Explore local and social history through fascinating artefacts spanning from the Stone Age to the present day in this compact but expansive museum.

Richmondshire Museum, founded in 1974 and opened in 1978, is a deceptively spacious attraction housed in a building that appears small from the outside but reveals extensive collections within. The museum features a wide range of artefacts with a strong emphasis on local and social history, displaying items from the Stone Age through to contemporary times. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits showcasing the heritage of Richmondshire across multiple centuries. The museum houses an active collection that serves both recreational visitors and educational purposes, with the venue also functioning as an archaeological repository for the region. The museum garden provides an outdoor space to complement the indoor exhibits. Richmondshire Museum caters to families of all ages, with pushchair-friendly facilities and engaging displays suitable for children aged 0+. Beyond casual visits, the museum plays an important educational role, supporting primary and secondary schools with curriculum-linked programs and providing workplace experience opportunities for university students. Testimonials praise the museum for being "a gem" with well-displayed artefacts and clear explanations, making it a must-see local attraction.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

J

Julie Whiteley

3 months ago

We loved our visit to the museum. A lovely welcome on entry and a video of the times in Richmond. Lovely historic and quaint shops it's like going back in time. There's too much to see to be honest so I'd advise to go it's a must visit

J

Jean Wells

3 months ago

Tucked out of the way, this museum is worth seeking out. If you're local it must be amazing. But it's so interesting for those of us who aren't from Yorkshire. An absolute warren of rooms, stuffed with so much history. It's fascinating. You must visit!

L

Liz H

2 years ago

Fabulous place and such lovely volunteers running it! Well worth a visit. Much more than we were expecting and we spent a lot longer than we thought we would (an hour and a quarter). Great value for money. It's on a little back road off the market Square - look for sign over an alleyway! Really informative and well laid out. Lots of reconstructed shops etc. Brought back many memories!☺️

H

Hayley Taylor

2 years ago

Well worth visiting! A lovely museum with much more inside than first appears. Downstairs the rooms are themed and it's like stepping into history. The upstairs gallery has a timeline of history in Richmondshire with some wonderful objects 😊

A

Andrew Harrison

4 years ago

Charming museum tucked away in the back streets of Richmond in the Yorkshire Dales. Well worth a visit and a very pleasant way to spend an hour or so. Not easy to stumble across but worth searching out should you visit the town.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026