richmond yorkshire tourist attractions

Top Things to Do in Richmond, North Yorkshire - Richmond Must-See Attractions

Things to do in richmond, tours near richmond.

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1-Hour Public Cruise

Top attractions in richmond.

Other Top Attractions around Richmond

What travellers are saying

• Richmond Castle
• Georgian Theatre Royal
• The Green Howards Museum
• The Station
• Millgate House Garden
• Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
• Friary Tower and Gardens
• Scorton Nature Reserve
• Catterick Racecourse
• Easby Abbey

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Swaledale, Richmond is one of the most attractive towns in the UK thanks to its Georgian architecture. The town features a charming cobbled marketplace, which is surrounded by elegant 18th-century streets and buildings with a beautiful Gothic medieval church at its heart. Richmond has a plethora of independent shops and tempting eateries scattered throughout the town.

Every Saturday, the town hosts a weekly market where visitors can browse and purchase local produce, crafts and gifts. The town boasts several parks, green spaces, and leafy riverside vistas, which make it an ideal destination for walkers and a feature of the 192-mile long-distance Coast to Coast footpath which passes through the town.

The iconic Richmond Castle, built soon after the Norman Conquest, stands majestically atop a commanding position overlooking the valley. The Swale River drops down large steps of rock at Richmond Falls, a popular spot in summer and just one of the many points of interest to be enjoyed on one of the riverside walks for which Swaledale is much loved. Anglers can also take advantage of the fantastic banks of the Swale River, which offer opportunities to catch salmon and trout.

Richmond’s long military history continues at the neighbouring Catterick Garrison. The town is home to the Green Howards Regimental Museum, which showcases the history of the regiment of the same name, now part of the Yorkshire Regiment, based at Catterick.

Richmond provides an excellent base for exploring the Northern Yorkshire dales of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. Each of these valleys boasts dramatic landscapes interwoven with a rich industrial history and majestic views that reward the determined walker willing to take on the local ascents.

The town is packed full of history and has a wealth of culture and heritage attractions to explore and discover. The handsome Georgian market town of Richmond is arguably one of the most attractive towns in the UK.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Richmond

Things to do in richmond, tours near richmond.

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024

The Yorkshire Dales of All Creatures Great & Small

Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

White Water Tubing

Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

Guided Walking Tour of Durham & its Infamous Characters

Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe 2024

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

1-Hour Public Cruise

Top attractions in richmond.

Other Top Attractions around Richmond

What travellers are saying

• Richmond Castle
• Georgian Theatre Royal
• The Green Howards Museum
• The Station
• Millgate House Garden
• Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
• Friary Tower and Gardens
• Scorton Nature Reserve
• Catterick Racecourse
• Easby Abbey

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Visit Richmond

Plan your visit to make the most of your time here..

Clustered around the picturesque cobbled market place, with its landmark Norman castle, there are a host of independent shops, cafes, pubs, theatre, cinema, museums, walks and many other activities all within walking distance. Find out about our attractions' seasonal opening arrangements here .

The town is also ideally located as a base to explore the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park with its spectacular scenery, picture-postcard villages and myriad of exciting days out.

How to get here

Richmond is four miles from the Scotch Corner junction with the A66 and junction 53 of the A1M.

Darlington railway station is 12 miles away and Northallerton railway station is 16 miles away.

Various bus companies serve the town and surrounding area, including: DalesBus Arriva   Hodgsons   Little White Bus

Spend more time with us!

Whether you’re a mini-break fanatic, spending time away with friends or looking for a base for a family holiday, there’s definitely a perfect place for you to stay in Richmond.

Check out our directory of accommodation providers and book B&B, lodges, hotels or self-catering in and around the town.

There is free on-street parking in and around the Market Place. Clock discs are free and available from nearby shops and attractions, and must be displayed in your windscreen. The disc system gives you two hours free parking. Keep the disc in your car and use it wherever you see the ‘disc zone’ signs. Parking is unrestricted after 6pm until 8am and on Sundays.

There are several pay and display car parks, both short and long stay. Find out more here .

There is also a privately operated pay and display car park at The Station.

Richmond town map

The best way to explore Richmond is on foot. The town centre itself is nice and compact with lots of hidden corners to explore.

Download or print this map of our town to help you find your way around.

Accessibility

Richmond is a town of hills and cobbles. It is part of its charm but should be considered when planning your trip. There are dedicated disabled parking bays in the Market Place as well as down at The Station and other town car parks. Most of the attractions and main areas of the town are also fully accessible, but please check before your visit if you have any concerns.

Richmond Town Ticket

One marvellous town. many wonderful ways to save..

Big reductions on admission to attractions, plus some great savings in town.

