“Richmond in Autumn: A Storybook Farewell”
My final month in England was spent in the enchanting market town of Richmond, nestled in North Yorkshire. Fittingly, my journey came full circle—I began my time in England here and returned to the same cozy cottage for my farewell, experiencing both the vibrancy of late spring and the crisp charm of early autumn.
Richmond owes its existence to its castle, perched high on a cliff above the River Swale. Built by Alan the Red after the Norman Conquest in the late 11th century, Richmond Castle is one of the finest Norman fortresses in Britain.
The history woven into these ancient walls was palpable as I explored the castle’s secret corners. Legend even ties it to King Arthur and his knights. Folklore claims the castle is built above a cave where Arthur and his knights lie sleeping, ready to rise when England needs them most.
From the 12th-century keep, the views were breathtaking: the winding river, lush woods, and the bustling market town below. Standing there, I could almost hear echoes of soldiers marching in the square, a hub of activity for centuries.
The castle’s main tower dominates the town’s skyline, but the best view is from Bishop Blaize’s garden, home to the oldest pub in Richmond.
This historic inn, dating back to 1546, offered the perfect spot to soak in the town’s timeless charm.
A Town Made for Walking
Richmond is, without a doubt, the most walkable town I’ve ever stayed in. The market square is the heart of the community, where locals visit the butcher, baker, and greengrocer to stock up on daily essentials. On Saturdays, a lively outdoor market springs to life with fresh produce and handmade crafts.
I walked everywhere—whether to church, the Lidl grocery store, the charity shops, or even the local hardware store, aptly named “The Yorkshire Trading Company.” The compact nature of the town made every errand feel like a leisurely stroll.
When I described Richmond to my Aunt Debbie, she aptly remarked, “It sounds like a town Princess Belle would have lived in!” She was absolutely right. Richmond feels like a storybook brought to life—a close-knit community with an almost magical quality, where every corner hums with “tale as old as time.”
My host, Neil, lives in London but owns the delightful 17th-century Millgate Cottage. With its cheerful yellow door, this charming retreat is tucked just a stone’s throw from the main market square, nestled in the shadow of Richmond Castle.
The thick stone walls, steeped in history, kept the cottage warm in winter and cool in summer. But for this island girl, a sweater was always close at hand!
My Church Community
I had the joy of attending Influence Church, led by Senior Pastors Ben and Gale, who have expanded the church to five campuses across North England since taking over in 2008. Their warmth and enthusiasm were palpable, as was the humor of Pastor Greg, who one Sunday delivered a brilliant sermon incorporating four translations of a Charles Spurgeon quote—tailored to connect with every generation.
The church, founded in Richmond in 1963, began in a former theater and has flourished into a vibrant community. I felt so welcomed and blessed to worship alongside such passionate believers.
Another nostalgic landmark-turned-community-hub is The Station. This repurposed Victorian railway station has been transformed into a lively gathering place, complete with a café, bakery, movie theater, and local art gallery. It became one of my favorite spots to browse secondhand books, catch a film, or enjoy a cuppa while chatting with locals and their dogs!
Nature Walks and Hidden Gems
Richmond’s location along Swaledale—arguably the wildest and most unspoiled of the Yorkshire Dales—makes it a haven for nature lovers like me. The River Swale’s scenic park was just steps from my door, while nearby meadows, sheep pastures, and woodlands offered endless opportunities for exploration.
One of my favorite walks in the area was the Little Drummer Boy loop, a circular route that followed the river through the park near my cottage and led past the serene pastures of Easby Abbey. The gentle three-mile walk was completely gorgeous and filled with peaceful charm.
The abbey ruins include a gatehouse, cultivation terraces, a mill race, and even a monastic barn. It became one of my favorite picnic spots, and I even joined several families in a few rounds of tag and hide-and-seek amongst the ruins, much to the delight of the children.
As my time in England drew to a close, I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting farewell than Richmond. From the castle’s timeless majesty to the warmth of the townsfolk, every moment felt like a gift.
Thank you for joining me on my adventures this year through Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and England. Next month, I’ll be sharing about my time back home in Hawaii for the holidays.
