Event Details

RHC Richmond Castle Visit

Join the RHC on this visit to Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire. The site is one of the finest and most complete eleventh century castles in the country with a history spanning from the Norman conquest to the First World War. Our visit will include a guided tour after which visitors will be free to explore the site independently; why not climb the castle keep for stunning victors over the Yorkshire Dales; take a tranquil stroll in the castle’s ‘Cockpit Garden’; or visit the exhibition in the visitors’ center.

Please note that some areas of the castle (including the keep) may be closed on the day due to circumstances beyond our control (such as adverse weather conditions). In addition all visitors booking on this visit must read the health and safety and accessibility guidance below and understand that participation in the visit is at their own risk

1:15pm Arrive at Richmond Castle visitors’ centre.

1:30 - 2.15 Guided tour of Richmond Castle

2:15 - 3:00 Visitors free to explore the castle (keep; gardens; exhibition spaces)

3pm End of formal event - visitors are free to keep exploring the castle until the site closes at 4pm

Those booking onto this field trip may also be interested to attend a free public talk '‘Richmond and Brittany in the Middle Ages: An Enduring Connection’ that will be given by former director of the Regional Heritage Centre, Professor Fiona Edmonds. The talk will take place at The Station, Richmond, which is a short (approx. 10-15 minute) walk from the castle entrance. The free talk will take place in the morning, prior to our castle visit. Tickets to the free talk must be booked separately in addition to the castle visit. Please see separate event page for details regarding the talk and booking.

Please note that transport to Richmond Castle is *not* provided

Getting to Richmond Castle and Parking:

Richmond is just 4 miles from the A1/A66 junction at Scotch Corner. The postcode DL10 4QW should be used in SatNavs. The nearest train station is Darlington - 12 miles away - and from here there are bus or taxi services to Richmond. Please check Arriva for more information on bus services. Further travel information can be found here: Directions to Richmond Castle | English Heritage

Limited disc parking and blue badge parking is available in the Market Place, Richmond (discs are avaiable in local shops and in the Green Howards Musuem). Note that parking in the Market Place is restricted to 2 hours. Long stay, pay-and-display, parking is available in Nuns Close Car Park which is a short walk (10min) from the castle.

WAITING LIST, CANCELLATIONS, HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND ACCESSIBILITY

We expect a high demand for the limited places on this excursion. You are recommended to book early.

Once all the places have been booked we will keep a waiting list of people who would like to be contacted at short notice should a place become free. If you would like to go on the waiting list please contact us to provide us with an email address and a daytime telephone number where you could be contacted at short notice.

If you have to cancel your booking, please give us five full working days’ notice and we will happily arrange a refund. Refunds can now only be made via electronic means. In order to issue a refund we need details of your account name, account number and sort-code.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Richmond Castle is a runions site which presents hazards. The ground over which the visit will take place comprises mixed terrain of cobbles, gravel and grassed areas with potentially slippery surfaces (especially when wet). The topography is uneven and undulating, with some steep banks and drops. Warning signs and barriers must be adhered to, safety rails should be used, and extra care is to be exercised at all times. Access to some areas of the castle (especially the roof of the cell block, the keep and gardens) is via old, uneven, steep stairs (ascent and descent is via the same stairs and users will encounter other vistors). Those who elect to explore these areas must be satisfied that they are of a sufficient level of fitness and mobility to do so; they should also be comfortable with heights. Wall surfaces around the site may be shap and jagged. Visitors may also encounter bird and animal droppings; vistors should be careful not to come into contact with these and should wash their hands/use hand sanitizer following their visit.

The majority of the site is open-air and will be subject to weather conditions. Please note that public access to some areas of the castle may be resitricted and/or closed due to factors beyond our control (including weather conditions). Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate apparel is required. Whilst reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of everyone taking part in the event, each person booking onto this excursion does so at their own risk and will be expected to act responsibly with regard to their own safety, and that of others, during the visit. This will include taking extra care on uneven terrain, following the instructions of the group leaders and tour guides, and adhering to warning signs and safety guidance.

If you are feeling unwell or showing Covid-19 symptoms on the day of the trip, you must not attend.

ACCESSIBILITY

Access to the main parts of the Castle and main ward are over mown grass; some gravel around base of keep; and cobbles. These areas are accessible to wheelchair users. The visitors centre (including the exhibition space on the first floor) is also accessible. Unfortunately, access to keep, cell block roof and gardens are by original steps only and thus inaccessible to some visitors. There are accessible toilets on site and one all terrain wheelchair is available for loan if required (please let us know in advance if this is required). Assistance dogs are welcome. Full details regarding access to the site is available here: Access at Richmond Castle | English Heritage. Should you wish to join the tour and require more information about accessibility please contact us before booking your place.