Celebrating Yorkshire Day in Style!

What a day to visit Richmond, Yorkshire Day!

We headed straight to the market square to hear the official proclamation, followed by a quick five-minute Zumba session with a group attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous Zumba event. Afterward, we joined a fantastic walking tour of Richmond led by Delphine, one of those terrific guides who seamlessly weaves centuries-old history into modern-day stories.

One of the most fascinating stories she shared was about a local lad, Ben Wilkinson. He built his wealth after getting into commercial drone technology—a sector that exploded in demand following the war in Ukraine, making him a multi-millionaire. Over the past few years, he has been purchasing and restoring historical buildings around town to turn them into thriving businesses. The impressive Fleece Hotel, originally built in 1898 in the Scottish Baronial style, is one of his key properties. He is currently redeveloping several other local sites, including Friary Lodge, the former Barclays and TSB bank buildings, and Oak Grange Farm. It is wonderful to see these heritage structures saved from decay and bringing new energy to the town.

The Fleece

Delphine also shared the story of Richmond Castle, whose construction began in the 1070s under Alan Rufus (Alan the Red). It remains a magnificent sight on the cliffside today. Although it fell into decay by the 16th century, the castle grounds were leased by the military in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War I, it served as a detention center for conscientious objectors—most famously the "Richmond Sixteen," who were held in the cell blocks before facing court-martial. We didn't have time for a full tour inside the castle this trip, but it is high on the list for our next visit.

Richmond really is a bustling town with a surprise around every corner, framed by vibrant summer flowers this time of year—though you certainly need your walking legs, as those cobbled streets are steep! We rounded off an incredible evening with delicious Thai food served with a warm Yorkshire accent, followed by a terrific performance of The Tempest at the restored Georgian Theatre Royal. It is well worth a visit if you ever get the chance!