Visit Richmond - Yorkshire's Original

Discover Richmond

Discover Richmond, Yorkshire, which was founded by the Normans in 1071. To this day, Richmond is a vibrant market town, set around a large and interesting marketplace, alongside the impressive Richmond Castle, which overlooks the River Swale.

Richmond is the perfect entry point to the northern Yorkshire Dales, with a range of good food and drink and overnight stay options in and around the town. There is also a cinema, in the old station, several art galleries, a swimming pool and – or course – a range of glorious outdoor options such as walking, biking, horse riding and so much more.

It’s the Original Richmond, with 56 other Richmonds around the world named after it – and you should make sure you visit at least once.

Richmond Accommodation

There’s many places to stay, from hotels, B&Bs and a huge variety of self catering holiday cottages in the town and surrounding countryside. Because Richmond is the postal town for a lot of the surrounding villages, you’ll find a broad range of options dotted across the Richmond zone – there’s sure to be a perfect fit for your visit, but booking early in peak times is almost essential, at this popular town. See also our Richmond hotels page and B&Bs available.

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Latest News & Inspiration

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About Richmond

Visitors love the impressive castle keep, riverside setting and elegant Georgian architecture.

The fast-flowing River Swale meanders around the edge of the town offering lovely riverside walks from the former Station to the waterfall, the ruins of Easby Abbey or through Billy Banks Woods, which climb steeply above the river to Round Howe.

It’s no surprise that Richmond attracts so many artists – the views are stunning. The surrounding countryside delights walkers and cyclists alike.

Richmond is a gateway to the rugged beauty of Swaledale, and the Northern Yorkshire Dales.

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Richmond 950

In 2021 in Richmond, the castle and the town celebrated a big birthday – as the town reached 950 years old!

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Richmond on the map

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Richmond Fact Pack

1. Richmond is a market town in North Yorkshire, England, located on the River Swale.
2. The town is known for its Georgian architecture and is considered one of the most attractive towns in the UK.
3. Richmond is home to the ruins of a medieval castle, which was built by the Normans in the 11th century.
4. The castle was one of the most important defensive structures in northern England during the medieval period.
5. Richmond was founded in 1071 by the Normans, who named it “Riche Mount,” meaning “strong hill.”
6. The town’s market square dates back to the 12th century and is still used for markets today.
7. Richmond has a population of approximately 8,000 people.
8. The town is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
9. Richmond has a long history of military presence, with a number of regiments having been stationed in the town over the years.
10. The town is home to the Green Howards Regimental Museum, which showcases the history of the regiment.
11. The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond is the oldest working theatre in its original form in the UK.
12. The town has a number of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as several supermarkets.
13. Richmond has a weekly market on Saturdays, where you can buy local produce, crafts, and gifts.
14. The town is home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Richmond Walking and Book Festival.
15. The River Swale is popular for fishing, with salmon and trout being the main catches.
16. The town has several parks and green spaces, including Richmond Castle Gardens and the Friary Gardens.
17. Richmond is situated on the Coast to Coast Walk, a 192-mile long-distance footpath that runs across northern England.

Where next?

Head up Swaledale to the charming town of Reeth, or for urban conveniences, hit the A1 towards Ripon, Harrogate, Wetherby & Leeds.