We chose the Boar's Head because it was next door to a castle and our two boys, ages 4 and 6 are quite enamored with castles, etc. The Boar's Head was our first stop on a ten day trip to England and was WONDERFUL. The on-line registration process was great-the staff was prompt and courteous, attentive and willing to work with us regarding the children's needs. The room was small and with the two z-beds, very cozy, but the building, the lace curtains and the boat in the bathtub were perfect--the chocolate boars were both tasty and a great treat. Our room bordered the courtyard, but it was quiet after about 9pm and really not that noisy before. The tea/coffee and cookies provided in the room were welcomed. The boys were thrilled with the singing sparrow perched on the windowsill in the morning. Staff also showed us where a duck had made her nest right next to the front entrance. ALL the staff, from the groundskeepers to the restaurant to the check-in people were helpful and welcoming. We toured Ripley Castle the following morning (free when you stay at the Boar's Head) which was very interesting and the boys got to try on 350 year old armor and hold swords and climb tiny stone stairs to a room at the top of the castle. Our guide was able to balance the group of more serious adult historians and our family and keep the tour (2 hours?) lively and entertaining (secret doors, old books). The grounds of the castle are fun to explore with farm animals, a river, bridges and the deer (especially after a long plane and train trip) and the children's playtrail was a big hit--we did not even get to the gardens. We are all still talking about our experience and I only wish we had been able to spend more than one night. Yes, Ripley is quiet--(isn't that supposed to be the attraction?) but that is pretty obvious to even the most casual investigation--it is a VERY small community-you could bus or taxi into Harrogate if you are looking for more entertainment. We ate at the Bistro--the food was excellent (a tad pricey) both the more gourmet for the adults and food was available for the kids. Although a little pricey overall, it was a wonderful experience for our family--and I would love to visit w/o the kids, too! In terms of conventional luxury-the Boar's Head is by no means a spa-it is an English country inn with all the charm and age you could enjoy!

We stayed for two nights for my partner's birthday on a "Yorkshire Break" (see the hotel website).

We only live down the road in Harrogate, and have stayed here two or three times before on anniversaries and birthdays as a treat.

We booked a superior room which was in a building across the road from the main hotel. The room was lovely, with tea and coffee making facilities, fruit, biscuits and a decanter of sherry. It was well decorated ,and at the back of the building looking over a small farm (cue cockerel at 5am!)

The hotel has no air conditioning and the recent heatwave meant that the room was very hot and stuffy. On mentioning this to reception, they arranged for the windows to be adjusted so they could open fully to allow a through breeze.

The village of Ripley is a bit of a tourist trap, and is busy at weekends with parking often a problem. The hotel has parking at the main buliding for residents, as well as behind the building we were in. There's an ice cream shop next door, an art gallery, the castle and grounds, a gift shop and delicatessen. The village often hosts antiques fairs, car boot sales and camping shows etc. The pub / brasserie attached to the hotel is also popular with locals.

Dinner was included in the Yorkshire Break and was delicious, with 5 or 6 choices per course and a separate menu for vegetarians. The maitre'd was charming, and all the waiting staff were polite and efficient. Wine started at £12.95 a bottle and there was an extensive wine list including half bottles and champagne. There was a pianist on Saturday night and the dress code was relaxed, although we dressed up a bit for my partner's birthday.

On the first morning we had continental breakfast in our room. The second morning we went down for the "full English". Both were very good with plenty of choice.

Entrance to the Ripley Castle grounds is free for residents, and we took advantage of a lovely stroll around the lake and the walled gardens. There were weddings being held at the castle on both days we were there. We got to see a bride being accompanied by a Scottish piper , and a free fireworks show on both nights at 10.30pm!

Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. The staff made us feel really welcome and the food was good. The only improvement we could suggest would be air conditioning. But in listed buildings like these, for the few nights a year it would be needed, I can understand why it would not be worth doing.

This is indeed a nice setting and although pretty, you won't find much to do in Ripley. Everything about my stay was good except the shower. There are several different types of room as some are in the main building, some off the beer garden and some are across the road. I stayed in the main building facing the road. Ripley doesn't have a busy road but the buses do run through it every few minutes. The early and late ones did disturb me as they stop right outside the hotel (which I guess is good if your travelling by bus!). The main problem which I found unacceptable was the shower. Even on full there was not enough water to get wet (and no I'm not exagerating) and I ended up having to have a bath.

My colleagues stayed in the other areas. The one across the road said everything was fine. The ones that stayed next to the beer garden said it was noisy until everyone went to bed.

We ate from a set menu which whislt limited was good quality.

All in all I would stray here again but they really do need to improve the water pressure in the 'Yellow Room'

I was recommended this hotel on a recent business trip to Harrogate and couldn't find any decent accommodation there. It's only 5 mins outside Harrogate in, what looks like a movie-set village, Ripley - and is your postcard-perfect village inn. My room was in the Keepers Lodge and was a good size, far bigger than my usual hotel rooms, the decor blended in to the surroundings perfectly although I would have preferred it to have been a little quirkier. The food was fantastic, not inexpensive but presented and cooked beautifully. Service was always with a smile and attentive - I ate outside in the private courtyard which is far less conspicious when eating alone than the normal restaurant setting, so I was delighted at that. I was able to go for my evening run round Ripley Castle using the hotel's private ground key - an unexpected bonus. On my return my bed had been turned and a (delicious) chocolate boar left on my pillow. Breakfast - served in a lovely restaurant was great as the chef made me the tastiest porridge I've ever had away from home and there was a whole array of fresh fruit to choose from too - and not the god-awful usual tinned stuff that hotels insist on putting out. I will definitely return to this place as I go to Harrogate often and still have not found a hotel there that isn't taken up with 70 year olds on bus tours with pink fan-shaped folded napkins and cheap tastless food in the restuarant - anyone that knows different please tell me! As it stands don't waste your time searching for somewhere in Harrogate take the 5 minute journey outside to Ripley and stay at the Boar's Head.