Places to Visit
Within Walking Distance …
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond is a vibrant market town with loads to offer. There are wonderful walks along the River Swale just near Evergreen, and of course there’s Richmond Castle, one of the finest Norman fortresses in the North of England (built in order to keep marauding northerners out!). There are stunning views from the castle and English Heritage run lots of events there. (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/) The Green Howards Museum is also well worth a visit – it’s beautifully curated (see the breathtaking medals room containing almost 4000 medals, including Victoria Crosses and George Crosses). A wonderful way to gain an insight into this Yorkshire regiment. (http://greenhowards.org.uk/about/)
For rainy days or shopping days try The Station which is a renovated Victorian railway building in Richmond which has been converted into a fabulous exhibition space and art gallery with a cafe, artisan baker, ice cream maker and cheese shop. There’s also a small and intimate cinema in The Station and if theatre’s your thing then you have to try Richmond’s Georgian Theatre. From The Station it’s a beautiful walk along the River Swale to the impressive ruins of Easby Abbey.
Get out into Swaledale …
Just out of Richmond you’ll find yourself in the breathtaking area of Swaledale with its moorland, hills and mountains and loads of potential for great walking. Head for the villages of Reeth, Grinton or Gunnerside and explore the surrounding area. Popular amongst walkers and cyclists alike, there’s loads to see and do (have a look at the Dales Centre in Reeth, which features a collective of designers and makers in working studios and workshops.) Further out (and higher up – it’s England’s highest market town) is Hawes, home to the famous Wensleydale Creamery where you can sample some delicious cheese inspired dishes at Calverts Restaurant.
Day Trip
We’re just an hour’s drive from the lovely spa town of Harrogate, with its elegant shops, cafes and restaurants and of course home to the beautifully renovated Turkish Baths and everyone’s favourite place for afternoon tea: Betty’s Tearooms.
York is also about an hour away, and well worth the trip to steep yourself in history, great cafes and restaurants and shopping, not to mention attractions such as The Jorvik Centre and The National Railway Museum.
Eating Out
There are some lovely places to eat out within walking distance of Evergreen. We keep going back to Rustique, a French Brasserie on Finkle Street in Richmond. Offering bistro style dining and a wide ranging and wonderful menu (and specials board), we have to admit that we almost always have the Steak and Frites! Rustique also has an interesting wine selection.
La Piazza on Dundas Street offers a quality selection of pizzas and pastas and has a great atmosphere while the Black Lion pub on Finkle Street is perfect for Sunday Lunch.
Further afield we love the Wensleydale Heifer at West Witton (fine dining with an emphasis on seafood), the Blue Lion at East Witton (a lovely romantic atmosphere), The Coach House at Middleton Lodge (super stylish), The Charles Bathurst Inn in Arkengarthdale (great food and breathtaking scenery) and The Saddle Room in Coverdale (right next to The Forbidden Corner) .