The cathedral city of Ripon has been recognised for its commitment to welcoming coach operators and group tours by being awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
The North Yorkshire destination is popular with coach groups and has worked hard to make sure group visits are “straightforward and well managed”.
Its attractions include the seventh century cathedral, riverside walks and several award-winning museums. Close by are the UNESCO-listed Studley Royal Water Garden and Fountains Abbey which are also popular with groups.
Ripon joins more than 25 towns, cities and locations accredited by CPT for providing good coach access – including pick-up and drop-off points, reasonably priced parking, visitor attractions and access to bus lanes.
“The city’s layout means coaches can drop passengers close to the centre, with everything within easy walking distance once visitors arrive.”
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID / Visit Ripon
Andy Shaw, CPT coaching manager, said: “Ripon is a compact, walkable and welcoming city with terrific heritage. It’s exactly the kind of destination that benefits from strong coach connectivity. This accreditation gives clear reassurance to coach operators, drivers and passengers that they will be welcomed and well supported. Ultimately, it should generate more visitors to Ripon to spend money in local businesses and support the regional economy.”
Coaches provide 450 million journeys a year in Britain – equivalent to 40% of all journeys taken by rail. A study by KPMG for CPT in 2024 found that coach passengers spend £8.3 billion a year in local economies. A single coach visiting a city on a daily basis can deliver value of £1 million to the local economy over the course of a year.
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID / Visit Ripon, said: “Coach travel plays an important role in bringing visitors into Ripon, and this accreditation reflects the practical steps that have been taken to make group visits straightforward and well managed.
“The city’s layout means coaches can drop passengers close to the centre, with everything within easy walking distance once visitors arrive. With key attractions such as the cathedral, museums and riverside walks all nearby, Ripon is particularly well suited to group itineraries, and we are pleased to continue working with CPT and local partners to build on this.”
North Yorkshire Council’s head of economy and tourism said the status sends a “clear message that the city values coach operators, drivers and passengers alike.”
Find out more about coach trips to Ripon at visitripon.co.uk and see www.cpt-uk.org for more information about the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
