Yes, we have an actual phone at last! That may seem a strange thing to celebrate, but we moved into new premises just a few weeks ago, and getting a phone installed during COVID has been a bit of a struggle. So forgive us if we celebrate. Better still, give us a call: 01748 826468.

Even when the world isn’t in lockdown or emerging from it, finding a public loo nearby when nature calls is one of those essential human needs. With this thought in mind some whiz-kids have come up with just the thing... a website that tells you what facilities are open in your neck of the woods.

​Check out https://lockdownloo.com.  Invaluable.

Newby Hall's gardens and woodlands are now open; the house, railway, playground and railway are all still closed. Tickets must be pre-purchased, and conditions apply, so do check the website.

And Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Birds of Prey Centre are now open, as normal, seven days a week, 10:00-17:00. No pre-booking required. The tearoom is running a take-away service, and toilet facilities are available. However, the playground will remain closed for now.

No, not the rain, though that's probably been welcome. Harlow Carr RHS Garden has re-opened; you'll need to book a time-slot here, but won't it be worth it..? And for lovers of exotic plants, the Himalayan Garden at Grewelthorpe is also now open (see photo). Booking details are here.

Slowly but surely the green shoots of recovery are appearing all over North Yorkshire.

Here's some great news; Fountains Abbey and Water Garden have re-opened. It's not quite unlimited open access, as you'll need to book a time-slot here. Still, you can enjoy one of the great sites of North Yorkshire without all those pesky crowds.

 Do you live in or near Richmond? Do you know one or two things about the town, its surroundings or the Dales National Park - and would you like to learn more? Are you happy using email and the internet? Do you like to meet and assist visitors? Can you spare a few hours a week to join a friendly team of volunteers in our brand new Information Centre in Richmond Market Hall?

Yes??? Fantastic - we'd love to meet you!

At present we're running reduced hours with a limited team of volunteers. As lockdown eases and visitor numbers return to normal, we'll be building up our team once more, and we hope you'll join it!

To learn more, or to volunteer now, email [email protected] or use this form.

The museum shop is now open Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 15:30. The museum itself remains closed, but is contactable for enquiries, including family history research and collections questions: call 01748 826561, or email [email protected].

Come and visit us in our new premises, in Richmond Market Hall.

Our hours are 10:30 to 13:00 to begin with. We don't have a phone yet, but we live in hope that an engineer will come round. We don't have many pamphlets or leaflets either, because most local attractions are still closed. But if it's information you're after, our knowledgeable local volunteers will help you out.

The Market Hall has its own discreet anti-COVID precautions, and we have ours too, but we won't let them get in the way of a friendly welcome. So pop round and see us in our new home, as we help get Richmond and the Dales get back to normal.

Kiplin Hall, just six miles from Richmond, is a gorgeous Jacobean house, and a great favourite with families. Now the gardens and grounds have reopened, and visitors can enjoy long walks around the lake, the open space of the parkland, the secluded woodland paths, and the delightful walled garden. Bring a picnic!

The grounds are open to visitors, 10am – 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices are as below:

We asked for clarification, and what it means, apparently, is that £12 gets an adult into the house and gardens for a whole year; but not the house just now. If that's right, it's an amazing bargain. Details here. 

Barnard Castle (the castle, that is, not the town of the same name, famous for its opticians) is expected to re-open in early July, along with Middleham Castle and Mount Grace Priory Gardens. Admission is expected to be by booking only; look for updates on the English Heritage website.

English Heritage's Richmond Castle looks as if it may open mid-August.