Richmond Information Centre

The volunteer-run information centre is inside the Market Hall, just look for the red doors with the 1854 plaque above them.

Their friendly team are on hand to point you in the right direction to help you get the most out of your visit.

You will also find public toilets in the Market Hall, towards the back of the building.

Additional information about the Town can be found on the Richmond Information Centre website .

Further afield...

Once you're in Richmond, why go anywhere else? But if you are tempted away from the town, there are three National Parks within easy reach.

A couple of minutes' drive along Reeth Road and you're in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. To the east is the North York Moors National Park, whilst a little further away The Lake District National Park lies to the west.

Find out more: Yorkshire Dales National Park | North York Moors National Park | Lake District National Park

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The 15 Best Things to do in Richmond, Yorkshire

A traditional market town with a stunning Norman Castle, Richmond is located on the northern fringes of the Yorkshire Dales.  The glorious town has the largest cobbled marketplace in England and is a superb place from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales.  Richmond is famous for its fabulous Georgian architecture and buildings which reflect one of the town’s more prosperous times.  There are a huge number of things to do in Richmond, from museums to walking, historic sites to cultural events.  Your only challenge will be how long it is you want to stay (and we have some great accommodation options for that too!)

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The Best 15 Things to Do in Richmond Yorkshire

Richmond is a glorious place to spend a weekend or longer and a great base to explore the area around North Yorkshire.  Whether you decide to explore Richmond Castle, the museums of Richmond, or use the market town as a base from where to explore North Yorkshire we hope you enjoy our guide to the things to do in Richmond North Yorkshire

1. Take a Guided Walk around Richmond, North Yorkshire

Guided walks of Richmond are managed by volunteers and take place from June until September on Sundays at 14:15 and Wednesdays at 11:00.  Richmond Walking Tours last about 90 minutes and there is no charge, although donations to the Richmondshire Museum are accepted.  The museum is run entirely by donations and volunteers.

2. Visit Richmond Castle

The building of Richmond Castle was started in 1071, by Alan the Red of Brittany, and by William the Conqueror.  This Norman castle is still very much at the heart of the town and provides a stunning aspect.  Only two other stone-built castles in England are of the same age as Richmond Castle, those in Durham, and also the ancient Roman town of Colchester.

Get free entrance to Richmond Castle with an English Heritage Pass > details here

While the Keep is the most impressive and best-preserved part of Richmond Castle, it is newer, a 12 th -century addition that was built over the original gatehouse to the castle.  The museum and exhibition at Richmond Castle tell the story of the castle, including some of her more famous visitors. 

Kings William the Lion of Scotland and David II were both imprisoned here and Charles I also stayed here in 1647.  You can read more about other fantastic castles in Yorkshire in our guide here.

3. Explore the Georgian Marketplace in Richmond Yorkshire

The Richmond marketplace dates from the Georgian era – with a series of stunning houses around the edges of the cobbled market area, which is the largest in England.  Richmond’s Georgian marketplace is one of the best free things to do in Richmond.  Richmond was incredibly prosperous during the Georgian era, due in part to it being a central market town, and Richmond’s marketplace is still the site for the regular Saturday market and monthly farmer’s markets.

Image Source: Glenluwin / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

4. Visit the Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire

The Green Howards Regimental Museum is located in the old Trinity Church in the center of Richmond’s marketplace. This museum provides a superb history of the Yorkshire Regiment, known as the Green Howards, and contains artifacts that go back to the Crimean War.  The museum is well known for assisting relatives of those who served in the Yorkshire Regiment to find more details about their ancestors.

5. Walk to and Explore Easby Abbey, Richmond

It’s a pleasant walk from Richmond to Easby Abbey – a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer circular route).  Easby is a free to enter Premonstratensian Abbey found on the Eastern bank of the River Swale, the opposite side of the castle. Easby is maintained by English Heritage and is well known for the refectory and monastic buildings that you can explore here.  The Abbey is open 7 days a week from 10:00 until 18:00.

6. See St Agatha’s Church at Easby Abbey

The Church of Agatha is found just behind Easby Abbey’s ruins and dates from the 12 th and 13 th centuries.  There’s little remaining in this peaceful site, but it is famous for the 13 th -century wall paintings found in the chancel which depict scenes from the Creation and the Nativity.

7. Visit Richmond’s Friary Gardens

The Richmond Friary Gardens are dominated by one of the town’s oldest monuments, a 15 th -century bell tower built by the Greyfriars of Richmond.  The Friary here was established in 1257/8 and the bell tower survives to this day, having undergone several renovations, the most recent in 2001-2003.  The gardens are especially pretty in spring and summer.  The Friary Gardens are free to enter

8. Visit the Richmondshire Museum, Richmond

The Richmondshire Museum is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside and contains an interesting collection of items from the Stone Age until modern times.  There’s a scale model of the 1900 Richmond railway station, and parts of the set used in the TV series All Creatures Great and Small, based on the Yorkshire vet James Herriot.  Get Richmondshire Museum opening times and more information here .

