About Richmondshire

Richmondshire District covers 509 square miles and is actually larger than four English counties, but within its boundary live only 50,700 people (2005 estimate). Richmondshire is therefore one of the most sparsely populated District Councils in the country, its boundaries stretching from the River Tees to Cumbria. The area is predominantly rural in character and a large part is situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The largest town in the District is the historic market town of Richmond with its Norman Castle, cobbled market place, famous Georgian Theatre Royal and elegant Georgian buildings.

There is a thriving tourism industry within Richmondshire and this now forms the economic bedrock of the District.

The District also boasts two other bustling market towns, Leyburn and Hawes, with many other urban developments to the east, namely Catterick, Scotton, Hipswell, Colburn and Brompton On Swale. Reeth is also a service centre for the upper Dales.

Richmondshire is actively promoted as a major part of the Yorkshire Dales and has provided ideal film and television locations for such as James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small".  There are many other attractions, especially for outdoor pursuits, including fishing, riding, caving, climbing, hang-gliding, etc. Two famous long distance walks cross the District – The Pennine Way and The Coast to Coast Walk. There are numerous castles, churches, museums and rural craft centres.

Two main arterial roads, the A1 North/South and the A66 East/West five miles from Richmond, give easy nationwide access. Employment opportunities are good with light industry within and close to the District. The District also contains the largest military establishment in the country, Catterick Garrison, which adds greatly to the economic wellbeing of the area. There are good schools and health facilities and a range of excellent housing.