Richmond - the cultural capital of the Yorkshire Dales
Richmond Castle
DId you know there are over 40 Richmonds in the world? Of course the original, and best Richmond is in Swaledale, North Yorkshire!
Founded by the Normans in 1071, Richmond is a vibrant market town. Visitors love the impressive castle keep, riverside setting and elegant Georgian architecture, particularly in Newbiggin and around the large cobbled Market Place. Prince Charles even compared it to the grand piazza of Siena in Tuscany. Winding lanes, and sloping, hilly roads add to the beautiful skyline.
Richmond is making a name for itself as the Cultural Capital of the Yorkshire Dales. With a castle, one of the oldest theatres in England, great museums, galleries and countless arts groups and events, it's easy to see why so many visitors come to enjoy Richmond's cultural attractions.
Founded by the Normans in 1071, Richmond is a vibrant market town. Visitors love the impressive castle keep, riverside setting and elegant Georgian architecture, particularly in Newbiggin and around the large cobbled Market Place. Prince Charles even compared it to the grand piazza of Siena in Tuscany. Winding lanes, and sloping, hilly roads add to the beautiful skyline.
Richmond is making a name for itself as the Cultural Capital of the Yorkshire Dales. With a castle, one of the oldest theatres in England, great museums, galleries and countless arts groups and events, it's easy to see why so many visitors come to enjoy Richmond's cultural attractions.
Georgian Theatre Royal
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Marvel at the views from Richmond Castle looking out over the Swale, discover its history, be moved by the graffiti drawn by conscientious objectors in the 19th century cell block and explore the Cockpit Garden.
There are two ways you can enjoy the Georgian Theatre Royal: by going to a performance or joining a tour to see behind the scenes. Britain's most complete Georgian playhouse, built in 1788. The tour includes the distinctive three-tiered auditorium, hidden trap doors, and stars’ dressing rooms. There's even a chance to tread the boards of the historic stage itself. The new exhibition area gives visitors an opportunity to find out more about the lives of Georgian actors and their 18th century audiences, with a range of displays and presentations. |
Richmond has two excellent museums. The Green Howards Museum tells a three hundred year story of real people's courage, friendship, service and sacrifice through their collection of military artefacts and intensely personal items. As the name implies, it has a special focus on the well-known local regiment, the Green Howards. At the Richmondshire Museum you can learn all about the social history of the area and even see the surgery set from the BBC TV James Herriot series 'All Creatures Great and Small'!
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Down the hill you'll find the former Richmond Station, now transformed into a wonderful venue housing a cinema, a gallery with changing exhibitions and the fantastic Shop at the Station, alongside food and drink businesses including the Station Cafe Bar, Kacao Chocolaterie, The Angel's Share Bakery, Richmond Brewing Company, and Archer's Jersey Ice Cream.
From the station, there's a beautiful and relatively flat walk along the river Swale towards the ruins of Easby Abbey. Make sure you wander in and out of Richmond's beautiful cobbled square, side streets and narrow wynds to see Richmond’s many historic buildings, beautiful views and to discover galleries such as The Showcase Gallery, Lucy Pittaway, Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus Gallery, and Stacey Moore Gallery. When you've done all that you really must go and indulge in one of Mocha's fantastic hot chocolates. You might also enjoy making foodie discoveries at Wilfred Deli, Jeffersons and Brooke's. |
Recommended place to stay in Richmond
Richmond is at least as beautiful and atmospheric by night as it is by day, so you'll need somewhere special to stay. We recommend Cordilleras House, a luxurious Bed and Breakfast run by lovely Liz, in a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, close to the market square. It's the perfect place to step back from the world and enjoy feeling cosseted in one of their large bedrooms with crisp Egyptian cotton bedding, deep, pocket-sprung mattresses, a large screen TV with DVD player, a well-stocked refreshment tray and excellent bathrooms. They even have a hot tub!
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