A weekend in Richmond (North Yorkshire)

A Georgian market town beneath a Norman castle, at the door of Swaledale

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Richmond is a handsome market town on the River Swale, dominated by the huge keep of its Norman castle and centred on a cobbled market place. It is a gateway to Swaledale and one of the best-kept secrets in the Yorkshire Dales area.

You can fill a weekend with castle, riverside walks, independent shops and a Georgian theatre, then head up the dale for big views.

Best forHistory lovers, Walkers, Food lovers, Couples

Best time to goSpring to autumn for riverside walks. Market days and local events make it lively year-round.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereYork: About 1 hour by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Richmond

Plan your weekend in Richmond

Top attractions in Richmond

Richmond Castle

A well-preserved Norman castle with a tall keep and wide views over the river.

The Georgian Theatre Royal

One of the oldest surviving theatres in the country, still staging shows and tours.

The Station

A restored Victorian railway station that now holds a cinema, food hall, gallery and shops.

Easby Abbey

Ruined abbey ruins in a lovely riverside setting, an easy walk from the town.

The Swale riverside walk

A gentle walk along the river below the castle, with waterfalls and woods.

Best things to do in Richmond

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar walk

A circular walk from Malham village takes in Malham Cove, an 80-metre limestone cliff with a clints-and-grikes pavement on top, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge with a waterfall. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

Settle to Carlisle railway

The Settle to Carlisle line is one of England's most scenic railway journeys, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley over 73 miles. Allow about 1.5 hours one way.

York city walls walk

York's medieval walls are among the best-preserved in England. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Richmond

The market place

Right in the centre, with pubs, shops and the castle on your doorstep.

Near the river

Quieter, with the riverside walks starting at your door.

Reeth or the Swaledale villages

Rural stays further up the dale.

Best hotels in Richmond

Prices for a double room in Richmond typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Richmond

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Richmond

Spring to autumn for riverside walks. Market days and local events make it lively year-round.

Seasons that suit Richmond well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Richmond

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Richmond

From York: About 1 hour by car.
From Newcastle: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car.
From Leeds: About 1 hour 20 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Richmond

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The market place.
Saturday: Start with Richmond Castle, then The Georgian Theatre Royal. In the afternoon, head to The Station.
Sunday: Visit Easby Abbey or The Swale riverside walk, then head home.

Packing list for Richmond

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

There is no railway station in Richmond, so most visitors arrive by car or bus from Darlington.
The castle and theatre have limited opening hours, so check before you go.
Swaledale roads are narrow and winding.