Richmond, North Yorkshire, is sometimes referred to as ‘the mother’ of all Richmonds worldwide. The town, on the banks of the River Swale, grew around its impressive castle, which dates from around 1071. Richmond is an historic Yorkshire market town, with Norman castle, Georgian architecture, cobbled market place, monuments and abbeys, the fast flowing river Swale, and breathtaking scenery. Situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is a town that inspires painters and poets and will simply take your breath away with it's beauty and old world charm.
Richmond is a town of unique character and beauty which has changed little through the centuries, you will find it's stunning location and breathtaking scenery to be the finest in England.
Places to See...
Richmond Castle:
Stunningly sited above the River Swale, the great castle of Richmond is among the oldest Norman stone fortress in Britain, begun in the decades after the conquest. Traditionally it is held that King Arthur lies in a cavern beneath the castle; more recently conscientious objectors were imprisioned in the keep during World War I. Their story is told in an interactive display exploring Richmonds nine centuries of development, and woven into the contemporary Cockpit garden.
Richmondshire Museum:
Attractions include reconstruction of Victorian grocer's shop where the founder of the Fenwick Departments Store chain was born and began his working life; the James Herriot Vet's surgery set used in the BBC series 'All Creatures Great and Small'; Grinton Village Post Office; leadming display and Transport Gallery. The main gallery tells the story of Richmond from pre-historic times and there are sections on Archaelology and Geology.
Easby Abbey:
The substantial remains of the 12thC medieval abbey buildings stand in a beautiful setting by the River Swale near Richmond. The gatehouse has remained virtually unchanged since the 14thC. The ruins can be reached via a pleasant walk from Richmond Castle.
Friary Tower and Gardens:
From the Market Place, Friar's Wynd takes you through one of the two remaining medieval gateways, past the Georgian Theatre to the Friary Gardens where the fine Franciscan Friary bell tower, built by the Greyfriars of Richmond, still stands. The Greyfriars tower represents the northernmost surviving monument to their great, if short lived, impact upon the religious and social life of England.
Millgate House Gardens:
The garden at Millgate has been featured in publications around the world. Although a small garden its situation overlooking the River Swale with the waterfalls in the background and the intensive planting make it unique and very special.
Beautiful Trails and Walks in and around Richmond:
- Richmond Town Trail is a short walk taking in many of the important palces in Richmond. A must for any visitor. (1.5 miles)
- Drummer Boy Walk is a favourite with visitors and residents, inspired by the legend of the Richmond Drummer Boy. (3 miles)
Town Markets:
The Saturday Market is held outside all year and is a major attraction for visitors and local people. A wide variety of goods are offered for sale from farm produce to crafts and toys.
The Indoor Markets are held in the Town's Market Hall Monday to Saturday, again selling a wide variety of goods.
A Farmers Market - is held every 3rd Saturday of the Month in the Market Place.
Shopping:
The antiques lover will find a treasure trove of shops in Richmond to truly delight them. Being a medieval market town there are regular outdoor and indoor markets to spend the hours strolling around plus the arts and craft shops as well.
Eating out:
Richmond offers a wide choice of dining out locations to satisfy and delight any palate. Whether you wish a snack in a charming tea room, lunch in a traditional pub or a fine dining experience you will no doubt find Richmond has something to offer everyone.
Getting here:
By Air:
The closest airports are at Teesside and Leeds Bradford, with the International Airports at Newcastle and Manchester also within easy travelling distance and offering a variety of flights.
By Rail:
Nearby intercity rail links, from Darlington and Northallerton to London and the rest of the UK, make the Dales easy to travel to by train from all parts of the UK. For the north part of the Yorkshire Dales, the closest mainline train stations are at Northallerton and Thirsk, both lying within 20 miles of Richmond and Leyburn. Northallerton and Thirsk are on the main London to Edinburgh line. Local bus services provide onwards transport into the Dales National Park.
Train Journey Times: Leeds to London Kings Cross - 2 hours 30 mins approx, Northallerton to London Kings Cross - 2 hours 45 mins approx.
The famous Leeds-Settle-Carlisle and the Leeds-Morecambe lines traverse spectacular scenery inaccessible by road. You can explore picturesque Wensleydale on the Wensleydale Railway between Leeming Bar (adjacent to the A1) and Redmire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Steam trains operate regularly on the delightful Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, although special steam train events are held on other lines during the year.
By Bus:
There are few direct coaches into The Dales area, which is best accessed via main coach termini at Darlington, Leeds or York. The market towns are all served by regular daily bus services, with less frequent services to the villages. From Easter until the end of October, extra summer bus services are run especially for visitors to the Dales.
By Road:
The Yorkshire Dales has good road links north and south along the A1(M) and the A66 from Richmond to the west, connecting the area to the Lake District. Severe winter weather can cause road closures.
Note - With the Dales being primarily National Trust or farmland, transport within the region relies heavily on local bus services. Driving is discouraged and priority given to walkers. Leaving your car behind at your accommodation where possible you will be helping to keep the Dales region beautiful forever.
Photo courtesy of English Heritage