9. Visit the Georgian Theatre Royal Museum Richmond

Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal is one of the oldest surviving and working theatres in England, having opened in 1788.  The theatre originally was only open for 60 years and then closed.  It reopened, however, in 1963 and was restored, being extended in 2003.  In between times, it became a warehouse and then was abandoned.   You’ll find one of the oldest known surviving pieces of theatre scenery here, the “Woodland Scene” which dates to the early 19 th century.  The Georgian Theatre Royal hosts both professional and amateur dramatic productions and also hosts a small museum.  The schedule of events at the Georgian Theatre Royal can be found here.

10. Visit the Richmond Town Markets

There has been a market in Richmond since 1093 – and you can still find it open on a Saturday.  It’s hosted in the cobbled marketplace in the center of town.  There is also a daily market inside the 18th-century Market Hall just off Market Place.

11. Eat and be entertained at Richmond Train Station Yorkshire

Richmond Yorkshire Train station has been closed since 1969, but the building now houses one of the UK’s best independent cinemas as well as a café bar, micro-brewery, and art gallery.   This space is now an excellent community hub and also contains artisan food shops and is located close to Richmond’s swimming pool.  In a delightful quirk, you buy tickets for the cinema (which has 3 screens) from the Victorian-era train ticket office.

Image Source: Roger Carvell / CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

12. Explore the Millgate House Gardens in Richmond

Described by the Royal Horticultural Society as a model for town gardens, these hidden treasures are often missed by visitors to Richmond.  It’s close to the Richmond Market Place, overlooking the River Swale, and is open from April until October.  There’s a huge variety of inter-planting, shrubs and rose bushes, hidden corners, and meandering paths.  Check here for opening times and prices.

13. Visit during Richmond’s Walking and Book Festival

We can think of no better festival than one that combines walking and books – well maybe add wine in there and we’re completely sold! – But the Richmond Walking and Book Festival is held in September each year and combines books and walking!  This week-long event combines a series of literary events and talks by well-known authors as well as 3 walks per day of a variety of lengths and difficulties.  The walks are a combination of those in the town and some through both Wensleydale and Swaledale.  Please follow them on Facebook for updates.

14. Take one of Richmond’s Treasure Trails

Richmond Treasure Trails let you combine learning about Richmond’s historic past with a problem-solving game to try and figure out where the treasures are buried or to solve a mystery.  You can pick up a treasure trail for Richmond here (it’s an instant download, or you can choose to have a printed one sent to you) and also check out their other locations.  Locally you’ll find ones to Easby Abbey and even a Tees Valley Driving Trail.

There’s no time limit on the Richmond Treasure trail, do it at your own pace and find the clues on the monuments and buildings around the town.  Submit your answers online and get entered into a draw to win £100!

15. Have Tea and Scones in Richmond’s Georgian Market Place

While there are many cafes and restaurants in Richmond, two favorites spring to mind.  First for a very local experience head to the covered market hall, where you can sit amongst the stalls and have a cup of tea and refreshments.  Alternatively, in the Market place, next to the Green Howards Museum is the Cross View Tea Room.  This traditional Georgian tea room looks the part and serves amazing scones for a mid-morning treat or afternoon tea.

Map of Things to do in Richmond and Near Richmond

You can also find the map of Richmond’s things to do here.

Walks to Take Around Richmond North Yorkshire

The area around Richmond is excellent walking country.  Whether you decide to take a walk around the town, further afield to perhaps Easy Abbey, or further out into Wensleydale and Swaledale, this is great walking country.  Here are some of our favorite walks around Richmond.

As always we use Ordnance Survey maps when hiking in the UK.  There’s no need to buy paper maps anymore, just get hold of the app  and pay a low annual fee to get access to the Leisure Series Maps on your mobile device.

Guided Walks in Richmond

As we’ve mentioned earlier in this article, there are “by donation to the Richmondshire Museum” walks around the town.  These take place during the months from June to September on Wednesdays and Sundays at 11:00 and 14:15 respectively.  Each walk is about 90 minutes and this service is run entirely by volunteers.

Treasure Trails in Richmond

The company “Treasure Trails” have set 2 treasure hunt trails around Richmond, there’s one where you search for the hidden treasure and another where you attempt to solve the mystery of Tim Panny.  Head slightly further afield and out to Easby Abbey.  There’s a charge for each treasure trails, which can be posted in hard copy or can download immediately.  Complete the answers to the treasure questions online and go into a monthly draw to win money.  More information here from Treasure Trails.

