Richmond is an exceptionally photogenic market town on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Swale. It boasts rows of ancient stone cottages and Georgian and Regency townhouses, a ruined Norman Castle, and a lovely large cobbled market square. The best places to stay in Richmond include some charming period townhouse conversions as well as traditional coaching inns and cosy B&Bs.

Richmond has an impressive collection of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, plus there's a cinema and theatre — so plenty of entertainment for all. If you’re interested in the town's history, the castle is your obvious first stop. From there you’ve a choice of the Richmondshire Museum, and the Green Howards Regimental Museum; or the ruins of Easby Abbey, and Culloden Tower; or you could stroll around Richmond’s four churches. The market square is one of the largest in England, and the Saturday market is a pretty major event.

Outdoors enthusiasts are well catered for too; Richmond is a tourist centre for the Dales National Park with its glorious scenery, pretty villages and plethora of walking or cycling opportunities.

But don't forget that this is a popular destination, especially during the peak summer months. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Richmond in July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Richmond

Best Inns

• The King's Head Richmond is a traditional coaching inn in the heart of Richmond, with an atmospheric restaurant serving great pub food, plus 24 rooms and suites offering a bit more in the way of luxury that you’re possibly expecting. Expect oversized headboards, black and white photography and velvet.

For Great Value

• Castle House, Richmond is small and welcoming choice in the centre of Richmond, a five bedroom property converted from a townhouse. The five, individually decorated rooms, and the breakfast room and lounge, are both homely and luxurious — with the perfect blend of cosy fires and indulgent breakfasts to make you feel cosseted. And rates that won't break the bank!

Best B&Bs

• Millgate House is a charming Regency townhouse, turned B&B, with beautiful art, antiques, and an award-winning garden. It has just three rooms, all of them spacious and elegantly decorated with antiques. There’s also a welcoming lounge and dining room — which doubles as a breakfast room if you don’t want to take you breakfast in the garden. Expect an imaginatively planted garden and first-rate food. They can arrange dinner parties for a minimum of 16.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Richmond is Teesside International Airport (just outside Darlington) which is a 25 minute car or taxi ride away. Newcastle International Airport is also worth considering, at about an hour away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by bus. If you’re travelling from London, the trains run between Kings Cross and Darlington, from where you can catch a bus to Richmond.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re hoping for nice weather the best time of year to visit Richmond and the Yorkshire Dales is summer, when it’s sunny, dry and temperatures get into the low 20°Cs. Though this isn’t a particularly sunny destination, and there’s a chance of rain whenever you travel.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Yorkshire
• Refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for and consider just the best Pubs-with-Rooms in Yorkshire, great family friendly hotels in Yorkshire or the best hotels in rural Yorkshire
• Consider some of Richmond’s neighbours like the best places to stay in Darlington, the Yorkshire Dales National Park or the North York Moors National Park
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.