Richmond, Yorkshire travel guide and Richmond information

Visit Richmond

Richmond is a market town situated to the north of the county of North Yorkshire, on the River Swale and near the north-eastern border of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Richmond knew its period of greatest prosperity during the 17th and 18th centuries, with wealth from the local mining industry - hence many of the most impressive buildings in the town date from this Georgian - Victorian period.

Predominantly centred in and around the large open cobbled market place in the centre of the town, which also contains the Church of the Holy Trinity, this attractive traditional Yorkshire town also has a good selection of shops, cafes and pubs. The main weekly market in Richmond is held on a Saturday in the central market place.

Visit the local Richmondshire Museum in the town to learn more about the history and events that have shaped Richmond over the centuries along with artefacts from daily life and recreations of local shops.

Richmond Castle

The town originally developed around its castle, a Norman castle constructed around 1086, and Richmond Castle is still the main attraction in the town, as it has been for almost 200 years. The castle, now managed by English Heritage, has substantial ruins including a large keep (added to the castle at the end of the 12th century), a Great hall, and substantial portions of the original defensive walls and towers. The views across Richmond and the region from the top of the keep are very impressive.

Places to visit near Richmond

On the edge of Richmond there are some very scenic views along the Swale River including Richmond Falls, where the river cascades across a picturesque series of rock ledges.

The substantial ruins of 12th century Easby Abbey are a short walk from Richmond

You can find more local travel ideas in the Yorkshire Dales guide and the North Yorkshire guide.