In 2024, the Caravan and Motorhome Membership are working a Learn, Tour, and Discover Marketing campaign to encourage individuals to learn extra and go to locations related to guide settings. We goal to assist promote authors, each outdated and new, whereas offering recommendations on which places to discover that, at one time, provided inspiration to those that went on to place pen to paper.
Richmond is a market city in North Yorkshire on the sting of the Yorkshire Dales, recognized for its spectacular Eleventh-century Norman citadel, free-flowing waterfalls and cobbled streets. Sitting on the River Swale, the slender pebbled lanes weave across the centre of city, encompass the citadel and head out in the direction of the Culloden Tower and no matter which course you wander, you’ll both get an incredible view out over the close by rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales Nationwide Park or of the elegant Georgian structure that circles the city.
It’s right here that creator Lewis Carroll, then often known as Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, went to Richmond Grammar College. Lord Baden-Powell, who began the Scout Motion, lived right here, together with John Fenwick, who based the Fenwick division retailer model, and John Wycliffe, who translated the Bible into English.
The Historical past of Richmond
At over 950 years outdated, based in 1071 by the Normans, Richmond, in Yorkshire, has seen many different Richmonds named after it worldwide. Starting its historical past through the time of William the Conqueror, Richmond went on to change into the Headquarters for the Parliamentarians through the English Civil Battle, prospered through the seventeenth century due to the lead mining and wool industries earlier than seeing its heyday through the Georgian period when the City Corridor, the Theatre Royal, the Culloden Tower, and the obelisk in Market Place had been all constructed.
24 hours in Richmond Itinerary
Richmond within the Yorkshire Dales Nationwide Park is a fantastic market city brimming with historical past. You possibly can simply spend just a few days exploring each the centre and the encompassing space. Nevertheless, for those who solely have 24 hours to discover, we’ve got created the right one-day strolling itinerary for you, together with a listing of the highest sights to take advantage of your day on the town.
Day 1 Richmond Itinerary
The Little Drummer Boy for breakfast
This place is an establishment in Richmond, and it’s usually so full that the staff will ask for those who thoughts sharing a desk. This can be a nice approach to be taught extra in regards to the space, as many locals are solely too completely satisfied to share their ideas on what to see and the place to go.
Named after the legend of the Little Drummer Boy relationship again to the tip of the eighteenth century, when a tunnel was found between Richmond Fort and Easby, the now ruined abbey. Whereas troopers discovered the tunnel, the passageway was blocked and solely sufficiently big for a small drummer boy to suit via. He was informed he wanted to observe the tunnel, banging his drum as he went so the troopers above might observe. Nevertheless, the drumming stopped on the way in which to Easby, and the boy was by no means seen once more. To today, the thriller stays, and in reminiscence of the younger boy, a stone has been laid on the spot the place they consider the drumming stopped; plus, it’s now the title of this very fashionable espresso store.
You may both pattern one among their many egg dishes or one of many scrumptious truffles on show. You too can take away extra for later, and we extremely advocate the fruit and the blueberry scones.
Head to Richmond Fort
After breakfast, head in the direction of the citadel, which was accomplished in 1086 and stands proudly above the river Swale. It stays one of many most interesting Eleventh-century fortifications of its type in all of England. For a few years, there have been possession tussles by royals and dukes till the early 1500s, when data present that the citadel was left to wreck, though it was nonetheless in use.
By Queen Victoria’s time, it had change into the headquarters of the North York Militia earlier than changing into the headquarters of the Northern Territorial Military and Baden Powell within the early 1900s. Whereas within the palms of the Armed Forces, it was usually used as a jail.
Immediately, you’ll be able to wander round what stays, take within the exhibitions, take a look at the graffiti within the cells even in any case this time, and be taught extra in regards to the Richmond Sixteen that had been as soon as detained right here. Visits price £8.50 per grownup and £4.50 per baby if booked prematurely or £10.50/£5.50 if bought on the day (2024), and you’ll discover between 10 am and 5 pm every day.
Decide up a brand new guide on the Fort Hill Bookshop
No journey to Richmond could be full with out stopping on the Fort Hill Bookshop to prime up these ‘to be learn’ piles. You could need to choose up your personal copy of Alice in Wonderland after studying that the person who penned it as soon as lived right here, or it’s possible you’ll be after some suggestions for brand new reads from the staff who’re completely satisfied to match books to your studying preferences.
Take within the view from the Culloden Tower
Proceed via city and down in the direction of The Bar, one of many solely remaining pedestrian gates throughout the city wall relationship again to the 1300s. From right here, it’s essential stroll down the steep hill and throughout to the open discipline past, the place you will note the Culloden Tower.
This tower dates again to the 1740s and is also referred to as the Cumberland Temple. It celebrates the victory of the Duke of Cumberland’s military within the battle of Culloden. The tower is a formidable sight, however keep in mind to show again to get a incredible view out over the city and the citadel.
