I like a walk as much as the next person, but after ten days on the Coast to Coast Path across England, I was more than ready to slip off the backpack and put my feet up for a while. As Richmond is the largest town we would come across on the length of the Coast to Coast Path, it was the logical place to pull up stumps for a day or two.
It seems though, that my curiosity and need to explore is greater than my need to rest. I was both curious and ready to learn all about our place of rest.
Join me for a very casual stroll through Richmond’s streets and there is a delicious morning tea to reward us at the end.
What:
- The existence of Richmond was first noted around the 11th century. Since that time, it has grown into a bustling town of 8,500 people.
- The historic centre of Richmond is where the real attraction can be found and we were definitely not on our own as we wandered the cobbled streets and wynds. ‘Wynd’ describes the quirky lanes that squeeze between buildings and higgledy piggledy links to larger streets.
- Our first port of call was Richmond Castle. The Castle – as most castles are wont to do – has a really colourful history. Not only was it the home and power base of Count Alan Rufus who may have fought at the Battle of Hastings, it was also at one stage the prison for WW1 conscientious objectors and a home for local residents during an inter-war housing crisis.
- Actually, its role as a prison in WW1 gets the most attention with a museum and a large amount of interpretive information, and audiovisual presentations. It was interesting to read/hear their stories and to understand their reasoning behind such a momentous decision – completely bucking social mores and peer pressure of the time.
- The Castle itself is really only a shadow of its former grandeur with most of its buildings and walls crumbled, or remaining as a mere shell. It’s still a fascinating place to visit and sometimes they run free guided tours of the castle precinct. Or you can buy a guidebook for £5.
- Book your tickets online for a discount or entry is free for English Heritage members.
- Another absolute, not-to-be-missed highlight of Richmond is the Georgian Theatre Royal. While a theatre may not be on your must-see list of things to do, this one first opened its doors in 1788 and is the oldest operational performing arts theatre in the United Kingdom.
- Guided tours operate daily and I highly recommend you sign up (£8). Conducted by passionate volunteers, the tours take you all through the old building, a small museum area, back stage, and beneath the stage. The tour really brings the history and vibrancy of this historic building to life.
- It’s hard to believe this gem has survived for 238years after threats of demolition, developers and the ever-present real risk of fire. Thank goodness a few visionary people lobbied for its preservation and restoration.
- An interesting fact that tickled my fancy, is that today the Theatre seats around 140 people. In its heyday, well before rampant regulation and compliance requirements, the proprietors would cram around 400 people into the same space! Can you imagine the smell of all those unwashed bodies, the noise, the smoke and suffocating heat of too many people in too small a space? It doesn’t really bear thinking about. 😊
- And, after all that history, we had to reward ourselves with a substantial morning tea. My Partner-In-Crime was hankering for a cream tea and any cake is a good cake in my book. Needless to say, we didn’t need lunch. Pop into the Little Drummer Boy Tearoom for a sumptuous snack. You won’t be disappointed.
- There is a lot more to see in Richmond, but considering it was our rest day we limited ourselves to two main sites/sights.
Where:
- Richmond is located about 75km north-west of York.
- The historic centre of Richmond, including the large market square, is where the main action and interest is found.
When:
- A visit to Richmond would be enjoyable at any time of year.
- To avoid the worst of the crowds at the Castle (and they are really not all that bad and certainly not on par with Edinburgh Castle), I suggest you turn up at opening time (10am).
- The Georgian Theatre Royal runs a number of tours each day at set times. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Why:
- Richmond is the perfect place to explore on foot. Its laid-back vibe means you can amble about absorbing as little or as much history as you would like.
- It’s the perfect spot to break for a rest day if you are walking the Coast to Coast Path as there are plenty of shops for resupply and service provider such as podiatrists. 😊
How:
- I know I am biased, but the best way to explore Richmond is on foot.
- The Tourist Office offers free guided walking tours three days per week and unfortunately, we were not there on one of these days.
- Alternatively, collect a self-guided tour map and explore at your own pace. Most of the old buildings have interpretive signage too.
Who:
- Richmond is a very old town with some steep streets of uneven surfaces, including cobblestones. This may be a challenge for people with serious mobility issues.
- You can drive into the main square and park (paid) for closer access to the Castle and the Theatre.
- Even with its low-key friendly vibe mentioned above, Richmond is a popular destination and, after wandering along the quiet country trails of the Coast to Coast Path for 10 days, we were quite surprised by the number of people poking about. We were delighted to meet up with some other walkers we hadn’t seen since earlier in the walk though, and hear of their experiences. There is a lovely comraderie on the Coast to Coast Path.
I feel we really only scratched the surface of Richmond’s attractions and we could have spent a least one more day there. For a more detailed review of Richmond, have a look at the Glasgow Gallivanter. She really enjoyed every aspect of this town and the broader region. And Jo is always a great walking companion too.
After two days of sleeping in the same bed and with a full complement of clean clothes, the trail was calling our names again and there nothing for it, but to hoist our backpacks and head further eastwards.
Have you been to any Richmonds? Apparently, there are over 105 places called Richmond across the World.
