Did you know there are over 40 Richmonds in the world? The original and best Richmond is in Swaledale! 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, which sounds a stretch but if you look down at the coloured roofs from the castle, you can sort of see what he meant... Winding lanes, and sloping, hilly roads add to the beautiful skyline.
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. 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, Richmond, North Yorkshire: 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.
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'!
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 several shops and restaurant.
From the station, there's a beautiful and relatively flat walk along the river Swale towards the ruins of Easby Abbey.
Photo: Guy Carpenter
