The old market town of Richmond, England, sits on a hilltop to the north of the River Swale, marking the beginning of Swaledale. Nine centuries of activity are preserved in the city’s cobblestone streets and winding wynds. The name Richmond comes from the French phrase for “strong hill” (Riche-mont), and the town grew up around the castle there, a Norman fortress built in 1071 and famously located high above the river. Enjoy parks, safe paddling places, and small waterfalls along the River Swale, or take in the sights and sounds of the Castle Walk, a magnificent terrace walk beneath the castle walls. From the town’s cobbled Market Place (where a weekly market and a monthly farmers’ market can be found), a network of winding lanes and alleyways lead to a wide variety of shops, taverns, and restaurants. A lot of the town’s historic streets are lined with beautiful examples of Georgian architecture, a product of the town’s prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many people travel to see performances at the Georgian Theatre because it is one of the oldest theatres in the country.