Proceed strolling alongside the river in the direction of the Waterfalls
Comply with the river fairly than cross over the bridge in the direction of the sound of fast-flowing water. You’ll quickly not far away and are available face-to-face with the Richmond Falls, the final waterfalls of the Swale River.
Within the hotter months, when the water is low, individuals paddle within the river close by, whereas others sit on one of many many picnic benches offered to benefit from the stress-free sound of the cascading waters as they fall away from the rocky outcrops.
No journey could be full with no go to to The Station
The Station was, at one time, a functioning prepare station for the city relationship again to 1846, however the line sadly closed in 1969. Relatively than dropping this iconic little bit of historical past, the Station turned a Grade II-listed constructing in 1986. It was introduced again to life within the early 2000s, changing into the colourful group hub it’s as we speak.
Right here, you’ll be able to go to the cinema, take a look at the ever-changing artwork exhibitions that includes native artists, peruse the retailers of native merchants, or get pleasure from lunch within the coronary heart of the constructing. Menus are seasonal, and the mouth-watering choices all function native produce, making it the right stopping level throughout your journey to Richmond.
The books on sale on the entrance to The Station
Stroll again in the direction of the Friary Gardens
Once you stroll into the gardens, you may be confronted with the stays of a Fifteenth-century tower, one of many city’s oldest monuments. The tower initially shaped a part of the bigger Friary constructing established by the Franciscan Order of Gray Friars. The constructing would have contained a number of monastic buildings round a cloister, a guesthouse, a dormitory, a refectory, and a room reserved for learning.
Nevertheless, through the reign of Henry VIII and thru his willpower to dissolve the monasteries, the friars misplaced favour with the general public. The buildings had been destroyed presently, and the stone was taken for different constructing tasks, leaving simply the tower behind. Remarkably, this tower stays intact as we speak, and whereas the encompassing brickwork is in a state of disrepair, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the grand arches that will have as soon as housed lovely stained-glass home windows.
Head simply throughout the street to the theatre
The Georgian Theatre Royal is Britain’s oldest working theatre, relationship again to 1788. Since 1830, when performances turned much less frequent, it has change into, amongst different issues, an public sale home and a wine vault. Nevertheless, in 1963, it reopened as a theatre, changing into a Grade I-listed constructing.
With sympathetic restoration, the playhouse has retained its 18th-century inside and boasts that no different theatre can supply the identical authenticity. With solely 154 seats, seeing a play here’s a very intimate affair. Even for those who can’t time your go to with a play exhibiting, be sure you take the guided tour that runs all through the day and prices £8 per grownup and £3 per baby (2024).
Study extra in regards to the historical past of the world on the Richmondshire Museum
Since 1978, this museum, which was as soon as a joiner’s cottage, has offered a wealth of knowledge on the native space and has shows relationship again to the Stone Age. Whereas some shows are seasonal, others stay. At any time, guests can discover the shows of Roman artefacts, a collection of toys via the ages and a set from the ‘All Creatures Nice and Small’ movie set, which native creator and vet James Herriot wrote. It is just open from April to October every year, and adults will likely be charged £7 to enter, whereas anybody below 16 will get in freed from cost (2024).
Go to the Inexperienced Howards Museum to be taught extra about navy historical past
The Inexperienced Howards Museum is within the outdated church in Market Place
It’s no shock that with Carrick Barracks simply down the street, there’s a museum devoted to the historical past of those that have served their nation. On the Inexperienced Howards Museum, you’ll uncover 300 years of historical past, all set in a former church in the midst of Market Place.
Over 35,000 objects within the assortment hint the historical past of the Inexperienced Howards, the nineteenth Regiment of the Foot. Inside, you will see that uniforms, private gear, medals – together with 14 Victoria Crosses and three George Crosses – weapons and historic paperwork charting the actions of those courageous people. A go to right here will set you again simply £8 for adults and £5 for kids (2024), and all tickets are legitimate for 12 months must you want to return.
Take pleasure in Thai for dinner
After a full day of exploring, head to close by Sunitra’s Thai restaurant in Greyfriars Yard, simply off Market Place and revel in an genuine meal of curry and noodles. Whereas their menu is proscribed, every dish is freshly cooked and transports you to Northern Thailand with every mouthful.
Have some drinks on the town
The beer backyard behind the Bishops Blaize
End your day in one of many many watering holes surrounding the principle cobbled sq.. The Bishops Blaize is among the oldest on the town and was as soon as known as The Elephant, relationship again to the 18th century, whereas the Golden Lion is a small pub with maybe the bottom costs in all of Yorkshire.
Ultimate Ideas
As with lots of the cities in North Yorkshire, for those who had been in a rush, you would pop in, stroll across the citadel, have a fast espresso, and head off once more. Nevertheless, to really expertise this welcoming city, you want at the very least 24 hours, even perhaps longer, for those who get pleasure from procuring and want to discover all of the native boutiques which have reappeared in recent times. It is also an incredible location to base your self for a extra prolonged journey to the world.
