Ten things to do in Richmond

Oozing old-fashioned charm, the North Yorkshire town of Richmond is packed with architectural delights and historical wonders fanning out from its cobbled marketplace. The magnificent Norman castle, Georgian theatre and abbey demand investigation while the surrounding countryside with its mesmerising river and waterfalls provides unbeatable walks. 

You’re spoilt for retail and entertainment opportunities too, with an unrivalled arts centre, unique independent shops and a tempting farm shop close at hand.

Staying in one of the stone cottages typical of the region is a glorious way to get a feel of this elegant market town – your next Yorkshire Dales cottage holiday is just a click away. 

Skip to:

Richmond Castle 

Unmissable is the word for Richmond Castle, both because you can’t miss it, located as it is high on a promontory overlooking the River Swale at the south of the town, and also because it’s a must-see - one of the best-preserved Norman castles in England.

Climb to the top of the keep for magnificent views of Richmond, immerse yourself in the history of the castle in the interactive exhibition and then stroll around the Cockpit Garden, a carefully maintained green area within the castle walls. 

Easby Abbey

Set in the tiny hamlet of Easby on the outskirts of Richmond, the romantic ruins of Easby Abbey have inspired many an artist, including JMW Turner, and it’s easy to see why. Although Henry VIII did his worst during the dissolution of the monasteries, the bones of the place are still a stirring sight, with the refectory, gatehouse and dormitory still visible. 

The tranquillity of this riverside spot will invite you to rest, reflect and transport yourself back to the 1100s, when white-robed Premonstratensian canons (clerics in a religious community rather than monks) lived here. 

The Georgian Theatre Royal

Grade I-listed, The Georgian Theatre Royal is a visual treat in itself as well as a contemporary venue and is the most complete working playhouse of its age in Britain. Take a tour around the beautifully restored theatre and learn about its history (£8 for adults, £3 for children) before settling down to an evening of cracking live entertainment. The programme of shows throughout the year includes stand-up comedy, musicals, productions by the in-house youth theatre and performances by regional theatre companies.

The Station Richmond

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Richmond Station may just be a useful transport link but in fact it’s a destination in its own right. It was once the terminus of the Eryholme-Richmond branch line but when the trains finally stopped running in 1969 it became a garden centre for 30 years before being reimagined in 2007 as a vibrant community hub. 

There is a three-screen independent cinema, art gallery, café/bar and range of local businesses all housed under the stunning glass roof in this carefully restored Victorian building.

Richmond Falls 

Estimated to be the last set of waterfalls before the River Swale reaches the lowlands of the Vale of Mowbray, the beautiful Richmond Falls are ever-changing depending on the weather. When there’s been a downpour, the waterfall transforms from two distinct cascades into one continuous tumbling froth of water. In dry weather a series of rocky steps are revealed, creating perfect platforms to sit on. 

The falls are situated between Richmond Bridge (also known as the Green Bridge) and Mercury Bridge, on the steep riverbank by Richmond Castle. There’s a dam just after Richmond Bridge which creates a break in the flow.

The River Swale in Richmond   

Said to ‘rusheth rather than runneth’, the River Swale is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in England. This is because the nearby lead mines on the hillsides stripped the landscape of drainage and created rapid water channels to flush out the iron ore. 

The Swale wraps itself around the southside of Richmond, with many riverside spots for watching the world go by. Talking of spectator sports, just by Mercury Bridge is Clink Pool, a stretch where the river becomes very deep, which was once thought to be the location for a ducking stool. The shingle beach on one side provided the natural amphitheatre for this grisly 14^th-century activity.

Swale Circular Walk 

A gorgeous way to take in the exterior of Richmond Castle, visit Easby Abbey and meander along the banks of the River Swale, this circular walk is a gentle 4 miles. You’ll start at the Obelisk in the marketplace and follow the river downstream to the ancient ruins before walking along the disused railway track into the woods and descending down to the river again, with superb views of the castle looming above. 

Look out for the plaque commemorating the Drummer Boy. Local legend has it that this 18^th-century soldier squeezed into an underground tunnel linking the castle and abbey, but the drumming tragically stopped before he reached his destination.

Mainsgill Farm Shop  

Homegrown and wholesome is the name of the game at Mainsgill Farm Shop. This wonderful, family-run establishment has been farming for 30 years and offers the highest quality, traditionally reared beef, lamb and pork in their tearoom and is also available to buy in the shop.

They support local suppliers and there is a running programme of tasting events throughout the year, from breweries to cheesemakers showcasing their wares and inviting you to try a sample.

It’s not just food to tempt you, there’s also an inviting gift shop and clothing department to browse around. Kids will love saying hello to some of the animals that live at Mainsgill Farm which includes llamas, ostriches, emus, camels and four giant tortoises!

Richmond Market Place

Head to the cobbled square in Richmond which serves as the locus for all the inviting shops, cafes and pubs in the area. Independent bookshops are always worth a visit and Castle Hill Bookshop is no exception. Wilfred Deli & Pantry offers amazing soups, pastries and salads to take away plus there’s even a holiday cottage menu! The Lucy Pittaway Gallery offers her adorable prints plus distinctive homeware and gifts.

There’s a traditional market every Saturday, plus an indoor market selling arts and crafts. You won’t fail to spot the handsome stone obelisk in the centre, which hides an unusual secret. It was built in 1771 to cover a 12,000-gallon reservoir that provided the town’s water supply, and was piped in from a hillside spring. 

Explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Since Richmond is on the north-west doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you need to put aside time to visit this windswept and wonderful landscape. As you leave the town there’s Swaledale to explore, flanked by Wensleydale and the less well-known Arkengarthdale. It’s worth paying a visit or staying in Reeth where you can enjoy 360-degree views of dramatic Swaledale countryside from the village green. 

Whatever the season, there’s nature in abundance, from waterfalls to wildflower meadows, leaping salmon to soaring buzzards. You’ll also be spoilt for breathtaking geological vistas including Kisdon Force, Buckden Pike and Aysgarth Falls.

Map of things to do in Richmond

Plan your visit to Richmond with this map showing the best things to see and do in the market town,

Places to stay in Richmond 

Whether you fancy a cosy cottage right in the heart of this enchanting corner of North Yorkshire or prefer something a little more tucked away where you and the doggo can walk for miles in unspoilt scenery, there’s a range of beautifully preserved period properties to give you a traditional Yorkshire welcome.