Name: Richmond Castle
Rating: 5.0

Richmond Castle

Tower Street, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Richmond Castle is a historic Norman fortress overlooking the River Swale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. Founded in the 1070s, it is one of the best-preserved 11th-century castles in England. The castle offers a mix of dramatic views, deep history, and family-friendly exploration.

Visitors can climb the keep for panoramic views over Richmond and Swaledale. Explore towers, halls, chapels, gardens, and interactive exhibitions that tell stories from the Norman Conquest to World War One. Highlights include the Cockpit Garden, folklore creature trails for children, and moving exhibits about conscientious objectors.

Adult tickets cost £8.10 when booked online in advance or £10.00 when bought on the day. Children aged 5–17 pay £4.50 online or £5.40 on the day, while concession tickets are £7.20 online and £8.60 on the day. Family tickets are available from £12.60 online for one adult with up to three children and £20.70 online for two adults with up to three children, with higher prices for on-the-day entry.

Overall, Richmond Castle offers a rich and atmospheric experience for history lovers and families alike. There’s plenty of open space for picnics, play, and relaxed exploration. With stunning scenery and centuries of stories, it’s a must-visit attraction in North Yorkshire.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Visit the exhibition: In the museum space, you can find out about the castle's history, from the 11th-century Norman conquest to its occupation by the northern Non-Combatant Corps during the First World War. Visit and learn about the story of the conscientious objectors, many of them Dales Quakers, who refused to fight in the First World War. The exhibition displays various artefacts and a mock-up a contentious objector’s cell. There’s also an interactive area for children, sharing the stories of some of the castle's most famous and lesser-known characters.
Explore the garden: The garden, known as the 'cockpit', is outside the castle walls and you approach it through a thick stone wall to airy views beyond. The main part of the cockpit garden is a grassy amphitheatre where people can meet, lay on the grass, have parties, picnics and enjoy the surroundings and it echoes the turfed area within the castle. Richmond Castle offers kids plenty of space to run around, play and explore; ball games and kites are allowed.
Discover magical creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends. Meet six unique creatures as you explore the site, and earn a special certificate marking your achievement when you complete the trail. There are some captivating audio stories to enjoy when you get home too.

Facilities

Parking: Charged public parking in marketplace (not run by English Heritage). Two hours’ free parking for Blue Badge holders.
Food & Drinks: Cold drinks and various snacks are available. Locally made Brymor ice-cream is sold in the summer.
Picnic Area: There are seven picnic benches as well as plenty of other benches around the site for you to enjoy your picnics.
Shop: Gift shop sells a wide range of English Heritage souvenirs and gifts, including books, snacks, and cold drinks.
Toilets: Toilets are available in the castle grounds and there is an accessible unisex toilet in visitor centre.
Exhibition: Richmond Castle offers an interactive exhibition exploring the castle’s nine centuries of history.
Gardens: Lots of room to run around in the main Ward, and some space in the garden. Ball games and kites allowed but please be considerate of other visitors.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets (With donation / Without donation)

Adult: £9.00 / £8.10
Child (5–17 years): £5.00 / £4.50
Concession: £8.00 / £7.20
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £23.00 / £20.70
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £14.00 / £12.60

On the day tickets (With donation / Without donation)

Adult: £11.00 / £10.00
Child (5–17 years): £6.00 / £5.40
Concession: £9.50 / £8.60
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £28.00 / £25.40
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £17.00 / £15.40

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open Sat - Sun, 10am - 4pm (last entry at 3.30pm)

Address: Tower Street, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW, UK

Post Code: DL10 4QW

Council: North Yorkshire

County: North Yorkshire

By Car: Richmond Castle is in Richmond, just off the marketplace. Charged public parking in marketplace (not run by English Heritage). Two hours’ free parking for Blue Badge holders.
By Bus: Arriva 26A, X26, X27, 59 & X59; Dales & District 29, 30, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 32, 32A, X34, 34A, 54, X54, 55, 73, 159; Hodgsons Coaches 79, 79A (Thu) & 79X