About
Richmond Castle is one of England's finest Norman castles, a spectacular medieval fortification that dominates the market town of Richmond in North Yorkshire from its cliff-top position above the River Swale. Founded in 1071 by Alan Rufus, Count of Brittany, just five years after the Norman Conquest, it is among the earliest Norman castles built in England and retains some of the most complete examples of 11th-century castle architecture anywhere in Britain.
The castle's keep — Scotland's Hall Keep — rises to 30 metres and commands views across the Vale of Mowbray and the Yorkshire Dales that are among the most spectacular from any castle in England. Built in the 12th century, the keep is an exceptional survivor that preserves its original walls to their full height, creating an atmospheric space that gives a genuine sense of medieval military architecture in a way that more heavily restored or ruined structures cannot.
Richmond Castle's history spans nearly a thousand years, and it has witnessed some of England's most turbulent chapters. Scottish kings were imprisoned here; it served as a military training centre; and during the First World War it became the site of one of the most poignant episodes in the history of British conscientious objection.
In 1916, sixteen young men — artists, poets, socialists and religious dissenters who refused military service on grounds of conscience — were imprisoned at Richmond Castle. Known as the 'Richmond Sixteen', they included future artists including Eric Kennington's close friend Bert Brocklesby, and members of the No-Conscription Fellowship. The Richmond Sixteen were subsequently shipped to France and threatened with death for refusing orders in a war zone — the episode became a cause célèbre that eventually contributed to the establishment of alternative service for conscientious objectors. The pencil drawings they scratched on their cell walls are among the most moving First World War memorials in England.
The castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors who wish to explore its towers, keep, great hall foundations and the extraordinary views from its battlements.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2019)
35,000
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Clear days for panoramic views over Swaledale; check seasonal opening
💡 Visitor Tips
- English Heritage members enter free — an excellent reason to consider membership if you visit regularly.
- Climb the keep for the best views — they are genuinely spectacular across the Dales and Vale.
- Allow time to visit the Richmond Sixteen cells — the scratched drawings on the cell walls are extraordinarily moving.
- Richmond town itself is exceptional — the market square, Georgian Theatre Royal and Swale views are all must-sees.
- The castle is in Richmond town centre and easily walkable from the market square and car parks.
- Pre-booking may be required on busy summer days — check english-heritage.org.uk.
- Combine with a drive into lower Swaledale — one of the most beautiful valleys in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the castle has uneven historic surfaces and steep stairs.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The Keep
12th-century keep rising 30 metres above the River Swale with views across the Dales.
The Richmond Sixteen
The story of the First World War conscientious objectors and their cell wall drawings.
Norman Castle Architecture
11th and 12th-century castle fabric including curtain walls and early hall buildings.
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.