Walk the Richmond Town Trail

The Richmond Town Trail is a wheelchair-accessible route around the highlights of the market town.  It is easy to follow and the trail is free.  You can add specific extensions to go to scenic points of interest.  This is a 1.5-mile route and it includes several steep hills.  There are details and maps along with notes on historic points of interest here .

Take the Richmond Blue Plaque Walk

The Richmond blue plaque tour takes a 1.5-mile route around the market town and explores locations connected with famous people of the town.  You’ll find historians, connections to India and the Fenwicks store in Newcastle upon Tyne, and the site of the old Richmond jail.  Maps and full descriptions of the 32 plaques that you’ll walk past can be found here .  These are easy walks in Richmond Yorkshire that don’t cost a penny and also let you learn about some of the history of the town.

Take the Richmond Drummer Boy Legend Walk

The legend of the Richmond Drummer Boy kept me awake as a child.  This route traces the history of the drummer boy legend as well as the supposed route of the ill-fated boy.  The legend and map of the Drummer Boy Walk Richmond is here .

Take a Richmond Ghost Walk

Want to learn more about the ghosts and legends of Richmond?  These evening walks led by a local take you through some of the historic events of Richmond and some of the folks who have hung around long after they died. Book a Ghost Walk in Richmond here.   This is one of the great walks around Richmond North Yorkshire that give you a little understanding of the history and legends of the area.

Walk to Easby Abbey near Richmond

This 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) round trip walk to Easby Abbey follows the route of the River Swale to the site of Easby Abbey and St Agatha’s Church.  Both the church and the abbey are free to enter.  This is one of the easiest walks around Richmond North Yorkshire.

Where is Richmond Yorkshire

Richmond, North Yorkshire is located just 4 miles from Scotch Corner, the A1 junction where the A66 meets.  Richmond is 12 miles from Darlington, where you’ll find the closest railway station, and 18 miles from Durham Tees Valley, the closest airport to Richmond.

How to get to Richmond Yorkshire

Richmond is easy to get from either by public transport or by car. here’s everything you need to know about getting to Richmond.

How to get to Richmond Yorkshire by Car

While it’s possible to reach Richmond by public transport, having a car will make your visit to Richmond much easier.  The two major roads that Richmond is closest to are the A1 and the A66.  From the A1, take the A66 /Scotch Corner junction and follow the signposts for Richmond.  If you’re traveling from the west you’ll likely be on the A66.  There are several signposted routes to Richmond from the A66, all are good roads and will take you to the center of the town.

Richmond is a great place to explore as part of a trip to the Yorkshire Dales – explore more of the area, and the UK with these great UK Road trip ideas .

How to get to Richmond North Yorkshire by Train

The closest train station to Richmond is Darlington, on the main East Coast mainline.  Take a train to Darlington and then either take a bus or taxi to Richmond.  You can take a taxi directly from Darlington train station to Richmond.  The 26A bus goes from Darlington Train station to Richmond marketplace.  You can find a schedule here.

How to get to Richmond Yorkshire by Bus

Richmond Yorkshire is well connected by bus services.  You can easily travel locally – Scotch Corner to Richmond, Darlington to Richmond, Barnard Castle to Richmond by bus.  There are buses also to Reeth, Catterick Garrison, and further afield.  If you’re traveling from London to Richmond Yorkshire, then you can take the bus from London to Scotch Corner and then a bus from Scotch Corner to Richmond.  Up-to-date schedules of Richmond buses can be found here.

Where to Stay in Richmond Yorkshire

The Castle House, Richmond North Yorkshire is a luxury bed and breakfast in the center of Richmond.  Rated for its fantastic full English breakfasts and luxurious rooms – some of which have four poster beds! – this is a great place to stay to visit Richmond > Check room availability and book now.

If you prefer self-catering accommodation there are many fabulous cottages in and around Richmond that are sure to please you whether you want to be in the town or out in the countryside

If you’re loving Yorkshire, then why not check out Pickering – for steam trains, a market and the fabulous castle. Or head to the glorious city of York , and be sure to explore some of Yorkshire’s amazing castles as well as try some traditional Yorkshire food !

