Between Leeds And Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Castle Town With River Views, Vibrant Markets, And Medieval Charm

Surrounded by the green hills of North Yorkshire is one of England's best-preserved medieval towns, whose impressive castle harkens back to one of the most important moments in British history. Located halfway between Leeds and Newcastle upon Tyne, the small town of Richmond has a few big distinctions. In a world filled with Richmonds, it's the original mother born in the 11th century, spawning no less than 105 destinations named after it (per Richmond.org). Its castle, with its towering 100-foot keep, is one of England's most pristine examples of an early Norman castle, built just a few years after the Norman conquest of 1066 that changed the course of England's history.

The town was built around its castle, which stands on a cliff overlooking the River Swale, one of England's fastest-flowing rivers. Richmond has a handful of trails, which include views of the Swale both from above or closer to the water. There are also multi-day trails centered around the river, like the 190-mile Coast to Coast that passes through the town, and the 80-mile Swale Way, which follows the entire length of the river. Regardless, you can enjoy the views of the river and its waterfalls winding through the limestone gorge below the town.

Historic charm abounds in this walkable town whose cobblestone streets pass through medieval gates and are lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The past isn't just relegated to old buildings in Richmond either. It comes to life every week in the town's vibrant indoor and outdoor markets in its historic square, which is one of England's largest marketplaces. Local artisans, farmers, and artists all come together in a welcoming community that's an essential part of Richmond's identity as one of England's "quintessential market towns" (via Independent Cottages).

If you're looking for river views, check out one of the town's trails detailed on the free maps at the Richmond Information Centre. The Castle Walk is an easy path that follows along the outside of the castle walls, affording you views of the river from above. Benches offer places to rest and enjoy the sweeping vista of the Swale, surrounding countryside, and nearby sites like the 18th-century Culloden Tower. 

The Easby Loop is an easy 3.4-mile circular route that begins at the town's 18th-century Victorian train terminus, now known as the Station. The trail follows the old train tracks and goes along the river, leading to the ruins of the 12th-century Easby Abbey off the Swale. Founded in 1152, Easby Abbey was partially demolished in the 1530s. Today, you can see the evocative ruins of dormitories, a refectory, and a gatehouse, which inspired artists like J.M.W. Turner, one of the most important English Romantic painters. Easby Abbey is free and open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Yorkshire is filled with charming market towns, and Richmond is certainly one of them with its historic marketplace surrounded by picturesque Georgian buildings. The outdoor market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, although Saturday is the big market day, where you'll find produce, crafts, and flowers. From May through November, there's also an evening twilight market on the last Saturday of each month, featuring a different atmosphere and live music. The indoor market, located in a Victorian building off the market square, is where you'll find vintage items, crafts, and household goods, plus the Richmond Information Centre. Those looking for locally made goods can check out the artisans' market on the third Sunday of every month.

There are a few ways to immerse yourself in Richmond. The town offers free 75-minute guided walks on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in the morning. Donations are welcome, and note that walks have to be booked in advance during the winter months. Whether or not you hike the Easby Loop, be sure to stop by the Station. The Victorian ironwork and glazed roof of this space hold an independent cinema, art gallery, restaurants, and shops. 

It's a great place to get a taste of Richmond's creative offerings, as is the Georgian Theatre Royal, built in 1788. The theater is known as "Britain's most complete Georgian Playhouse," and this remarkable and underrated time capsule is home to one of the oldest stage sets in the U.K. There is a backstage tour, offered every hour on the hour from February through October. Or snag a ticket to a performance, so you can experience, even briefly, life of a world that's long gone.

Richmond is a convenient day trip or overnight stop for those exploring northern England. It's an hour from Newcastle and a little over an hour from Leeds. Both cities have international airports, so you can fly in and hop into a rental car to drive to this medieval town. A car is a convenient way to visit nearby sites, like Yorkshire Dales National Park with its breathtaking vistas, just 30 minutes away. Or, if you've decided against renting a car on your vacation, you can get here by bus or train. The closest train station is Darlington, which is on the East Coast line connecting London to Edinburgh, and is just 25 minutes from Richmond. There's a bus line from Darlington to Richmond, so you can easily visit without a car.