Founded over 1300 years ago, Ripon offers a rich cultural heritage alongside all the benefits of contemporary living. The old city is filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and also boasts many historical buildings and museums, including Ripon Cathedral, the Wakeman's House and Ripon Spa Gardens with its Victorian bandstand.

Nearby is the National Trust's Studley Royal Water Gardens and Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage site. Newby Hall and Norton Conyers are a short drive away as is Harlow Carr RHS gardens. Lightwater Valley theme park is four miles from the house.

Every evening at 9 o'clock at the 300 year old Obelisk in the market place the Hornblower sounds his horn to set the night watch. Setting the Watch is a tradition that has continued since 886. It is well worth wandering into the market square to hear the Hornblower tell the story of how the Wakeman kept the nightly watch for burglars and thieves.

There are lots of excellent places to eat and drink within walking distance of the Old College. Our own favourites include Lockwood's (www.lockwoodsrestaurant.co.uk) the Old Deanery ( www.theolddeanery.co.uk) and Great Northern Wine (www.greatnorthernwine.co.uk) There is also a good selection of Italian and Indian restaurants nearby. The Royal Oak and the One Eyed Rat are recommended for a first rate pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Black Sheep bitter. A drive out into the countryside will provide an extensive choice of pubs serving first class food.

If chilling out is what you are after then a trip to Harrogate, to one of England's last working Victorian Turkish Baths, is a must, particularly if you finish off with a trip to Betty's Tearooms. Nearer to home you can book a pampering treatment at Absolute Bliss (www.absoluteblissuk.co.uk) where Anna or one of her team will help you unwind. Whether you are spending a weekend or a week at the Old College you won't be disappointed.