Travel Tips for Exploring England

• Get online immediately with an eSIM in England
• Book the best tours and guides on GetYourGuide
• Book Trains & Buses with Omio
• Rent a Car with Discover Cars
• Never get lost with the Ordnance Survey Maps App
• Sykes Cottages
• Booking.com

Final Words on the Best 15 Things to Do in Richmond North Yorkshire

As a local, I’ve visited Richmond for as long as I can remember and the town basically remains the same since I was small – as I hail from the nearby Barnard Castle .  I hope that this guide on what to do in Richmond Yorkshire does give you a good start on what to do here.  The stunning Georgian marketplace and the quite beautiful Castle standing high over the River Swale.  This North Yorkshire Market Town is a fantastic place for a visit and to base yourself for further forays into Yorkshire, Wensleydale, and Swaledale.  There’s a great sense of history here and a whole lot of outdoor activities to immerse yourself in to explore the area. Visitors who come just once are few and far between, Richmond tends to bring you back time after time to explore more of her delights.

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Sarah Carter

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6 reasons to visit Richmond, Yorkshire

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Castles, cosy pubs and walks galore: there’s plenty to love about the pretty market town of Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales.

Richmond sits on the edge of the evergreen Yorkshire Dales and is the main tourist centre for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park and its multitude of soul-reviving countryside hikes. This terracotta-toned market town doesn’t get as much press as its Dales counterparts though, but it’s got everything you need for a quintessential English countryside escape. 

Its location, on a rocky promontory that overlooks the River Swale, affords magnificent views of the Dales. The town grew around one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain – Richmond Castle, only the keep of which now survives. Behind the castle lies a large marketplace (originally the outer bailey of the castle) surrounded by cobbled streets and ancient stone-built cottages. The town itself has one of the oldest Georgian theatres still in operation and a historical 15th-century Friary Tower and Gardens. Here are six reasons to visit.

1. For unearthing rich history 

A must-visit is Richmond Castle with its incredible Swaledale vistas: the castle is set above the cliffs atop a hill with sweeping views of the Yorkshire Dales all around. The name Richmond originates from Norman-French, meaning ‘strong hill’, and it’s one of the oldest Norman castles in England. The Normans commenced work on the fortifications in 1071 and the town gradually grew around it.     Today, Richmond Castle houses a permanent interactive exhibition that details its history and that of the town. There is a conscientious objectors exhibition too, dedicated to the Northern Non-Combatant Corp. This was a military unit composed of men who refused to fight in the First World War on grounds of conscience and were held in cells in the castle. In 1916, 16 of them were sent to France where they were tried for refusing to obey orders.     The Cockpit Garden is located just outside the castle on an acre of terraced land. It was created in 2000 by architect Neil Swanson, who said of the project: "I wanted visitors to walk around the garden, seeing the topiary terrace, experiencing the gradual softening of the castle landscape, until they return, passing once again the same terrace, but perhaps seeing it differently, and sensing something of the unseen, human struggle which took place there."  

2. For beautiful countryside walks 

There are a plethora of walking guides that will take you on trails around the town to see its most important sites and other routes into the surrounding Dales . The Richmond Walking and Book Festival takes place every September (it's on from 17-25 September this year) and is a great time to be in town. It’s a week-long celebration of the Dales and literature with three main walks each day that have a literary, artistic or historical theme. 

Richmond Falls are a series of cascading waterfalls on the River Swale, close to the centre of Richmond. Amble along the River Swale to get to the ruins of 12th-century Easby Abbey for a short three-and-a-half-mile (5.6km) round-trip walk, or extend it towards Brompton Lakes for a slightly longer walk of around seven miles (11km). There’s also the pretty Richmond River Swale Circular route that takes you on a loop to Hudswell and back, which is four-and-a-half-miles long (7km). 

3. For the local food markets 

Richmond Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in England. Originally commissioned by the Earl of Richmond in 1093, it’s a lively and colourful spot. Check out the Saturday market on the cobbled Market Place when it’s in full swing – you’ll find everything from artisan local cheeses to smoked kippers. The covered Market Hall is open seven days a week.    Cheese, Gromit? Hawes in Wensleydale is well known for its farmers' auction mart, but its Tuesday food market is excellent too. No trip to this part of Yorkshire is complete without a trip to the nearby Wensleydale Creamery (where you can pick up assorted Wallace and Gromit -themed cheese gifts, along with the standard cheeses and comestibles). It’s also the gateway to the breathtaking Aysgarth Falls. 

4. For gastro pubs and breweries 

Another nearby market town to visit is Masham  (pronounced ‘mass-am’). Its fine Georgian market square, traditional stores and pubs should definitely be on your radar. It has a rich brewing history too and is home to three local breweries including Theakston  and Black Sheep Brewery , which can be visited on guided tours.   There are some stellar local gastro pubs in the area too. Try the Bay Horse , a gorgeous 15th-century coaching inn with garden located just a 15-minute drive away from Richmond in nearby Hurworth, or the  the Wensleydale Heifer . This family-run establishment (with rooms) offers delicious fare in West Witton, a 20-minute drive away.  

