Welcome to Richmond; the “Culture Capital” of North Yorkshire
Whatever your cultural tastes, Richmond has something for you.
The Georgian Theatre Royal
Built in 1788, The Georgian Theatre Royal is the UK’s oldest working theatre in its original form. It is a living theatre with shows all year round. Guided back-stage tours are suitable for children and adults alike and run every hour on the hour (March to October, 10am until 4pm Monday to Saturday, with the last tour starting at 3pm). Enthusiastic guides will entertain you with the fascinating story of the Theatre as well as providing a colourful insight into life in Georgian England. Find out who has graced the historic stage over the centuries and discover how the early actors lived and worked, walking miles between venues with their families in tow.
Richmond Castle
Towering above the river Swale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle has been an imposing sight since its foundation in the 1070s.
The castle is one of the finest and most complete 11th-century fortresses in the country. With a history that spans centuries, from the Norman Conquest to the First World War, there is much to discover about this fascinating site.
The Green Howards Museum
300 years of friendship and adventure, service and sacrifice; this museum presents the history of this illustrious regiment through the eyes of the soldiers who served. Housed in a former church in the centre of the market place, the museum is a light, bright, place with loads to discover for all the family and features a range of activities for younger visitors. The collection includes equipment, artwork, silver, medals (including Victoria Crosses) uniforms and personal items donated to the regiment throughout the centuries. There are regular special exhibitions, so there’s always something new to explore. There is also a great gift shop; perfect for picking up a present, or a treat for yourself.
Richmondshire Museum
A local history museum that is full of interesting exhibitions both permanent and seasonal. We hold the BBC film set for All Creatures Great and Small, a reconstruction of a Cruck House and the original Fenwick shop. We tell the stories of Richmondshire from early times right up until the late 1900s. There are plenty of activities for children both daily and additional at certain times throughout the school holidays, these are at no extra charge and children are free. A perfect start to a stay in the beautiful town of Richmond.
Easby Abbey
Easby Abbey is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Britain of the Premonstratensian order. It was founded in about 1152 by Roald, constable of Richmond, and later enjoyed the patronage of the Scrope family. After its suppression in 1536 the buildings rapidly lapsed into ruin, before becoming an object of interest for antiquarians and Romantic artists in the 18th and 19th centuries. The grandeur of the surviving buildings testifies to the success and wealth of the abbey.
This is a highly enjoyable short walk along the River Swale to the Abbey. The route follows the Old Railway to a bridge over the River Swale before returning along a riverside path.
The Station
The Station is a vibrant creative space; a cinema, a cafe, a gallery, and a place to shop. The Station is a community hub where people can get together and create memories; a place where film, food and art are enjoyed in the unique setting of Richmond’s lovingly re-imagined railway station buildings. A place to catch up over coffee; see an exhibition; watch a film; shop for local produce and gifts; or share a meal with family and friends.
Cake!
If your cultural cup floweth over then retire to one of the many fantastic cafes or restaurants in Richmond that sell a mouthwatering selection of cakes, pies and scones. The Little Drummer Boy on Finkle Street is a must if you like scones or Mocha in the Market Square who do a mighty fine latte. Artisan food merchants abound in this small North Yorkshire town. Try a Taylor’s pork pie from The Noted Pie Shop on the corner of King Street, choose from a delightful array of cheeses at the Cheese Press shop and if you have more of a sweet tooth the artisan chocolates in Mocha are to die for.
Restaurants
A visitor to Richmond is spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants. We have a dizzying array of cuisines from Italian to Spanish and Thai to French. Ask the staff for their recommendations.
Beer!
A short drive into the Yorkshire Dales from Richmond are two iconic breweries; Theakstons and The Black Sheep breweries both situated in Masham where you can have tours and sample some of their wares. But watch out! No drink driving please!
Walking
Richmond is also on Alfred Wainwright’s iconic Coast to Coast walk and a popular stopover point for walkers. The Coast to Coast Path has established itself as one of England’s classic long distance walks. It travels 193 miles, from the sea cliffs of St Bees on the Irish Sea, to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea.
The quality and variety of this walk is recognised internationally, with walkers travelling from around the globe to complete the walk.
Art Galleries
If you like art galleries then Richmond is for you, for as well as the galleries at The Station there are also galleries in Richmond such as The Lucy Pittaway and The Mackenzie Thorpe galleries which you will find in Finkle street just off the Market Square.
