For a memorable day out in one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque towns, head to Richmond. Just an hour or so drive from Newcastle, it has a rich history, beautiful views and landscapes, a lot of charm in the town, and offers an idyllic destination for a day of exploration. Here’s my suggestions for things to do in Richmond North Yorkshire, that takes it all in.

Parking in Richmond

Richmond town centre has plenty of parking spots with free parking for two hours in the main centre and market place, providing you use the parking disc that you can get from the local shops. There is also metered parking around the town, and a car park at the bottom of the hill right by the river and Richmond Falls.

Things to do in Richmond North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is known for it’s friendly locals, excellent tea, and beautiful landscape across the Yorkshire Dales. Visiting Richmond will include all of these things, so we’ll be covering the sights to see, of which there are plenty despite it being a relatively small town, things to do, where to get the best views, and some suggestions for places to eat and drink. 

Richmond Castle

An unmistakable landmark with beautiful views of the town and surrounding countryside, Richmond Castle dates back to the 11th Century and the ruins are well preserved. Explore the ruins inside and discover the history, then make your way to the top of the castle Keep for panoramic views of the town and River Swale.

English Heritage members can visit inside the castle for free, or you can book online here to visit which makes it slightly cheaper. 

If you don’t want to go inside, you can still get some great views of it just by wandering around the town, it sits proudly overlooking everything. There are a number of castle walks to enjoy, which are signposted, and this website is a great collection put together by a number of Yorkshire walkers. 

Richmond Falls and the River Swale

Wander along the River Swale to find the picturesque and very serene Richmond Falls. The waterfalls themselves are impressive, and just before they start to cascade down the river you’ll find a tranquil spot where you can paddle, dogs can go in the water, or you can just unwind and admire the view amidst greenery.

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, it’s a really peaceful spot for relaxation or a picturesque backdrop for photography. There is a car park here, and a hut selling ice creams and coffees. A walk back up the hill from here offers further lovely views.

Richmond Market Place

A historical market town, Richmond Market Place is a lovely place to wander around along the cobbled, quaint streets. The Georgian architecture is lined with charming shops, boutiques and cafes, so you could easily potter around for a couple of hours browsing.

A typical Market Place, it’s a bustling and historic hub in the heart of the town, and it truly comes to life on Saturdays and Wednesdays which are market days. The stalls offer fresh produce, artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and lots more.

Visit the Georgian Theatre Royal

Richmond is home to the UK’s oldest working theater, the Georgian Theatre Royal, which puts on captivating performances and rich cultural experiences. As well as performances, you can visit for historical tours to learn about the theatre itself and it’s history. 

Plan your visit and see what’s on via the theatre website. 

The Green Howards Regimental Museum

Delve into the military past of the region at this fascinating museum that showcases captivating exhibits and stories, honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Green Howards Regiment – a fascinating journey through the military past of the region.

Find the museum in Trinity Church Square, key information for your visit is that it is dog friendly and fully accessible, tickets are £7 per adult, and they’re open Monday – Saturday. See further details on the Green Howards Museum website here. 

Visit Richmondshire Museum

Another cultured spot that seems fairly unassuming from the outside is Richmondshire Museum, which showcases the region’s heritage, from local crafts to industrial history. It’s tucked away not far from the Market Place, and is also open Monday to Saturday.

It’s £6 per adult to visit, and you can find all the information and plan your trip on their website here. 

Easby Abbey

This one isn’t in the centre of Richmond, 2 miles out but Easby Abbey is an atmospheric ruin popular for a visit if you’re in the area. The ruined monetary has incredible views over the Yorkshire Dales, and is a picturesque spot in its own right with huge arches and a charming church. 

Stay at Millgate House

Millgate House and Gardens isn’t open to the general public to visit, but this B&B is incredibly popular due it’s gardens. They have received a number of mentions, awards and praise including from the likes of Alan Titchmarsh, for their beauty and scenic setting, with flowerbeds, winding paths, and the backdrop of Richmond Castle. 

Take a look at Millgate House B&B here. 

Glamp at Forcett Grange Wigwams

An alternative type of stay nearby is Forcett Grange glamping, which a glamping pods on a dog friendly site nearby, about a ten minute drive. They’re dog and family friendly, have hot tubs, and are a really fun way to experience the region.

Read my review of Forcett Grange here.

Where to eat, drink and shop in Richmond, North Yorkshire

Sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy the daily life of a place, so once you’ve exhausted all the big sights and things to do in Richmond, North Yorkshire, you might like to just enjoy the cafes, pubs and shops. Here’s some not to miss: 

Enjoy a Yorkshire tea at one of the towns cafes

Yorkshire tea, delicious pastries, scones and treats await in the many lovely little cafes within the town. The staff at every one I’ve been to are so nice and welcoming, with my personal favourite being the Little Drummer Boy. It was so popular, is dog friendly, and seemed to be a busy place for the locals – so it must be good! 

There was outside seating which was still usable even if the weather isn’t great,  is best known for its delicious coffee, scrumptious pancakes, hearty breakfast options, and is on a bustling street with lots of boutiques and independent shops to explore. Granny’s Kitchen and Bakery also came highly recommended.

Noted Pie Shop

The Noted pie shop in Richmond is a delightful culinary gem, renowned for its mouthwatering selection of savory and sweet pies. With a rustic feel to it, it offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere to savor the pies of all kinds. 

From traditional meat pies bursting with rich flavors to fruit-filled pies, this place promises a true gastronomic treat for pie lovers. Whether you’re craving a classic steak and ale pie or a scrumptious apple crumble, the noted pie shop is a must-visit.

Castle Hill Bookshop 

This very cute little book shop is nestled in the heart of Richmond. Small and independent it still offers an extensive collection of both new releases and timeless classics, for all literary tastes.

Pubs and Restaurants

There are plenty of traditional British pubs in Richmond, to name a few the Buck Inn, the Black Lion, Number 29 Alehouse tapas and gin bar, and the Ralph Fitz Randal.

Whether you’re visiting Richmond North Yorkshire to stay and explore the region further, or just to visit for the day, this historic town has plenty to offer to make your time enjoyable and memorable. The locals play a very big part in that, with Yorkshire hospitality out in force, and everyone has the time of day for you. Enjoy your visit!