Ripon Cathedral has been part of this place for a very long time — long before the streets settled into shape around it. It grew from a small Saxon church founded by St Wilfrid in the 7th century and has been quietly evolving ever since. Most of what stands now is medieval, with a mix of Norman weight and later Gothic detail. The towers don’t quite match, the west front is full of carved figures, and underneath it all sits one of the oldest crypts in England, still right where it’s always been.

After a record-breaking August, we now welcome the Great North Art Show. Over 60 exhibitors to see in a glorious setting. All for free. Ripon Cathedral is home to many artworks, from the sculptures of Harold Gosney to the 15th century alabasters on display in the Anglo-Saxon crypt. This building, these artworks, the music and stained glass, all exist to worship God, the reason this building was established nearly 14 centuries ago. | Ripon Cathedral