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Wensleydale Heifer (@wensleyheifer)

5. For kooky family attractions 

If you’re with the kid crew, the Forbidden Corner is a 25-minute drive outside of Richmond. This kooky maze should be top of the list for families – it’s a “labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises”, or, essentially, a fun palace. Every nook and cranny of this place is stuffed with oddities. It was built on a four-acre garden in Tupgill Park as a private folly and is now a popular tourist attraction for children in North Yorkshire. 

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Forbidden Corner Official (@forbiddencornerofficial)

6. For cosy inns and gorgeous cottages 

There are some spectacular places to stay on the outskirts of Richmond, including the lovely sustainability-focused Middleton Lodge set in 17th-century parkland. If you want to be based in Richmond itself, the Fleece Hotel is a great option. Something of a local landmark, the turreted, red-brick neo-Gothic building opened its doors in 1897. Located right in the centre of the town, it has been beautifully restored, retaining lots of its original period features such as the vintage radiators that line the corridors.    

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Fleece Yorkshire (@thefleeceyorkshire)

For a larger group or family stay, Gorgeous Cottages has a range of cosy and charismatic countryside escapes in Richmond itself and in nearby locations. Try Evergreen , a beautiful stone cottage right in Richmond’s heart. It has two bedrooms, a spacious living area and terrace and easy access to walks.     Just a 30-minute drive away you’ll discover Swinton Estate which includes a luxury hotel, cookery school and spa. For a treat, stay at The Loft in Swinton Bivouac – it’s a gorgeous apartment sleeping six in the farmhouse itself. Part of the 20,000 acre estate, Swinton Bivouac is suited to more adventurous travellers with its sweet meadow yurts and cool tree lodges. 

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Swinton Estate (@swintonestate)

Getting there

For more information on visiting Richmond and its surrounds, visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park website . LNER offers routes to Richmond from London (journey time of around three hours) and various cities throughout the country. 

Main image: Phil Silverman/Shutterstock

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Yorkshire Dales National Park

Richmond tourist information centre

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Address: Market Hall, Market Pl, Richmond, DL10 4QL Grid ref: w3w: /// edits.meatball.reap A three word address provided by our friends at ///what3words . Read more

10 am - 2pm

01748 826468

[email protected]

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Visit the Welcome to Richmond Tourist Information Centre. The centre is in the Market Hall, Market Place, Richmond.

The centre supplies a wide range of free leaflets that describe the many attractions, events and places to visit are available.

A varied selection of books, maps and guides can be purchased and postcards and souvenirs can be bought as a reminder of your stay in the Yorkshire Dales.  

If you are looking for a bed for the night or somewhere to enjoy a delicious meal, the knowledgeable staff will be only too happy to give you guidance.

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Top attractions in richmond.

Other Top Attractions around Richmond

What travellers are saying

• Richmond Castle
• Georgian Theatre Royal
• The Green Howards Museum
• The Station
• Millgate House Garden
• Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
• Friary Tower and Gardens
• Scorton Nature Reserve
• Catterick Racecourse
• Easby Abbey

Call:  01748 825525 / 07740 927 608 Email:  [email protected]

What to Do, Where to Go

Richmond has a wealth of attractions in the town from museums to markets, castle and abbey, pubs, restaurants and cafes, waterfall and walks, shops and galleries, yet it still retains its sense of tranquility..

There is certainly plenty to enjoy! River Swale walks and waterfall; The Georgian Theatre Royal and Museum - the acclaimed Christmas panto is not to be mised; The Regimental Museum of the Green Howards ; Richmond's Norman Castle ; Easby Abbey ; the Richmondshire Museum ; Millgate Gardens ; the Victorian Richmond Station , converted to a three-screen cinema, art gallery, café/restaurant and shops for artisan traders and the River Swale and waterfall.

There are great walks in Richmond, straight from the cottages - our Golden Retriever and Aussiedoodle love the river, the woods, the walk along the old railway track to the abbey or a gallop around the old racecourse.

For days out, we have the beautiful dales for walks and rides, fantastic castles, abbies & historic buildings. Swaledale, Wensleydale and the smaller surrounding dales are all within a short drive. Within 30 minutes’ drive from the town are Jacobean Kiplin Hall and Gardens ; the fabulous Bowes Museum ; Leyburn; Reeth; the Wensleydale Railway ; the Forbidden Corner ; Northallerton; Darlington Railway Museum ,  Shildon's Locomotion Museum , part of the National Railway Museum at York (around one hour's drive or take the train from Northallertonand much more.

The cities of Durham , Ripon and York are all within easy reach as are the seaside towns of Whitby and Victorian Saltburn - charming seaside town less than an hour's drive from Richmond.

