Richmond - the cultural capital of the Yorkshire Dales
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.
A wander around Richmond’s cobbled square is a must to discover the many side streets and narrow winds that lead to Richmond’s many historic buildings and beautiful views. Alongside this there are various galleries to discover, such as The Showcase Gallery, Lucy Pittaway, Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus Gallery, and Stacey Moore Gallery. All this of course is hungry work, making a visit to local eateries essential including Wilfred Deli, Jeffersons and Brooke's.
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.
A wander around Richmond’s cobbled square is a must to discover the many side streets and narrow winds that lead to Richmond’s many historic buildings and beautiful views. Alongside this there are various galleries to discover, such as The Showcase Gallery, Lucy Pittaway, Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus Gallery, and Stacey Moore Gallery. All this of course is hungry work, making a visit to local eateries essential including Wilfred Deli, Jeffersons and Brooke's.
Richmond Castle
Originally built in 1071 only five years after the Norman conquest of 1066 Richmond castle is noted to be one of the largest and best preserved castles of its time. Located at the heart of the town visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the dales or a picturesque walk along the Swale. The Cockpit Garden within the castle walls is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch and provides those with a keen eye a great overview of its formal layout from above.
A closer look within the castle allows visitors to uncover the story of the Richmond Sixteen a group of conscientious objectors in the First World War, sentenced to death for their unwavering commitment to pacifism. Thousands of pieces of graffiti haVE been scratched and drawn onto the limewashed walls of their 19th century cellblock, ranging from bible verses to portraits of family members, providing a moving glimpse into their experiences.
A closer look within the castle allows visitors to uncover the story of the Richmond Sixteen a group of conscientious objectors in the First World War, sentenced to death for their unwavering commitment to pacifism. Thousands of pieces of graffiti haVE been scratched and drawn onto the limewashed walls of their 19th century cellblock, ranging from bible verses to portraits of family members, providing a moving glimpse into their experiences.
Georgian Theatre Royal
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The Georgian Theatre Royal originally built in 1788 opens up a new world for visitors inside the theatre to learn about the actors and audiences in Georgian theatre. 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 recently added exhibition allows visitors to discover more about the lives of Georgian actors with a range of displays and presentations. With the furthest seat being only 11 meters away the theatre creates an authentic sense of intimacy enhanced further with the simulated candle lustre lighting. All this is to be discovered through a tour of Britain’s oldest working theatre in its original form! |
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The Green Howards Museum contains a collection of military artifacts and intensely personal belongings to tell a three hundred year story of real people’s courage, friendship, service and sacrifice. The museum is named after the well-known local regiment, the Green Howards therefore focusing especially on local forces. The Richmondshire Museum allows visitors to learn 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'! |
Richmond Station
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Recently transformed into a wonder local venue the former Richmond Station now houses 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. There really is something for every visitor! Remaining true to its original purpose, Richmond Station represents a great departure point for a beautiful and relatively flat walk along the river Swale to the ruins of Easby Abbey. |
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Culloden stands proud in a field on the edge of Richmond overlooking the River Swale. The name of the tower refers to the victory of the Duke of Cumberland over Bonnie Prince Charlie at the battle of Culloden in 1746. Originally built as a folly in around 1746, the architect was likely Daniel Garrett, who was very fond of the Palladian style of architecture. Garrett was known for his design of Rococo plasterwork. The tower has a rectangular base suggesting it may have been used as a watch tower to keep an eye on any pesky Scots but now serves to be a holiday let ran by the Landmark Trust. The tower is open for two days in August free of charge to the public as part of Richmond's Georgian Festival, so if you can make it up the 66 stairs you are rewarded with unusual octagonal rooms and wonderful views! |
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Visitors in Yorkshire have a wide array of castles, abbeys and listed buildings to explore but one that is often overlooked is Easby Abbey. Lying on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales it is quite an easy walk along the River Swale from Richmond.
English Heritage describe Easby Abbey as 'one of the best preserved monasteries of the 12th century Premonstratensian order' (the white canons). It's thought to have stood since 1152 and although it's now in ruins you can still make out the gatehouse, dormitory and refectory. The church is still in use and has some rare 13th century wall paintings. |
