A privilege and a curse

How does it feel to be the custodian of such a long, fascinating and proud history?

It’s been both a privilege and a curse. A privilege because I have such a wonderful home, and beautiful surroundings, and a curse because of the cost of upkeep and maintenance.

Seven centuries after the family became keepers of the castle, how do you see the future of the estate?

We have a well-balanced business portfolio that has stood the test of time through two recessions. We seem to have things spot on at the moment, so I don’t see any significant changes in the near future.

Over those 700 years, what do you think the family have done particularly well – and not so well?

I’ll turn that round, if I may – for hundreds of years we didn’t do very well because the family always seemed to pick the losing side, through wars, civil wars and the Gunpowder Plot. The Ingilbys always seemed to be on the wrong side. However, we seem to be particularly good at surviving. We stay just far enough back to reappear some years later. And we’re still here.

Which of your ancestors do you most admire?

Sir William Ingilby (1546-1618) who hosted King James I in 1603 on his way to his coronation. In 1605, he was heavily implicated in the Gunpowder Plot. Ten of the main conspirators were either directly related to the Inglilbys, or related to them through marriage. When the plot collapsed, he was accused of treason – and somehow acquitted. He was one of the few survivors.

Running Ripley Castle is, of course, very much a business these days. What do you see as the biggest challenges in maintaining its success?

Like any business, things that satisfy the public today, won’t satisfy them tomorrow, so we have to look in our crystal ball and try to constantly improve and adapt to the 21st Century. Particularly social media and the internet – it’s a whole different world.

What do you love most about Ripley Castle? What makes it so special?

That it still works remarkably well as a family home. There is a warm atmosphere, full of laughter, and, believe me, you need a sense of humour to live here.

Your own five children have always been very involved in the running of the castle. How do you see their contributions developing?

Only one of the children currently works on the estate, but they have all been involved in some way, over the years, whether it was waiting tables at the Boar’s Head in the village, working in the gardens or in the estate offices. They all now have different skills that can be applied to running the estate if they should choose to be involved. Jamie, my oldest son who currently lives in Stockholm with his wife and daughter, will probably come back to take over from me in two or three years’ time.

How would you sum up the region’s appeal as a tourism destination?

We have such stunningly beautiful countryside, with amazing history and heritage, fantastic towns and cities, and fabulous food and drink. And the most friendly people. The Tour de Yorkshire has been a particularly great achievement for the area – showcasing the beauty of the region and comfortably outperforming the rest of the UK in visitor numbers.

Charity work is obviously close to your heart. Last year, you embarked on the 20-mile Nidderdale Walk to raise funds for research into brain tumours? Are you planning any fundraising feats this year?

I’m walking the 26-mile Northumbrian Coastal Challenge this month, and, hopefully, the 42 mile Lyke Wake Walk in June. I walked it with a small group in 2016, setting off from Osmotherley at 03:00 and reaching the coast near Whitby in a glorious sunset. Myeloma UK is finding a cure for multiple myeloma, which kills 5,500 people annually – it’s a great cause.

How do you intend to spend your retirement?

I won’t ever retire - I would have to die to retire! I won’t ever take things easy, I have too much to do. I will always be promoting the region, writing books, walking, watching cricket and playing tennis – while I still can.

FACTFILE

Within the Castle yard are the admissions and gift shop, castle tearoom, artisan craft shop and Live for Today adventures office. Ripley village on the Castle’s doorstep is a model estate village with individual charming shops, The Boar’s Head, a traditional coaching inn, a village store and post office.

The Boar's Head

Guests who book in to stay at the Boar's Head have free entry to Ripley Castle Gardens, and can enjoy a guided tour of Ripley Castle at a reduced rate. The pub on the estate has 25 bedrooms and both the dining room and bar/bistro serve excellent cuisine to both residents and non-residents.

Opening hours (April to October)

Gardens, parkland, gift shop 9.30am – 5pm

The castle is available to view only by guided tour. From March 30 to October 31 there are weekday tours daily at 11am and 12.30pm. At weekends and school holidays, there are tours daily at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm. No dogs are allowed in the castle grounds or parkland.

Guided tour of the castle (includes complimentary garden and parkland entry)

Adult £10, Concession £9, Child £7, Family (2+2) £25

The Tea Room is open all year round and serves everything from breakfast favourites, fresh salads, jacket potatoes and sandwiches to satisfying seasonal meals. All dishes are made using locally sourced ingredients and there is a children’s menu. Dogs are also welcome. For direct inquiries call 01423-772391

Events at Ripley Castle

Garden tour and lunch - Wednesday, June 27

Enjoy a Tour of our wonderful Castle Gardens with lunch served in the Ingilby family’s private walled garden. Arrive for tea and coffee served in the castle before a tour of the gardens, ask as as many questions as you like and make sure you work up an appetite. Lunch will be served in the family’s walled garden, an enchanting space where you can relax, chat and enjoy superb food and company.

The cost per person will be £39.00,

Fun with Game - cook demo - Tuesday, October 9

What better time of year for this cookery demonstration. Working closely with our local shoot, Chef has been able to become creative with Game, as he is never short of excellent quality meat from the Estate and locally. Why not come along and see what he’s thought of this year. Cost is £39.00 per person which induces a two-course lunch served at The Boar’s Head.

Gourmet Dinner – ‘Farm to Fork’ - Saturday, November 3

Come and enjoy Estate and locally sourced products transformed into a 5 Course Gourmet Dinner. Savour a variety of taste sensations and discover a few things you maybe didn’t realise we grown locally. Chef is passionate about using local produce, so come and let him show you how wonderful Yorkshire can taste.

The cost person £65.00 – including wine to complement the food.

n For more information about these events or to book a place, call 01423-770152.

n Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate, HG3 3AY

ripleycastle.co.uk