Richmond, Yorkshire: where to stay, what to do and why it works as a Dales base

Richmond is not just somewhere to sleep between drives. It is a destination in its own right.

The town is dominated by Richmond Castle, one of the finest remaining Norman fortresses in the country, which stands high above the River Swale and gives the place much of its dramatic shape and identity. The old town gathers around the castle, while the great cobbled market place opens into a distinctly Georgian centre. Official local and regional visitor material also highlights the Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmondshire Museum, the Green Howards Museum, The Station and the town’s independent shops, cafés and places to eat and drink. 

That combination matters. It means Richmond gives you more than scenery. You can spend a day exploring the castle and town, another dipping into museums and local shops, and another using Richmond as your launch point for the northern Dales. For many visitors, that mix makes it easier to justify a longer stay than in a smaller village.

Richmond is especially good if you want a Yorkshire Dales break with a sense of place, plenty of history and the convenience of a proper town centre. Richmond is an excellent base for exploring the northern Yorkshire Dales, especially Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. 

It is a strong choice if you want:

• a base with cafés, pubs and shops nearby 
• a town that feels rewarding even on non-walking days 
• easier evening options than you would get in a smaller village 
• access to the northern Dales without staying too remotely

Where to stay in Richmond

Richmond is compact enough that you do not need to overcomplicate where you stay, but the right area still depends on what sort of break you want.

Stay near the market place and old centre
This is the best choice for first-time visitors, couples and short breaks. You get the strongest sense of Richmond’s character and can walk to shops, pubs, cafés and the main sights more easily.

Stay near the castle side of town
A good fit if you want maximum historic atmosphere and quick access to the most distinctive part of Richmond.

Stay on the quieter edges of town
This can work well if you want a calmer base, easier parking or a little more breathing room while still staying close to the centre.

Stay just outside Richmond
Worth considering if you want more space, a cottage-style stay or easier access by car, but still want Richmond’s attractions and services close by.

Featured places to stay in Richmond

Things to do while staying in Richmond

One reason Richmond works so well as a base is that there is enough to do in and around the town itself.

Start with Richmond Castle, one of the defining sights of the town. English Heritage highlights the keep, the views over the town and Swaledale beyond, and the chance to explore the wider castle site and displays. 

The Georgian Theatre Royal is another major draw. Built in the late 18^th century, it is one of the oldest original theatres in England. It closed in 1830 and was used for other purposes but was reopened during 1960s and has been given a multi-million pound restoration in the past 20 years.

You also have:

• the great cobbled market place 
• Richmondshire Museum 
• the Green Howards Museum 
• The Station, with its mix of film, food and art space 
• riverside walks and routes around the town 

Just a mile from Richmond along the banks of the River Swale is Easby Abbey. The priory was founded by the Constable of Richmond Castle, Roald, in 1152 and is sometimes referred to as St Agatha’s. Much of the abbey in is a ruinous state, but many of its original features were saved, including its choir stalls which can now been seen at Richmond Parish Church.

And beyond the town itself, Richmond is well placed for day trips into Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, which is one of the main reasons it works so well as a base.