Our Favourite Places to Visit in Richmond
Wednesday 22nd June, 2022 by hs-admin
Hotspot: Richmond – Where to… Visit
Located just outside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you’ll find the picturesque market town of Richmond. With its cobblestone streets, bustling marketplace and well-preserved architectural gems, this charming town is the perfect spot for a staycation.
Richmond’s old town is set on a narrow peninsula, at the confluence of the River Swale and the River Ure. It’s surrounded by stunning countryside that’s ideal for hiking, biking and fishing, and is also home to quite some history, being the original of no less than 105 Richmonds worldwide.
Here are our top places to see on your visit:
Richmond Castle
With its breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle fully deserves its title of the best-preserved example of an early Norman castle in England. As a Grade I listed building, it stands on a hill overlooking the River Swale, which separates North Yorkshire from Cumbria.
Richmond Castle was first constructed in 1071, and is positioned strategically in the heart of a massive estate. It played a crucial role in the Norman invasion, being used to pacify the North of England in the late 11th century.
Over time the castle has been remodelled and added onto, but it still retains many of its original architectural elements. If you’re interested in renovations and historical architecture, you’ll find this castle fascinating to explore.
You don’t need to book your visit in advance, but you will always get the best price and guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit. Prices start at £7.80 but entry is free if you have an English Heritage membership.
The Station
Inside the now-converted Richmond Yorkshire Train station, you’ll find ‘The Station’. No trains have run through the station since its closure in 1969, but it’s now home to one of the UK’s best independent cinemas as well as a café bar, micro-brewery, art gallery and a range of local independent shops.
Located close to Richmond’s swimming pool, The Station is right in the hustle and bustle of Richmond’s centre, and with plenty to do under one roof, it’s a perfect day trip for families and visitors of all ages.
Pop along and watch a movie in the cinema, buy your tickets from the Victorian era train ticket office, or take in an exhibition at the in-house art gallery – there’s so much to do and see, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Green Howards Museum
Located in the old Trinity Church in the centre of Richmond marketplace, you’ll find a building with over three hundred years of history under one roof.
In November 1688, the Green Howards were created as an infantry regiment. They served for 318 years before combining with the Prince of Wales’ Own Yorkshire Regiment and the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in 2006 to establish The Yorkshire Regiment.
With a collection of more than 35,000 objects, they have a selection of some of the best exhibited, charting the history of The Green Howards over time. On your visit you’ll see thousands of items worn and used by regular, militia, volunteer and territorial battalions, from uniforms and medals to weaponry, personal documents and photographs all dating back to the 1700’s.
If you’d like to learn even more about the Green Howards Regiment in person, be sure to check out their list of events and exhibitions where you’ll be walked through some of the most prolific events in history. Staff are more than happy to answer any burning questions you may have, and will be on hand to guide you through the museum.
There’s also a souvenir shop with plenty of books, clothing, trinkets and other items bearing the regiment’s insignia, so you can pick up a souvenir to commemorate your time here.
The museum is fully accessible and everyone is welcome, including your dogs. Admission is £5 and free for under 10’s.
The Georgian Theatre Royal
The self-proclaimed ‘Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse’, the Georgian Theatre Royal is wall to wall history!
Built in 1788 by actor-manager Samuel Butler, it was regularly used for performances until 1830 and then had a variety of other purposes including being used as an auction room and wine vault. Then, in 1963, the building underwent a significant programme of restoration, allowing it to reopen as a theatre.
The theatre itself is small and cosy, giving you a much more intimate experience than in many theatres, with the furthest seat being less than 11 metres from the stage and its woodland theme bringing any production to life.
Aside from an array of amazing theatre productions and performances, the Georgian Theatre Royal also offers an amazing experience for all by offering a unique insight into secrets of the past. During your visit you can also tour the exhibition area to learn more about the history of the theatre and life as a Georgian actor in the 18th century.
If Richmond sounds right up your street, head over to our website to find a fantastic selection of holiday homes in the heart of Richmond and surrounding areas.
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