Melton Mowbray vs Ripon

Melton Mowbray and Ripon are both charming market towns in the UK, each with its own unique character and attractions. Melton Mowbray is known for its famous pork pies and annual food festival, while Ripon boasts a stunning cathedral and historic market square.

General information

Melton Mowbray
Ripon
Introduction :
Melton Mowbray, located in Leicestershire, is a charming market town known for its famous pork pies and Stilton cheese. With a history dating back to Roman times, Melton Mowbray offers a mix of traditional and modern amenities, including a bustling market, historic buildings, and picturesque countryside. The town is also home to annual events such as the Melton Mowbray Food Festival, showcasing the best of local produce and culinary delights.
Introduction :
Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Ripon is a charming market town with a rich history dating back over 1,300 years. Home to the stunning Ripon Cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century, Ripon offers a blend of historic architecture, quaint shops, and bustling markets. Visitors can explore the picturesque canal, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Skell, or indulge in delicious local produce at the weekly market. Ripon truly encapsulates the essence of a traditional English market town.

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Advantages :
  • Melton Mowbray has a rich history and heritage
  • The town offers a variety of local markets and shops
  • There are excellent educational facilities and schools available
  • Melton Mowbray is known for its famous pork pies
  • The town has a strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere
Advantages :
  • Ripon has a low crime rate, making it a safe town
  • The town has a strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere
  • Ripon is home to a variety of historical landmarks and attractions
  • The cost of living in Ripon is relatively affordable compared to larger cities
  • The town offers excellent educational opportunities for residents
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • High cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Lack of major tourist attractions
Disadvantages :
  • Limited public transportation options
  • Higher cost of living compared to surrounding areas
  • Higher crime rates than national average
  • Limited educational opportunities
  • Limited tourist attractions and amenities
Points of interest :
Melton Mowbray is known for its famous pork pies and Stilton cheese. Visitors can explore the historic Melton Mowbray Market, which has been running for over 1,000 years. The town is home to the stunning St Mary's Church and the Melton Carnegie Museum, showcasing the local history and culture. For outdoor enthusiasts, Melton Country Park offers beautiful walking trails and picnic spots. The annual Melton Mowbray Food Festival attracts foodies from far and wide to sample local delicacies. The town also hosts the British Pie Awards, celebrating the best pies in the UK.
Points of interest :
Ripon is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, known for its stunning architecture, including the impressive Ripon Cathedral and the ancient Ripon Market Square. Visitors can explore the fascinating Ripon Workhouse Museum, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Ripon Canal, or take a trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey. The town also hosts the annual Ripon International Festival, showcasing a range of music and arts events. Ripon is steeped in history, with connections to the Vikings and Romans, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.


Facts and figures

Melton Mowbray
Ripon
Type : Town.
Melton Mowbray is a market town in Leicestershire, known for its historic market square and famous pork pies. It has a bustling town center with a range of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Type : Town.
Ripon is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, known for its impressive cathedral and traditional market square. It offers a range of amenities and a strong sense of community.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Melton Mowbray is not readily available or clear. Further research or official data sources may be needed to determine the exact population size of this market town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The population size of Ripon is not specified in the available data. Further research or official sources may be needed to determine the exact population of the town.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
The average house price in Melton Mowbray is currently unknown. It is recommended to check with local real estate agents or online property websites for the most up-to-date information on housing prices in the area.
⚪ Population : Unknown.
House prices in Ripon can vary depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. It is recommended to research current listings and consult with local real estate agents for accurate pricing information.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Melton Mowbray experiences a moderate level of crime compared to other market towns. While there are occasional incidents, overall the town is relatively safe with a strong community focus on crime prevention.
🟡 Crime : Average.
Ripon has an average level of crime, with occasional incidents reported. Overall, it is a relatively safe town, but residents should still take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
🟢 Education : Good.
Melton Mowbray has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college offering further education opportunities. The town also hosts educational events and workshops.
🟢 Education : Good.
Ripon has a strong education system with a variety of primary and secondary schools, as well as a college offering further education. The town also has a reputation for high academic standards.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Melton Mowbray offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a range of industries present in the town. While there are some notable employers, residents may need to commute to larger cities for certain job sectors.
🟡 Employment : Average.
Ripon offers a mix of employment opportunities, with a variety of businesses in the town center and surrounding areas. While not as robust as larger cities nearby, there are still decent job prospects available.


