Ripon (England)

The oldest part of the building is the Saxon Crypt, the only remnant of the stone church built here in 672 AD by St Wilfred. It’s been continually added to, smashed down and rebuilt ever since, so the present fourth incarnation of the building is mostly Gothic and Early English.

The 19th-century increase in poverty outstripped voluntary and church charity. The solution was to pack the able-bodied poor into institutions and set them to work: the more pointless and demeaning the task the better. The system lasted most of a century, by which time most inmates were sick, elderly or frail, and the solution had to be state-funded welfare.

The abbey was founded in 1132 by a group of monks expelled from the Benedictines. They affiliated with the Cistercians, and Fountains grew up in Norman style. It went through a bad patch in the 12th and 13th centuries, but revived in the 14th and 15th, then Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1539. The land came into the hands of the Mallory and Aislabie families, who beautified the river valley with a landscaped water garden. Most visitors start from the west entrance and visitor centre, free parking. Look into the stables (which exhibits medieval textiles) and Fountains Hall (a beautiful Jacobean mansion with a display of the 1930s, when a model farm was established for the unemployed.) You then descend into the valley for the old water mill, then the abbey ruins, with a cloister, church and living quarters. The Huby Tower on the north transept looks much newer: it was added just before the Dissolution. Continue downstream through the water park, dotted with cod-classical follies and a few modern art installations. This leads to the north gate, where you can exit to see Studley Park then show your ticket for re-entry. You can also start from this end but parking is charged.

Elegant mansion built in the 1690s by Sir Christopher Wren, with the interior re-done by Adam in the 18th century. Visit by guided tour then see the extensive gardens. Occasionally closed for events. No dogs.

The Brigantes were a Celtic tribe in the north of England at the time the Romans arrived. They made peace and themselves became Romanised, with the large fort and settlement of Isurium Brigantum growing up here from the 1st century AD. The site, run by English Heritage, has a stretch of the defensive walls and two fine mosaics from a villa. The village church stands on the site of the forum. Visit by pre-booked guided tour.

This has flat-racing April-Oct.