#travelinspo #Richmond #NorthYorkshire #CoastoCoastPath #history #ancienthistory #politicalhistory #militaryhistory #exploreonfoot #walkingtours #architecture #walkingthroughhistory #royalty #mustsee #mustdo #RichmondCastle #GeorgianTheatreRoyal #LittleDrummerBoyTeaRoom #castle
8500 people! There are that many in our neighbourhood’s weekly farmers’ market. I can understand why it’s not a tourist trap of a place even if it is picturesque
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that would be one busy market!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A day is a long time. At any hour you see maybe a couple of hundred people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It would be a fascinating thing for me to attend – all the different sights, sounds and smells. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is a Richmond Hill in Ontario, Canada, too😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
And a Richmond in BC 😊
LikeLiked by 3 people
At this rate, I think they are going to have to revise up the number of worldwide Richmonds. 🙂
LikeLike
And we have one on the edge of Sydney, one in Melbourne and one in Tasmania. It’s a popular place name! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a perfect partial rest day to me. I thought I had heard of Richmond, but would never have guessed it was so small, so maybe I haven’t. It crams a lot of history into that little space though. Maggie
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always struggle with rest days. I want to rest, but my Fear Of Missing Out is strong!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could hug you, Mel! If you weren’t so far away… Richmond was our regular ‘go to’ Sunday, or any other day, walk, back in the day. The riverside is particularly lovely in Autumn and there’s a lovely Drummer Boy stroll to Easby Abbey that I think Anabel may have covered. (I did too, back on the old blog) Thanks so much for the memories xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did indeed!
https://glasgowgallivanter.com/2026/04/06/easby-abbey-drummer-boy-walk/
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember it, Anabel. I’ve just been digging back in my old blog and unearthed my version and they’re very similar, but you had better weather. I would have loved to attend a performance at the theatre, but we did manage a guided tour of the theatre itself xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
and boy, weren’t we blessed with perfect weather?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, no- I’ve been caught out in a fib! We didn’t actually catch the tour, but I had a peep backstage! It all seems a long time ago but I’d written several accounts of walking in Richmond.
https://restlessjo.me/2012/11/07/wynding-through-richmond-in-autumn/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting to see another take on it! Also interesting to scroll through the comments and see how the population has changed. A few well known faces are still about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! It always makes me sad. I still miss Drake xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
It sounds like Richmond would be the perfect spot for a travel bloggers reunion! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ta
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s my pleasure, Jo and I am always up for virtual hugs too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
and I’s sorry we missed the Abbey. Anabel made it sound so interesting and scenic, but it was a rest day after all…. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great to see and rad, I used to live in Skeeby, just down the road and loved a walk into Richmond when the weather allowed and the surrounding countryside is beautiful, thanks for this
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. The whole area is gorgeous for walking, especially poking along the river. I have so many happy memories of this part of North Yorkshire.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, it’s one of very few place I would move back to
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice.
LikeLike
I was about to say – oh we went there – when I came to your link! Thanks for that. Very envious of the theatre visit – it was out of season on our visit and closed. The castle wasn’t open the days we were there either, but we enjoyed wandering around. We’ll need to make a summer visit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Theatre is definitely worth a return visit as I am sure you can find plenty of fascinating castles closer to home. 🙂
LikeLike
I do like a ruined castle, but as you say we have quite a lot of them! Next summer for the theatre maybe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to have an adventure/trip on the calendar. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The castle reminds me very much of Ludlow’s castle. I haven’t been to Richmond in Yorkshire as far as I know, though I have contemplated a holiday around there, just not sure about the hilliness of it. The only Richmond I have been to/through is the one in London, with Richmond Park being a fabulous place for a walk.
LikeLike
What a great walk! Thanks for sharing, Mel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. A bit tame for you, but perfect for a rest day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never been but it looks a charming place. The cream tea sold it for me. 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, you are a woman after my own heart! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Richmond is a lovely town Mel and glad you had a rest day there to enjoy it. I’ve been a few times but never visited that theatre! Richmond upon Thames is its southern equivalent although I think the house prices are pretty steep in both Richmonds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 – everything is expensive in the UK for us Aussies and the weak exchange rate! It nearly made me weep sometimes! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how lovely to have explored Richmond Mel – definitely good to get off the tourist trail and experience some real England local life, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, it was just what we needed. A nice place to pause.
LikeLike
I love a good castle, ruined or not, but I think I love that theater even more. I’m so glad it hasn’t been razed to make room for a Marks & Spencers or something. As for the former capacity limits, I suppose when you don’t have the Internet, you’re so starved for entertainment you’ll put up with just about anything. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 – Yes, supply and demand rules! And Yes, it is a wonderful thing that this gem has been preserved. They actually had an amazing amount of support from cashed up private people (a gift of many hundreds of thousands of pounds) to assist with the restoration. So, the passion for this history is deep.
LikeLiked by 1 person
‘Wynd’? The word for ‘wine’ in Afrikaans is ‘wyn’ – and that’s as far as my knowledge of this word goes 😂 … you know that saying about how you’re never too old to learn something new. Anyway, back to your walk – thanks for showing me another castle, and the history about the theatre was really interesting. You say there is cream tea/cake AND a podiatrist in one town? Indeed, Richmond gets a thumbs up from me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 – Yes, Richmond is a walker’s Paradise! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person