The 10 Best Free Things to do in Richmond, England

April 4, 2022 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best top things to do in Richmond, United Kingdom including Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve, Lucy Pittaway, Mainsgill Farm, Easby Abbey, The Shoulder of Mutton, St Agatha's Church, Lucy Pittaway Art Gallery, The Friary Gardens War Memorial, The Obelisk, The Station.
Restaurants in Richmond

1. Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve

MOD Barracks Access via Cambrai Lines where you will be asked to show photographic ID on entry, Richmond DL9 3PZ England +44 1748 830045 [email protected] http://www.foxglovecovert.org.uk
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 92 reviews

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve

Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve covers 100 acres of moorland edge adjacent to Cambrai Lines at Catterick and has a remarkable mix of habitats and species. The reserve contains semi-natural woodland, heathland, flower-rich grassland, streams, ponds, a lake, willow and Alder carr, coniferous woodlands and wet meadows. The patchwork of habitats across Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve is home to more than 2440 species. At the heart of the reserve is a modern, purpose-designed Field Centre, a great place to start your visit and learn more about the wildlife of Foxglove Covert. The diverse habitats of the site mean that a variety of bird species is either resident or passing through on migration and bird ringing is one of the most important aspects of conservation on the reserve. In common with all other bird ringing sites, Foxglove Covert carries out its work under the auspices of The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). We are located as part of Catterick Garrison so identification is required to access the site. Please see our website for further details on access and directions. Access to the site is free, however any donations are gratefully received to help us find the £100,000 it costs each year to keep the reserve open. We are open every day (except Christmas, Boxing and New Years Days); Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.00pm and weekends and bank holidays 10.00am-4.00pm.

Reviewed By B7722JBcarolm

I visited this nature reserve a couple of years ago and found it fascinating. I told some friends about it who had served in the Army at Catterick in 80s and early 90s and hadn't heard of it, so we all went for a day visit. You have to stop at the gatehouse and the main driver of the vehicle needs photo ID and has to sign in. You are then escorted by an Army soldier through the army barracks to a locked gate to the nature reserve. They let you in, and to get out you have to phone the gatehouse, Our friends were amazed at how the land had been transformed into the reserve and the work that had been done there. It is still noticeable where the tanks had practiced over the years with some tracks and how nature can take back the land. It is an amazing experience and its hard to believe you are in the middle of an army barracks as the trees have grown up and you cant see the barracks once you are inside the boundary fence of the reserve. There is a map available for I think a £1 which shows 3 walks, short, medium and longer. There is NO cafe at the reserve, but there is somewhere to make a hot drink and leave a donation. There is a small information building with toilets and a small shop. Well worth a visit.

2. Lucy Pittaway

Station Road Unit 7 & 8, Brompton On Swale, Richmond DL10 7SN England +44 1748 810965 [email protected] http://www.lucypittaway.co.uk
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Lucy Pittaway

Visit the 'UK's Most Popular Selling Published Artist 2018' right here in North Yorkshire! The Lucy Pittaway Art Gallery showcases original works of art, prints, canvases and stunning high quality gifts an merchandise by Award Winning Yorkshire Artist Lucy Pittaway. You can also find beautiful greetings cards, notebooks, calendars, tea sets and ceramics, textiles and homeware, perfect for gifting or a reminder of your trip to Yorkshire! Artwork is guaranteed to brighten any room, in any home, with homeware and gifts perfect for him and her, or just yourself! Three time Tour de Yorkshire Official Artist Lucy Pittaway also showcases striking cycling artwork depicting the beautiful Yorkshire landscapes of the race through her cycling themed art and gift collections. If you are looking for a reminder of your stay in Richmond, Birthdays, Mother's Day, Christmas or just something for yourself, we guarantee to brighten someone's day!

Reviewed By HappyChappy70 - Durham, United Kingdom

Lucy has captured a new market with her delightful paintings and the associated merchandise produced from her designs. Whether a unique greetings card or a large painting suitable for wall decoration you will find your answer here. I just love her textiles and ceramics and regularly store one or two away in preparation for that sudden need for a charming gift

3. Mainsgill Farm

East Layton, Richmond DL11 7PN England +44 1325 718860 [email protected] http://www.mainsgillfarm.co.uk/html/Home.html
Excellent
56%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 343 reviews

Mainsgill Farm

Reviewed By Lottelli - Wirral, United Kingdom

You could spend days in here just looking at their wonderful things. Firstly their food section has quality meats and cheeses many of which are local. They have loads of nice chutneys, jams, oils, beers, sweet things etc. They have recently expanded their shop to include more gifts and wow they are wonderful. They have a sweet gift section which biscuits and chocolates galore and upstairs is more xmas decorations and gifts. The staff were great giving us a frozen goose and packing it in a box with ice for our journey home!

4. Easby Abbey

Easby, Richmond DL10 7EU England +44 370 333 1181 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/easby-abbey/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=easby%20abbey
Excellent
60%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 457 reviews

Easby Abbey

Reviewed By J7733ZVjonathanc

Fabulous setting, the grounds are well maintained and presented.There are plenty of information boards giving excellent detail about the Abbey. Great place to sit and contemplate. Best of all it is free!