Advisable Excursions
- Spend the day at Barnard Fort exploring each the citadel there and the Bowes Museum, following within the footsteps of Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth and Daniel Defoe.
A view of the citadel from the river
- If you’re a fan of waterfalls, Aysgarth Falls is a should whereas within the space and was a filming location for Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights.
- Easby Abbey, one of many best-preserved monasteries in Britain relationship again to 1152, is lower than 2 miles from Richmond.
- Kiplin Corridor is an impressive Jacobean nation home containing 400 years of treasures, together with a Gothic library in-built 1820 containing greater than 2500 books and a fantastic stained-glass window.
In case you have time to go to additional afield:
- Ripon is a metropolis stuffed with slender streets and snickets which can be dwelling to an eclectic combine of retailers and eating places, and is the place Lewis Carroll spent quite a lot of time having fun with the animal carvings within the cathedral.
- Set on a sprawling property, the Fountains Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of many largest Cistercian monasteries remaining in England.
- The priory church and ruins of Bolton Abbey could be discovered within the coronary heart of the Yorkshire Dales and supply a peaceable place to picnic and stroll for miles within the adjoining grounds.
- Head to Darlington and the Railway Museum to see the world’s first steam engine to run alongside a public passenger line in 1825.
- Go to Bolton Fort, a well-preserved household dwelling as soon as attacked by Cromwell through the Civil Battle Siege, and the place as we speak you’ll be able to wander round inside and discover the numerous rooms, together with Mary Queen of Scots’ bed room.
Find out how to get to Richmond
With prepare stations at Darlington and Northallerton, guests can leap on one of many many buses heading into Richmond. Whereas for these travelling by street, Richmond is only a few miles from the Scotch Nook junction of the A66 and the A1(M).
Travelling by Motorhome to Richmond
For these travelling of their motorhomes, must you not want to keep at a campsite close by, there are a few parking choices for you, together with:
- Yorke Sq. automobile park (DL10 4RG) close to Culloden Tower permits motorhomes to park there through the day and is near the city centre.
- The Farmers Arms at Brompton-on-Swale (DL10 7HZ), simply over 4 miles from Richmond, permits in a single day parking when utilizing the pub, and it’s worthwhile phoning prematurely to verify availability.
The place to remain in Richmond
Must you want to keep within the coronary heart of city throughout your go to, The Kings Head Resort is a outstanding constructing within the coronary heart of Market Place, and while it’s an 18th-century constructing, it has been sympathetically refurbished, holding a lot of its authentic options. Throughout its historical past, the musician Franz Liszt gave a piano recital within the ballroom again in 1841, and extra not too long ago, journey author Alfred Wainwright has been a customer to the resort. JMW Turner can also be believed to have stayed right here, saying it was ‘the best resort in all of Richmondshire’.
Only a brief stroll from city, The Frenchgate Restaurant and Resort presents a cushty keep in luxurious environment in a Grade II-listed former Georgian Gentleman’s residence. If, nevertheless, you might be staying for longer, it’s possible you’ll choose to remain at The Outdated Sunday College on the inexperienced, a fantastic home providing lodging for as much as 8 individuals and together with a sizzling tub to calm down in after a day of sightseeing.
The doorway of the Outdated Sunday College
Motorhome Campsite Choices
If, nevertheless, you choose to journey in your motorhome or caravan, then the Richmond Hargill Motorhome and Caravan Website presents the right resolution. Near Scotch Nook and the A66, it gives a safe location with out the necessity to navigate the slender streets of Richmond itself whereas being shut sufficient to go to for the day.
Must you need to go away the motorhome behind, there’s a bus cease proper outdoors the campsite with buses that run regularly. Simply down the hill, there’s a little village dwelling to at least one pub that serves meals all through the week.
The gardens of this website are extraordinarily effectively maintained
You too can go to many different sights from the campsite, and there are a number of walks for many who need to discover extra on foot.
The location itself, whereas positioned simply off the busy street, remains to be peaceable. All 63 pitches are massive and positioned so that everybody is afforded a view of the rolling Yorkshire hills, made well-known by each the James Herriot novels set within the surrounding space and the work of JMW Turner. There’s additionally a small store throughout the reception space must you overlook any of the necessities, plus a bathroom and bathe block, which is among the finest we’ve got ever skilled.
The reception space and store on the campsite
For these visiting with kids, there’s additionally a delegated play space put aside for ball video games. If you’re nonetheless making an attempt to determine what to do within the area, the knowledge hut incorporates beneficial ideas and recommendations for locations to go to and eating places to get pleasure from.
Have you ever visited Richmond? What would you advocate others go to when within the space?
(N.B. The Caravan and Motorhome Membership did present us with a free pitch throughout our journey, however all analysis and suggestions are our personal and have by no means been influenced by others).
Did you get pleasure from this text? In that case, PIN it for later…
