Ask a Local: Where to Visit in Richmond
When you want to know where to go… you ask a local
Pootle
Richmond’s position, nestled in a curve of the River Swale, makes it the perfect location for riverside walks through ancient woodlands and winding tracks. Our favourite starts at the top of pretty, cobbled Frenchgate, snakes down the impossibly steep Lombard’s Wynd and then wiggles alongside the river past the ancient ruins of Easby Abbey. Head over the iron bridge then stroll back towards Richmond along the old railway tracks. Your reward at the end is a stop at The Station – the converted railway station that is one of Richmond’s must-visit locations, popular with locals and visitors alike (four-legged friends are welcome). Grab a coffee and a bite at The Station Café then have a look around the cleverly-converted space. You’ll find everything from second-hand books, an independent cinema, art and crafts and artisan food shops. Don’t leave without picking up a treat to take home from the award-winning Angel’s Share Bakery – we can heartily recommend the raspberry brownies. For more Richmond walks, pop into the Tourist Information Centre in the Market Hall (in the Market Place) and pick up a copy of Pootling Round Richmond and Swaledale, published by Richmond Information Centre.
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Savour
Sip Café on King Street is a good spot for breakfast and has plenty of vegan options. Barry at Cross View Tea Rooms will rustle you up a hearty lunch while you watch the world go by. The Fleece serves good food in a stylish setting. If you fancy Italian, then family-friendly La Piazza on Dundas Street is always a good option for informal gatherings. Don’t leave without sampling Richmond’s two new foodie openings that have got everyone talking: Gelato Lusso (what’s not to love about Jammie Dodger gelato?) and Wilfred’s Canteen – sister to the popular Wilfred Deli on Finkle Street, this foodie hideaway is set to be a big hit with locals when it opens this summer with a simple menu of home-cooked food and decent wine. Be one of the first to pay them a visit.
Browse
If independent shops are your thing, then Richmond won’t disappoint. Start with a wander down Finkle Street, home to many of the town’s most browsable shops. Don’t miss The Health Food Shop tucked down the stone alleyway and the newly-refurbished Arthaus, a hub for the popular British artist Mackenzie Thorpe. Next, head over to King Street where you’ll find the cheerful King Street Kitchen, and just opposite there are more home treasures to discover at the recently-opened Wild & Dandy. Saturday in Richmond is market day. Head to the Market Place early doors to rub shoulders with the locals and join in the buzz. Don’t miss the daily catch of fresh fish from Carricks who have been serving customers in the Dales for more than 90 years.
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Don’t Miss
Delight your senses with a visit to Aske. Just two miles out of Richmond, set in the glorious country setting of the picturesque Zetland Estate you’ll find Kiss the Moon – creators of night-time aromatherapy products to help you sleep beautifully. Pick up a jar of their best-selling LOVE Night Cream for Hands (which smells like summer roses) for your bedside table. Right next door, Mocha Café specialise in handmade chocolates. Stay for lunch and enjoy the beautiful views right across to the Cleveland Hills. Before heading back to Richmond, pop along to the pretty village of Gilling West (just a mile down the road) where you’ll find award-winning Diana Kaye Florist. Go on, treat yourself to something gorgeous.