5. The Shoulder of Mutton

Middleton Tyas, Richmond DL10 6QX England +44 1325 377271 [email protected] http://www.shoulderofmuttonmiddletontyas.com
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

The Shoulder of Mutton

The Shoulder of Mutton is a traditional Country Pub which has been recently fully refurbished, we are set in the village of Middleton Tyas at the Scotch Corner junction off the A1, we are an ideal stop off point for both journeys north and south 1 minute from the junction, we are also ideally placed if you are staying at the Scotch Corner Hotel or Travelodge at Scotch Corner or Skeeby In 2010 we were voted 6th best restaurant in the Darlington & Stockton Times.We pride ourselves on our friendly welcome and service and our excellent food, all our food is made on the premises, we try and use local produce where we can, our meat comes locally and our steaks are all local and are 28 day matured, Seafood comes from local fishmongers and is fresh daily. We have a well-stocked bar with a selection of real ales, great wines.We have a private dining room seating a maximum of 20 people which is ideal for private gatherings and family meetings.

Reviewed By ahs1956

On a miserable day we decided to stop here for lunch. The spotlessly clean pub had well spaced out tables and a varied menu as well as a specials board which caught our attention. We both had the pork chops in cider gravy with blackpudding bonbons. superb mashed potatoes and vegetables. we both cleaned our plates but my husband managed a dessert. The choices were extensive, he chose sticky toffee pudding which was excellent. Next time I`ll maybe have a starter and a pudding! I ve promised to bring the family.....

6. St Agatha's Church

Easby, Richmond England http://www.richmond.org.uk
Excellent
72%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

St Agatha's Church

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

St Agatha’s Church is situated in a lovely location next to the impressive ruins of Easby Abbey (see separate review). The church is actually older than the abbey and parts of it date from before 1100 (the Abbey was founded in 1152). The church is noted for its outstanding frescoes, which are situated in the chancel and date from the 1200s, as well as a replica of the intricately carved Easby Cross. The original cross dates from around the year 800 and is now held in the Victoria and Albert museum. Sadly, the church is currently closed to visitors due to some minor incidents of theft and vandalism, and we can only hope that it will reopen in the not too distant future.

21-24 Finkle Street, Richmond DL10 4QB England +44 1748 824688 [email protected] http://lucypittaway.co.uk/
Excellent
65%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

Lucy Pittaway Art Gallery

Visit 'The UK's Most Popular Selling Published Artist 2018' here in Richmond, North Yorkshire. The Lucy Pittaway Art Gallery showcases original works of art, prints and canvases by Award Winning Yorkshire Artist Lucy Pittaway. You can also find beautiful gifts such as textiles, quirky ceramics, delightful notebooks, calendars, mugs and more, perfect for gifting or a reminder of your trip to Richmond! Lucy's Artwork lights up the corner of Finkle Street off the market square, with bright and colourful window displays, and helpful staff guaranteed to brighten up your visit to Richmond!

Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom

I had seen examples of Lucy Pittaway art in various other galleries in the UK, but hadn’t realised the Richmond connection, so it was a most pleasant surprise to find the gallery and shop as we wandered up Finkle Street. In keeping with the style of her art, the shop is delightfully bright and cheerful, and there is an excellent range of cards, calendars, giftware etc to augment the wide selection of prints. There is also a wide range in pricing, so even if you are on a limited budget, you can find something to buy for yourself or as a gift. Personally, I thought that the prices across the board very very reasonable indeed. This is a lovely place to browse and I would include it in any “must visit” list if you are coming to Richmond.

8. The Friary Gardens War Memorial

Queens Road Friary Gardens, Richmond DL10 4UJ England
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

The Friary Gardens War Memorial

Reviewed By sheepygold

These gardens are on the main road just a few minutes walk from the market place. The flower beds are beautiful at the moment and the garden is very well kept.

9. The Obelisk

Richmond DL10 4QF England
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

The Obelisk

Reviewed By Menumore

Centre of the market place. Needs to have the market less centred around the obelisk as the market distracts from access to the monument

10. The Station

The Station Yard, Richmond DL10 4LD England +44 1748 825967 [email protected] http://www.thestation.co.uk
Excellent
50%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 559 reviews

The Station

From 13 April, The Station, including the gallery and shop, will reopen to the public. The Station and The Station Cafe | Bar - including a new takeaway menu and outdoor seating area - will be open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) 10am - 4pm. The toilets will also be open to customers. It is hoped that The Station Cinema will be able to open in May.

Reviewed By SandraW641 - York, United Kingdom

On a staycation in York, but having days out, one of which included a day trip to Richmond. As we drove into Richmond, we saw the impressive and sympathetically restored 'The Station' building, sitting near the banks of the River Swale. We parked up, went for a lovely long walk along the river and viewed lots of new born lambs. On our return we called into The Station for a look around at the art works on display. We enjoyed a great value and great tasting cup of filter coffee, freshly baked and tasty lemon drizzle cake and carrot cake. Excellent friendly customer service in the cafe, with staff unobtrusively buzzing around clearing tables and cleaning them. There was an amazing Alice in Wonderland knitted display all along the banister rails. We sat there trying to identify the individual characters. The site offers cinema, paintings, a small brewery and assorted additional shops and there is a swimming pool nearby too. This attraction could well keep children and adults occupied all day. Totally recommended.

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