Major settlements in Richmondshire - Richmondshire District Council

Richmond

Richmond, North Yorkshire, is sometimes referred to as 'the mother' of all Richmonds worldwide. There is plenty to see and do in the town that was built beside the River Swale and grew around an impressive castle, which dates from around 1071. It is now twinned with Nordfron in Norway and St. Aubin Du Cormier in France.

Home of the oldest Georgian theatre surviving in it's original form in the country, Richmond has a vast cobbled market place and three excellent museums – the Georgian Theatre Royal Museum, Richmondshire Museum and The Green Howards' Museum. There is also a wide variety of shops, tea-rooms and galleries and spectacular riverside walks down to the waterfall, known locally as 'the fosse', and to Easby Abbey. The famous children's author Lewis Carroll, who wrote the classic, Alice in Wonderland, went to school at Swale House, now houses Richmondshire District Council's Executive Core.

The town's Tourist Information Centre lies in the shadow of Greyfriars Tower, one of three remaining Franciscan bell towers in the country. Both are situated in the beautiful Friary Gardens, popular for summer music events and picnics. Easby Abbey and Church lie within easy reach of the town and are both worth a visit. Easby Church is home to 13th-century frescoes.

Must see and do:

Richmond Castle, Richmond
Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond
Richmondshire Museum, Richmond
Green Howards Museum, Richmond
Hazel Brow Farm & Visitor Centre, Low Row
Swaledale Woollens, Muker
Kiplin Hall, Kiplin
Forbidden Corner, Middleham
Swaledale Folk Museum, Reeth
Easby Abbey, Richmond

Events:

January:   Farmers Markets, Richmond Market Place (Richmond)
February:   Antique & Collectors Fairs (Richmond)
March:   Subscription Concerts (Richmond)
April:   Jazz Weekend (Reeth)
May:   Richmond Meet (Richmond)
June:   Richmond Festival (Richmond)
July:   Catterick Village Gala Day (Catterick Village)
August:   Richmond Live (Richmond)
September:   Richmond Walking Festival (Richmond)
October:   Scott Motor Cycle Trial (Richmondshire)
November:   Castle Fireworks (Richmond)
December:   Richmondshire Choral Society Annual Christmas Concert (Richmond)

Reeth

Reeth, situated on the lower slopes of Calver Hill, above the confluence of Arkle Beck with the Swale, was once the centre of an important lead mining industry and is still an area of hill farming.

More recently, the village has become a very popular tourist destination for day visitors, walkers and those wanting to stay longer. Set around a large village green, it has a variety of craft shops and workshops, the Swaledale Folk Museum and a wide range of places to stay, from bed and breakfast accommodation to pubs and hotels. The Coast To Coast walk, made famous by Alfred Wainwright, goes through Reeth and many other walkers use the village as a base to explore the different aspects of Swaledale. A market is held on Fridays and an agricultural show on the last Wednesday in August.

Below the village is a new swing bridge spanning the Swale. Reeth is an ideal place to visit to enjoy the beauty and peace of this part of Swaledale.

Must see and do:

Swaledale Folk Museum, Reeth
Stef's Models, Reeth
Hazel Smith Gallery
Hazel Brow Farm Visitor Centre (nearby at Low Row)
Swaledale Woollens (nearby at Muker)
Reeth Dales Centre Studios

Events:

April:   Jazz Festival weekend (Reeth)
May:   Swaledale Festival of Music (in and around Swaledale)
June:   Swaledale Festival of Music, (in and around Swaledale)
June:   Beamish Vintage Car Rally
August:   Reeth Show (Reeth)
September:   Muker Show (Muker)
October:   Scott Trial (motor cycle trial)

Leyburn

View over Leyburn

Leyburn's position on a high scar overlooking the Dales offers walks, castles and gardens nearby.

At the heart of Wensleydale, the town has a cinema, an unusual tea pottery, craft workshops, galleries and a superb fine arts and antiques auction house. The busy Friday markets are the week's high point.

Must see and do:

Tennants Auctioneers, Leyburn
The Teapottery, Leyburn
The Little Chocolate shop, Leyburn
Constable Burton Hall Gardens, Leyburn
Wensleydale railway, Leyburn
Cat Pottery, Leyburn
Middleham castle, Middleham
Forbidden Corner, Coverham
Bolton Castle, Castle Bolton
Jervaulx Abbey, Jervaulx

Events:

January:   Farmers Market (Leyburn )
February:   Antiques fair (Middleham)
March:   Antiques fair (Middleham )
April:   Middleham open stables day Good Friday (Middleham)
May:   Food and drinks festival (Leyburn)
June:   Middleham Festival (Middleham)
July:   Masham Steam fair (Masham)
August:   Kettlewell Scarecrow festival (Kettlewell)
September:   Hunton steam gathering (Hunton)

Hawes

Hawes, regarded as the capital of Upper Wensleydale, is said to be one of the highest market towns in England. Known affectionately by locals as T'Haas, this vibrant market town derives its name from the old Norse word 'hals', meaning a mountain pass or neck. A great deal of history is reflected in the unique character of present day Hawes.

The award-winning Dales Countryside Museum and the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre give an insight into life in the Dales. Other attractions include the Hawes Ropemaker, where visitors can watch both the mechanical and handmade aspects of rope making. A popular weekly market is held in the town every Tuesday, which attracts both locals and visitors, and there is a good a range of shops, craft workshops and tea -rooms. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Wensleydale, Hawes is well placed as a holiday centre.

Must see and do:

Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes
Wensleydale Creamery, Hawes
The Hawes Ropemaker, Hawes
Focus on Felt, Hardraw
Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Railway Line, Garsdale
Wensleydale Pottery, Hawes
The Cat Pottery, West Burton

Events:

January:   Fund raising discos (Hawes)
February:   Settle-Carlisle Line Guided Walks, Garsdale Station (Garsdale)
March:   Settle-Carlisle Line Guided Walks, Garsdale Station (Garsdale)
April:   Lambing time (Wensleydale )
May:   West Burton May Fair (West Burton)
June:   Hawes Gala (Hawes)
July:   Upper Wensleydale Gathering (Hardraw)
August:   Wensleydale Show (Leyburn)
September:   Hardraw Brass Band Competition (Hardraw)
October:   Harvest Festivals (Hawes & surrounding area)
November:   Bonfires (Hawes and surrounding area)
December:   Upper Dales Christmas Festival (Hawes and surrounding area)

Print page Last updated: 21 November 2007

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