Richmond Castle
Recommended by
Overview
Commanding a powerful position on the banks of the River Swale, this mighty fortress was never put to the test, for Richmond has never seen military action. Its location is text book, with steep cliffs protecting one side, and thick walls defending the others. The Normans started constructing a castle here in the 1080s, and it is thought that Scolland’s Hall – a fine, two-storeyed hall with typical round-headed windows – is one of the earliest stone-built halls in England. The towers at Richmond have romantic names: Robin Hood Tower, now in ruins, is said to have been the prison of William the Lion, King of Scotland; the Gold Hole Tower may have a poetic ring to its name, but it was actually the latrine tower, complete with pits at its base. By far the largest building of the entire complex is the keep, which started life as a gatehouse in the 11th century, but in the mid-12th century it was extended upwards to a height of 100 feet.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Apr-Sep, see website for details; Oct, daily 10-5; 1 Nov-11 Feb and17 Feb-29 Mar, Sat-Sun 10-4; 12-16 Feb, daily 1-4 (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Kings Head
The Kings Head was built in around 1720 and has retained a rich history in the market town of Richmond ever since. Bedrooms come in a range of sizes, and there's also function spaces fo...
Yorkshire Country Holidays
Garden Cottage sleeps six; children are welcome, and off-street parking is provided. It’s just a five-minute walk from the town and the river, and has an enclosed garden. The cottage is...
Garden Cottage
Awaiting description...
Whashton Springs Farm
A friendly welcome awaits at Whashton Springs Farm, situated in the heart of the countryside yet convenient for major routes. Bedrooms are split between the courtyard rooms and the main...
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage offers a unique luxury self-catering experience in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This elegant country house accommodates up to nine people (ten by prior arrangement...
The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage offers a unique luxury self-catering experience in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This elegant country house accommodates up to nine people (ten by prior arrangement...
Constable Burton Hall Caravan Park
Set within the former deer park of the adjoining Constable Burton Hall, this attractive and peaceful site enjoys a rural setting screened from the road by historic park walls and mature...
Wooden Hare
Tucked away in the vast grounds of a very peaceful property, the Wooden Hare is a detached lodge with unrivalled views. A charming two-bedroom wooden lodge which comfortably accommodate...