Geographical features

Melton Mowbray
Ripon
Elevation : 200 feet
Melton Mowbray has an average elevation of approximately 200 feet above sea level, providing scenic views and a slightly elevated terrain for the town.
Elevation : 118 feet
Ripon has an elevation of approximately 118 feet above sea level, making it a relatively low-lying town in the UK.
Topology : Melton Mowbray is situated on a gently rolling plain.
The town is characterized by its flat to slightly undulating terrain, making it ideal for agriculture and providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Topology : Hilly and rural
Ripon is situated in a hilly and rural area, surrounded by picturesque countryside and rolling hills. The town itself is nestled in a valley, adding to its charming and scenic appeal.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Melton Mowbray is not a coastal town. The nearest coast is approximately 70 miles away, with Skegness being the closest seaside town to the east and Blackpool to the west.
🔴 Coastal : No.
Ripon is not a coastal town. It is located inland in North Yorkshire, approximately 40 miles away from the nearest coastline along the North Sea.
🔴 River : No.
Melton Mowbray does not have a river running through or near it. However, it is located approximately 40 miles east of the nearest coast, the North Sea.
🟢 River : Yes.
Ripon has the River Ure running through it, adding to the town's picturesque charm. The river provides a tranquil setting for residents and visitors to enjoy, with opportunities for walks and riverside activities.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Melton Mowbray does not have a lake within the town itself. However, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the surrounding area, such as Rutland Water which is approximately 15 miles away.
⚪ Lake : Unknown.
Ripon does not have a lake within the town limits, but there are several lakes in the surrounding area. The closest lake is approximately 5 miles away.
🟢 Water ways : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has man-made waterways, including the Melton Mowbray Navigation Canal which was constructed in the 1790s to transport goods to and from the town. There are also several reservoirs in the surrounding area.
⚪ Water ways : Unknown.
Ripon's waterways are primarily natural, with the River Ure running through the town. There is no clear information available about man-made waterways such as reservoirs or canals in Ripon.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has experienced flooding in the past, notably during the heavy rainfall and storms in 2007 and 2012. The River Eye and River Wreake have been known to overflow.
🟢 Flooded : Yes.
Ripon has experienced flooding in the past due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, such as during Storm Desmond in 2015. The town has implemented flood defense measures to mitigate future risks.


Local facilities

Melton Mowbray
Ripon
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a train station, providing convenient access to and from the town for residents and visitors alike. The station offers connections to various destinations across the region.
🟢 Train station : Yes.
Ripon has a train station located in the town center, providing convenient access to nearby cities and towns. The station offers regular services to destinations across the region.
Transport links :
Melton Mowbray has good transport links to other areas, with the A607 and A606 providing easy access to nearby towns and cities. The A46 and M1 motorway are also within reach for longer journeys.
Transport links :
Ripon is well-connected by road with the A1(M) nearby, providing easy access to Leeds, York, and Harrogate. There are also regular bus services to surrounding towns and cities.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has several primary schools, including Brownlow Primary School, The Grove Primary School, and Swallowdale Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Primary school : Yes.
Ripon has several primary schools, including Moorside Infant School, Holy Trinity Church of England Junior School, and Greystone Community Primary School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has several secondary schools, including John Ferneley College and Long Field Academy. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 Secondary school : Yes.
Ripon has several secondary schools, including Outwood Academy Ripon and Ripon Grammar School. These schools have received positive Ofsted ratings and offer a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
🟢 College : Yes.
Melton College offers a range of courses for students aged 16 and above, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, and apprenticeships. The college has received positive Ofsted ratings for its teaching and facilities.
🟢 College : Yes.
Ripon has a college called Ripon Grammar School, which offers post-16 education. Additionally, there is Outwood Academy Ripon, a secondary school with a sixth form provision.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a tourist information office located in the town center, providing visitors with helpful resources, maps, and recommendations for exploring the area.
🟢 Tourist information : Yes.
Ripon has a tourist information office located in the city center, providing visitors with information on local attractions, events, accommodations, and more to enhance their experience in the town.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and packages.
🟢 Post office : Yes.
Ripon has a post office located in the town, providing postal services to residents and visitors. It is a convenient facility for sending and receiving mail and parcels.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a public library that offers a range of books, resources, and services for the community. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.
🟢 Library : Yes.
Ripon has a public library that offers a wide range of books, resources, and services for residents and visitors to enjoy. It is a valuable community resource for learning and leisure.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has a police station to serve the local community and ensure public safety and security in the area.
🟢 Police station : Yes.
Ripon has a police station located in the town center, providing law enforcement services and assistance to residents and visitors. It serves as a hub for maintaining public safety and security.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has an NHS hospital providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas, ensuring residents have access to medical care and treatment when needed.
🟢 Hospital : Yes.
Ripon has an NHS hospital called Ripon Community Hospital, providing healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Melton Mowbray has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential medical services to the local community and surrounding areas in times of urgent need.
🟢 A&E : Yes.
Ripon has an NHS hospital with an accident and emergency department, providing essential healthcare services to the local community and surrounding areas.


When choosing between Melton Mowbray and Ripon, consider your preferences for food, history, and architecture. Melton Mowbray offers a culinary experience like no other, while Ripon’s rich history and beautiful cathedral make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these two market towns comes down to your personal interests and what you value most in a destination.