Richmond Castle
An 11th-century Norman castle standing on a cliff above the River Swale, where the top of the keep offers views over Richmond town and the river valley.
Richmond Castle was begun in the 1070s by the Norman noble Alan Rufus and is among the earliest stone castles in England. The 12th-century keep, about 30 metres tall, can be climbed for views over the mouth of Swaledale and Richmond's large market square. The exhibition tells the story of conscientious objectors held here during the First World War, and graffiti scratched on the cell walls survives to this day. Managed by English Heritage, it charges about £9 for admission and is open 10:00–17:00 in summer. Richmond is the eastern gateway to Swaledale, and the town also has the Georgian Theatre Royal and the Waterfall Park.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (winter weekends only)
Nearby sights
- Bolton Castle
- Aysgarth Falls
- How Stean Gorge
- Brimham Rocks
- Stump Cross Caverns
- Muker & Swaledale Meadows
- Grassington
- Kisdon Force