landscapes along the walking routes can guide your choice. This lets you plan your stay around the topics that interest you most, without needing to turn the different sights into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Leatherhead, Godstone, Farleigh, Bookham, Gatwick, Pirbright, Peasmarsh, Capel
For the broader travel overview: Surrey.
