Top Things to do in Richmond
What to do and see in Richmond, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Richmond, United Kingdom including Georgian Theatre Royal, Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve, Millgate House Garden, Easby Abbey, Richmondshire Museum, St Agatha's Church.
Restaurants in Richmond
1. Georgian Theatre Royal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 435 reviews
Built in 1788, The Georgian Theatre Royal is the UK's oldest working theatre in its original form. We are currently still open for tours, although all live performances have been put on hold for the moment. Guided 'back-stage tours are suitable for children and adults alike and run every hour on the hour (10am until 4pm Monday to Saturday). Our enthusiastic guides will entertain you with the fascinating story of the Theatre as well as providing a colourful insight into life in Georgian England. Find out who has graced the historic stage over the centuries and discover how the early actors lived and worked, walking miles between venues with their families in tow. Come and see why we're consistently number 1 of 'things to do in Richmond' on TripAdvisor!
Reviewed By sarahp177
We visited for a tour of the theatre with our 2 little boys aged 5 &6 having always fancied exploring this historic little gem of a theatre. We were the only ones on our tour and the guide Shiela was absolutely fantastic. She made sure she kept our boys interest with interesting facts and was so patient with answering all of their questions and letting them perform on the stage! She really is a credit to you and made the whole experience one to remember for all of us - please pass on our thanks to her. We loved the theatre so much, we have booked to come and see Aladdin in December - the boys can't wait because they know how it all works now!!
2. Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
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.
3. Millgate House Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
The garden at Millgate House is now closed. It is open for bed and breakfast resident guests and friends only.
Reviewed By MaggieDixon
If there is an antidote to lockdown blues I cannot think of anywhere on planet Earth that provides this more than Millgate. Is it the outrageous beauty and exquisite taste that is on view on the walls ,recently enhanced by the arrival of a stunning collection of Grand master paintings that sit so comfortably with liked minded companions that live in the rest of this house? Is it the all year round award winning garden that seems oblivious to all the attention and just exudes joy at the most elemental level, a cacophony of plants of every kind, from humble commoners and "blow ins" to regency and aristocratic rare blooms that are only known to RSH devotees, the garden being winner of several prestigious awards over the years. (The magnificent walled garden is an R.H.S Partnership garden - winning first prize (out of 3500 gardens) Despite all of this well deserved reverence of breathtaking beauty Millgate, like its owners Tim and Austin, is utterly un pretentious and totally accessible. Together, they are the Grand Masters of knowledge and knowing what works and the combo is the lived experience, and creates an ambience that it transcendent and can only be experienced by being there. It was an utter joy to visit just before the second lockdown was being announced. As lockdown lifts the magnificent Millgate will open its doors once more, but places are even more coveted so get in early, we never leave without the next visit booked.
4. Easby Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
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. Richmondshire Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
We are a local history museum that is full of interesting exhibitions both permanent and seasonal. There are activities for children both daily and extra at certain times throughout the school holidays. Details of these can be found on our website. A perfect start to a stay in the beautiful town of Richmond.
Reviewed By 072Dave - Telford, United Kingdom
Tucked away in the beautiful town of Richmond North Yorkshire the Richmondshire museum is well worth a visit especially if you have young ones with you. History and knowledge of staff is great
6. St Agatha's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
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.
TAGS
