AttractionEnglish Heritage

Marmion Tower

Ripon, North Yorkshire

A three storey 15th century gatehouse with a fine oriel window, standing alone by the River Ure. A short stop with your dog on a very good stretch of Yorkshire.

All that is left of a manor house is its front door, and it is a good one. Marmion Tower is a three storey 15th century gatehouse standing near West Tanfield beside the River Ure, complete with a beautiful oriel window projecting from the first floor. The manor house it once announced has gone entirely, leaving the gatehouse looking oddly formal on its own. The Marmion family are commemorated by their monuments in the adjacent church.

While you take in the oriel and the spiral stair, your dog is better off outside than in, because the upper rooms are confined. What works is the location: the Ure runs right alongside, West Tanfield is a pretty village, and the river paths and the road up into Wensleydale open out from here.

Free and open daily: 10am to 6pm April to September, 10am to 5pm in October, 10am to 4pm November to March. No dog guidance is posted for the tower. No facilities on site.

At a Glance

Site Type: Medieval & Tudor
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 18:00
Friday: 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marmion Tower dog friendly?
No specific dog guidance is posted for Marmion Tower, so there are no stated restrictions to worry about. That said, the upper floors are confined spaces, so your dog is better off waiting outside or exploring the surroundings — which are genuinely lovely, with the River Ure running right alongside and the pretty village of West Tanfield on the doorstep.
Are dogs allowed at Marmion Tower year round?
Marmion Tower is open and free to visit every day of the year, so you can bring your dog along whatever the season. Opening hours vary — 10am to 6pm April to September, 10am to 5pm in October, and 10am to 4pm November to March.
What should I know before visiting Marmion Tower with my dog?
There are no facilities on site, so come prepared with water for your dog, especially if you're planning to walk further afield. The good news is that river paths and the road up into Wensleydale open out from here, making it an excellent base for a longer outing rather than just a quick stop at the gatehouse itself.