20 Good Reasons to Come and Enjoy Your Holidays in the Original Richmond

• Delightful Garden Cottage , sleeps 6 and welcoming children and dogs. Market Place or riverside and woodland walks within 5 – 10 minutes stroll. In town, but out of town with all their benefits!
• Yorkshire In Bloom  - Richmond received silver/gilt award (just 3 points off a gold) and presented with discretionary award for Best New Entrant. Original Richmond featured in BBC2's 'Britain in Bloom' series. Other businesses around town received silver gilt and gold award, including Yorkshire Country Holidays, which received gold for its 1 acre walled garden restoration.
• The Fabulous Walks along the banks of the fast-flowing River Swale, through the woods, along the old railway track, across the retired Georgian Racecourse and into the Dales.
•   MayFest - April 29th - May 1st 2023 A festival of traditional and historical music in the perfect setting! Concerts, sessions, wandering minstrels, maypole dancing, medieval tavern, ceilidh...in veues from he Market Place to the Station to Richmond Castle and most points in between. Lots of the events are totally free.
• The Norman Castle - best preserved Norman keep in the country with amazing views.
• The Georgian Theatre Royal - fabulous tour of the theatre & varied programme of productions 
• One of the best Independent Cinemas in the UK, as described in the Guardian Online "Step into a beautiful Victorian train station, along the River Swale in Richmond, North Yorkshire, to find the lovingly created Station Cinema , with three intimate screens set above the original platforms. You can see the latest films or hire one of the screens for a private viewing. The cafe-bar in the bright, spacious centre will satisfy your palate while you gaze at the art gallery above your heads. Artisan food shops entice you to browse before curtain up. With fewer than 100 seats per screen, it’s always a cosy feel."
• Richmond Walking and Book Festival held each year in September. Books and boots, walks and words...come and enjoy Richmond's unique festival with nine days of book events and guided walks in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
• Richmond Station , a stunning riverside Victorian former railway station, brought back to life as an art gallery and exhibition space, café bar, 3-screen cinema, artisan shops – Richmond Brewing Company, Archers Ice Cream,  Angel’s Share bakery and the Station Gift and Craft Shop.  Open every day (except Christmas Day) 9am - late.
• The Green Howards Regimental Museum telling the story of this illustrious regiment using their unique collection of military artefacts and intensely personal items. Based in the heart of the town.
• Richmondshire Museum This apparently small building is a veritable 'Tardis'! A wide collection of artefacts is on display from the Stone Age to the present day, with the emphasis on local and social history. In the Transport Gallery children (and adults!) will love the marvellous OO scale model of Richmond railway station as it was in 1900 and part of the set used for the making of the film ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ based on the books of vet James Herriot.
• CAMRA’s 2019 North West Yorkshire Pub of the Year - The George and Dragon, Hudswell , very near Richmond – walk through Billy Bank Woods and climb up the 100+ steps to earn your pint!
• Christmas Market   Sunday 5 December 2021 . Around 45 different stalls, in and around the Market Place, including local crafts, unique food and drink stalls, and quirky gifts plus a vintage and retro market, collectables and well-established traders in the Indoor Market including local craft stalls.
• Cycling Richmond. The town was a start town in the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire and in 2019 will played host to the start of the Men’s Junior Road race in the UCI Road World Championship. 
• Swaledale – The River Swale wends its way around Richmond bubbling far below the castle walls over the wide waterfall through the town to eventually meet up with the River Ure to form the Ouse. Swaledale was third best region in the world to visit according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 top 10 regions.
• Swaledale Festival - Annual event from late May - early June. Music, arts and walking in the Yorkshire Dales. Richmond is an excellent base for this long-running festival. 
• Shops and Markets Lots of independent shops and a Saturday market. Buy fresh local produce in the convivial atmosphere of this ancient market town. You’ll soon feel like a ‘local’!  Shortlisted Champion in the Great British High Street Awards 2018. 
• Easby Abbey and the Church of St. Agatha The walk from Richmond to the abbey and church is beautiful and the arrival rewarding. Easby Abbey or the Abbey of St Agatha is a ruined Premonstratensian abbey on the eastern bank of the River Swale. The site is maintained by English Heritage and can be reached by a riverside walk from Richmond Castle. Admission is free. St. Agatha's Church is famous for its 13th century wall paintings, probably the finest in North Yorkshire. This peaceful church was founded on a site that has been a holy place for centuries. The marvellous Medieval wall paintings take your breath away!
•  Richmond MayFest, Saturday 30 April - Monday 2 May 2022 - the first of this new annual Richmond event. Traditional and historical music in the perfect setting.  Concerts, sessions, wandering minstrels, maypole dancing, medieval tavern, ceilidh and more in venues from the Market Place to The Station to Richmond Castle and most points in between. https://www.richmondmayfest.org  
• Location, Location, Location – Only 5 miles from the A1M or the A66 Richmond is convenient to reach and equally convenient for days out to the many nearby Yorkshire and Co. Durham attractions including castles, museums, art galleries, the birthplace of the railways, Swaledale and Wensleydale, the moors and the coast. Market towns, racecourses, waterfalls and walks are all within easy reach. 

