RIPLEY EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Ripley’s Real Markets: Castle Courtyard Bazaars and Free Garden Access, Feb–Jun 2026
Monthly Real Markets take over Ripley Castle’s Courtyard on the last Sunday of each month from February to June 2026 (10am–3pm), with free entry to the estate grounds and gardens.
Ripley’s Real Markets: Castle Courtyard Bazaars and Free Garden Access, Feb–Jun 2026.
Set beneath the stone ramparts of Ripley Castle, the Real Markets bring local producers and makers together in the Castle Courtyard for a series of monthly markets. From February through June 2026 the event combines a curated line-up of food, drink and handcrafted goods with free access to the estate’s grounds and gardens, offering a relaxed way to explore the place and support independent Yorkshire traders.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Castle Courtyard stalls of local food, drink and makers
Real Markets sets up in the Castle Courtyard with a strong focus on local and speciality producers, the majority of stallholders offering food and drink alongside makers and producers of local goods.
Free access to Ripley Castle’s gardens and estate
On market days the Castle’s gardens and grounds are open free of charge, providing space to stroll between stalls and take in the landscape of the estate.
Support for independent Yorkshire producers
Real Markets runs events to support independent producers and makers across Yorkshire, helping local businesses thrive while offering visitors access to regional specialties and artisan wares.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to visit
A last‑Sunday market that runs from mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon, the day is paced around browsing stalls in the courtyard and drifting out into the free gardens and grounds. The emphasis is on local food, drink and hand‑made goods, and the setting—Ripley Castle’s historic courtyard and estate—frames the event with an open, communal atmosphere.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day at Ripley suits—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Markets run on the last Sunday of each month from February to June 2026, open 10am–3pm.
If you plan to bring a dog bring a lead; beyond that, consider booking Castle tours in advance on market days as they can be very busy and the MARKET50 code gives 50% off tours on market days.
The market is held in the Castle Courtyard at Ripley Castle; parking charges apply as normal on market days.
Castle tours restart from March 2026 — tours on market days are busy so booking online is recommended; use discount code MARKET50 for a 50% discount on tours on market days.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and for how long do the markets run?
Real Markets at Ripley Castle take place on the last Sunday of each month from February to June 2026, running from 10am to 3pm.
Is there an entry fee for the market or the gardens?
Entry to Real Markets and to Ripley Castle’s gardens and grounds is free on market days; normal parking charges apply.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and gardens, but dogs are not permitted inside the Castle.
Are castle tours running on market days?
Castle tours resume from March 2026; tours on market days tend to be very busy, so booking online is recommended and the discount code MARKET50 gives 50% off tours on market days.
How can I exhibit or get more information about Real Markets?
For more information on Real Markets or to exhibit, visit www.realmarkets.co.uk.
Where is the market located?
The market is held in the Castle Courtyard at Ripley Castle in Ripley, England.