Dubbed the “handsome” market town of North Yorkshire, this riverside stay is a hidden gem of the Yorkshire Dales. Situated within Swaledale, Richmond is home to nostalgic cobbled streets and picturesque Georgian buildings, and it is celebrated for its large architectural marketplace.
Compared to the serene Whitby, the town lies under the local castle and medieval church, reports Visit North Yorkshire, providing impressive Gothic views for tourists. Claimed to be one of the most attractive towns of Yorkshire, Richmond appears to be the perfect spot for a countryside ‘staycation’. The town’s website states it offers a “plethora of independent shops, tempting eateries,” and “a well-earned rest spot during a walk or cycle in the Yorkshire Dales — a ‘pawfect’ dog-friendly base.”
The countryside town boasts several green parks and “a feature of the 192-mile long-distance Coast to Coast National Trail, which passes through,” perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Visit North Yorkshire describes how “The River Swale drops down large steps of rock at Richmond Falls” and explains how “a one-mile riverside walk from the town centre will bring you to the fascinating ruins of Easby Abbey,” a must-see for historians and church lovers.
“Anglers can also take advantage of the fantastic banks of the River Swale, which offer opportunities to catch salmon and trout,” offers the site, adding that the surrounding valleys “boast dramatic landscapes interwoven with a rich industrial history and majestic views that reward the determined walker willing to take on the local ascents”.
Richmond’s markets run throughout the month, with indoor trades running from Monday to Saturday, 9am—3.30pm, and 10am—3.30pm on Sundays, in the Market Hall. However, its outdoor market is a weekly event each Saturday in Richmond’s Market Place.
Additionally, an artisan market is held on the third Sunday of each month, beloved as a “treasure trove of handmade crafts and locally produced foods,” claims its local site. The Yorkshire Dales National Park described the event, saying: “Set against the backdrop of Richmond’s historic market square, the market features a diverse range of stalls offering gourmet foods, handcrafted jewellery, pottery, textiles, and more”. The site added that the place was the perfect place to “discover one-of-a-kind items” — ideal for the upcoming Christmas period.