For more information about what to do and events in Richmond, please visit www.richmond.org  

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White Water Tubing

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Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe 2024

North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

1-Hour Public Cruise

Top attractions in richmond.

Other Top Attractions around Richmond

What travellers are saying

• Richmond Castle
• Georgian Theatre Royal
• The Green Howards Museum
• The Station
• Millgate House Garden
• Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
• Friary Tower and Gardens
• Scorton Nature Reserve
• Catterick Racecourse
• Easby Abbey

Things to do Around Richmond, Yorkshire

Places approx 30 mins away or less.

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle is situated in  County Durham  in the north east of England, in a beautiful area known as Teesdale. The town grew up around the Norman castle of the same name, and is affectionately known to locals as “Barney”.

Barnard Castle lies south west of the City and county town of  Durham , and west of  Darlington , which is well known for its ground-breaking railway history. Barnard Castle is an appropriate starting point for visiting the Lake District.

http://www.aboutbritain.com/

Bowes Museum

A huge French château in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle in the midst of Teesdale, housing outstanding collections of European fine and decorative art.

As well as the museums permanent collection there are various events throughout the year which have included, an exhibition of over 60 works by David Hockney, as well as ceramic, photography and fashion events. See website for details.

Their 18th century silver swan automaton is one of the most loved objects, and for conservation purposes is only played once a day at 2.00pm.

http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1833 690606

Egglestone Abbey

The charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian ‘white canons’, picturesquely set above a bend in the River Tees near Barnard Castle.

Remains include much of the 13th century church and a range of living quarters, with traces of their ingenious toilet drainage system.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/ Tel:+44 (0)370 333 1181

Kiplin Hall

The Jacobean country seat of the founder of Maryland, George Calvert. This intriguing house is now furnished as a comfortable Victorian home with 17 rooms open to the public as well as the beautiful gardens.

http://www.kiplinhall.co.uk Tel:01748 818178

Historic Yorkshire Dales market town, with Norman castle, Georgian architecture, a large cobbled market place, museums, monuments by the fast flowing river Swale.

http://www.richmond.org/

Catterick Races

Catterick Racecourse is one of the true homes of the Northern racing scene – a venue steeped in tradition and a favourite among many of the region’s owners, trainers and racing public.

https://www.catterickbridge.co.uk Tel:01748 811478

Rokeby Park

The house at Rokeby Park was built in 1725 and is known for its exquisite needlework ‘paintings’ created in the 1700’s by Anne Eliza Morritt, the sister of the owner.

http://www.rokebypark.com Tel:01833 695692

Egglestone Hall Gardens

Known as the ‘Secret Garden of the North’ the gardens consist of 4.5 acres of winding paths and walls that lead you along planted borders, complete with a stream and a 16 th  Century churchyard.

http://www.egglestonhallgardens.co.uk Tel:01833 650 230

Raby Castle

One of the best-preserved castle’s in North East England, Lord Barnard’s home provides over 600 years of history and a glimpse of life throughout the ages. With examples of fine interiors and architecture spanning the Medieval, Victorian, Georgian and Regency periods providing a magnificent backdrop for the stunning art collection.

http://www.rabycastle.com Tel: 01833 660202

PLACES APPROX ONE HOUR AWAY or less

The Forbidden Corner

The Forbidden Corner is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and surprises  created within a four acre garden in the heart of Tupgill Park and the Yorkshire Dales.

http://www.theforbiddencorner.co.uk Tel:(+44) 01969 640638

Beamish Village & Museum

Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, and discover what life was like in North East England in the 1820s,1910s and 1940s. Beamish is a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring to life the Town, Pit Village, Home Farm and Pockerley Old Hall.

http://www.beamish.org.uk Tel: 0191 370 4000

Castle Howard

Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of North Yorkshire. Visit and enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring family stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy woodland and lakeside walks, and let off steam on the adventure playground

http://www.castlehoward.co.uk Tel: 01653 648333

We look forward to welcoming you. Please give us a call or send us an email and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with your booking.

[email protected] 01325 718373

Please note the property is non-smoking throughout. Designated areas are available outside of the Manor. Due to the historic nature of the building and contents, we are unable to accept Hen or Stag do events on site.

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