Ripley: Markets, Gardens and Circular Walks

Ripley offers several specific themes to help you plan your trip: the Farmers’ Market, seasonal events, two walks described in different ways, and the historic gardens of Dunsborough Park. Depending on whether a market day, an event, a particular landscape or the town’s history matters most to you, these offer different ways to shape your stay.

Markets and Events in Ripley

The Ripley Farmers’ Market takes place on Ripley Green on the second Saturday of each month, from 9 am to 1 pm. If the market is part of your travel plans, check the organiser’s latest announcement before you travel. This will let you compare the monthly date with your preferred travel dates.

The recurring special market in June brings together more than 70 local producers. They include local wine, beer and spirits producers; there is also live music. Check that year’s programme before travelling if you would like to plan your visit around this special market day.

A “Cyclists Service” is held at St Mary Magdalen every May, with many cyclists taking part on historic bicycles. Dates and arrangements may vary. Ripley was an important destination in the early years of recreational cycling; alongside the annual service, this historical connection is a distinct aspect of the town’s history.

December also brings a recurring event: Ripley holds a Christmas Fair on the first Sunday of the month each year. Programme details may change. The Ripley Event takes place in July. If either event is the reason for your trip, keep an eye on the relevant dates and the latest programme information.

Circular Walks with Different Landscape Features

The “Ripley ramble circular walk” is a flat circular route around Papercourt Lake. It passes through open fields and follows the River Wey Navigations for a short section. It starts and ends at the free car parks on Ripley Green. The route’s circular layout and landscape features are therefore clearly described. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

The “Exploring Ripley” circular walk follows the edge of Ripley Common. The descriptions therefore focus on different features: the “Ripley ramble circular walk” highlights the lake, open fields and a short section along the Navigation, while “Exploring Ripley” identifies the edge of the Common as its reference point. If you are comparing walks, you can use these specifically described landscapes as a guide.

Dunsborough Park and the Town’s History

Dunsborough Park in Ripley, Surrey, dates back to the dissolution of the monasteries. The 100-acre estate includes a series of historic gardens, whose design is shaped by sightlines and garden architecture. The gardens reopened to the public in 1997 following restoration by Dolf Sweerts de Landas Wyborgh and his wife Caroline. This historical date adds to the information about the estate’s origins and design.

Ripley’s market square also has its own historical name: in the 18th century it was known as “The Green”. The Send & Ripley Museum is accredited by Arts Council England. Together with the history of Dunsborough Park and Ripley’s historical importance to early recreational cycling, this offers several different ways to shape a stay: gardens and architecture, local history, a seasonal market or a specific event date.

Discover more destinations: Horley, Salfords, Cranleigh, Ash, Banstead, Gatwick, Godalming, Englefield Green

For the broader travel guide: Surrey.