Local Area
Richmond
If you enjoy the outdoor life, thecitysecret and Richmond are perfect for you. The Yorkshire Dales are at your finger-tips, so no need to sign up for that gym membership. A lunchtime walk down to the river and along past the waterfalls is a perfect way to clear your head.
Richmond was founded by the Normans in 1071 and is centred around the castle build on the hill that dominates the area. The name Richmond is from the Norman-French 'Riche-mont', or strong hill, and this Richmond is the original - all others are named after it.
Richmond, winner of the Great Town award 2009.
Surrounding area
Richmond is at the northern end of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is the gateway to the northern dales. Within roughly an hour's drive there are three other national parks - North York Moors, the Lake District and Northumberland National Park.
The North Yorkshire coastal towns (Whitby, Scarborough) are within easy reach by car, and a little further away is the stunning Northumberland coast with its spectacular beaches.
Getting around
Richmond is 4 miles from Scotch Corner, where the A1 and the main east-west northern trunk road (A66) meet.
The nearest railway station is in Darlington - the home of the railways - around 12 miles from Richmond. Darlington is on the main east-coast line with frequent services to London and Scotland.
Durham Tees Valley airport is 18 miles away.
There is a regular bus service to Darlington and also to areas further into the Dales.
Shopping
Richmond is a small market town with a number of specialist shops and a thriving farmers' market. There are a couple of supermarkets in town, and a larger supermarket a few miles away.
Nearby Darlington, Harrogate and York have a wider range of shops, as well as a larger choice of supermarkets. Further afield, the Gateshead Metro Centre is the largest shopping and leisure centre in Europe and is around 40 miles away.
