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3-star hotels in Richmond
A shortlist of the 3-star hotels in Richmond, the cobbled market town above the River Swale in North Yorkshire. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a base in or near the town, compared on guest ratings out of 5 and on the facilities each one actually lists.
Staying in Richmond
Richmond is a market town built on a bluff above the River Swale, with a Norman keep rising about a hundred feet over the water, one of England's largest cobbled market places, and Swaledale starting at the end of the road. Everything runs downhill from the square through Finkle Street, Frenchgate, Bargate and Newbiggin, and much of it is cobbled. The town is steep and there is no railway station, so it has kept its own character rather than turning into a late-night destination.
The hotels on this shortlist sit in and around that centre. The Fleece Hotel is on Victoria Rd, Black Lion Hotel Richmond on Finkle Street, The Frenchgate Restaurant & Hotel on Frenchgate, and The Kings Head Hotel, The Castle Tavern and The Buck Inn close to the market place and Newbiggin, so the castle, the theatre and the river walks are within reach on foot. Others, such as The Queen's Head at Westmoor Lane near Leyburn, The Tan Hill Inn at Long Causeway and Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel at Princes Gate, are further out and suit travellers with a car. Couples get quiet inns with restaurants, families get family rooms and playgrounds, and business travellers get parking and easy road access.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Queen's Head
Westmoor Lane, Leyburn, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 3-star option in Leyburn where guests have rated it 4.7 across 407 reviews. Rooms come with baths, coffee-making kit and free wifi, and you can eat in without leaving the building thanks to the on-site restaurant and bar. The garden and terrace give you somewhere to sit out, and parking is free. A good fit for couples or families touring the dales by car who want dinner and a drink under the same roof.
See The Queen's HeadThe Chequers Inn
Chequers Inn Dalton On Tees Darlington, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereSet in Dalton On Tees outside Darlington, this 3-star inn welcomes pets and lays on family rooms, with cots available. Guests score it 4.6 from 427 reviews. Food and drink are covered by the restaurant, bar and lunch service, and the garden, picnic area and playground keep children occupied. Best for families and dog owners breaking up a journey who want parking on site and no fuss.
See The Chequers InnThe Fleece Hotel
5 Victoria Rd, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Victoria Rd in Richmond itself, this 3-star hotel keeps things simple: family rooms, pets allowed, free wifi and luggage storage. Fishing and golf are close at hand for guests who come to be outdoors. Rated 4.6 by 318 guests, it suits travellers who want a central base and are happy with straightforward rooms rather than extra services.
See The Fleece HotelBlack Lion Hotel Richmond
12 Finkle Street, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereA 3-star hotel on Finkle Street in the middle of Richmond, scoring 4.6 from 316 reviews. There is a restaurant and bar, room service and free parking, plus a lounge for the evening. Guests travelling with dogs are welcome. With fishing, horse riding, tennis, badminton and water sports all on the facilities list, it is aimed at active visitors who want to fill their days.
See Black Lion Hotel RichmondThe Holly Hill Inn
Holly Hill, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThis 3-star inn sits at Holly Hill and has drawn 4.5 from 768 reviews. Its restaurant does the catering, parking is free, and guests can head out fishing or horse riding. Multilingual staff are on hand, and there is a playground for children. A practical choice for families and riders who want a countryside stop with meals provided and no charge for leaving the car.
See The Holly Hill InnThe Frenchgate Restaurant & Hotel
59 61 Frenchgate, Richmond, United Kingdom
Why stay hereOn Frenchgate in Richmond, this 3-star hotel pairs a restaurant with a bar and concierge service, and guests rate it 4.6 from 148 reviews. A garden and terrace extend the space for a drink or a quiet hour, and laundry service and luggage storage cover longer stays. It appeals to couples who want a small, food-focused place to stay in town.
See The Frenchgate Restaurant & HotelThe Tan Hill Inn
Long Causeway Richmond, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereThe Tan Hill Inn is a 3-star stop on Long Causeway with 4,805 reviews and a 4.4 rating. Inside there is a fireplace and lounge alongside the restaurant and bar, with entertainment activities laid on. Pets are allowed and parking is free, and family rooms are available. It draws guests who want a remote-feeling inn with food, drink, warmth and company all in one place.
See The Tan Hill InnPremier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel
Princes Gate Catterick, Catterick, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA 3-star Premier Inn at Princes Gate in Catterick, rated 4.4 by 905 guests. The front desk runs 24 hours and check-out is express, with lifts, wheelchair access and luggage storage for an easy arrival and departure. Free wifi and free parking come as standard, and there is a restaurant and lounge on site. Suited to travellers who want predictable, accessible accommodation with their car parked outside.
See Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotelThe Kings Head Hotel
Market Place, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereFacing Market Place in Richmond, this 3-star hotel has a restaurant and bar, plus banquet space and terrace. Rating sits at 4.3 from 1,115 reviews. Rooms include bathrobes and slippers, and pets are allowed. With parking on site, it works well for guests who want to step out straight into the town centre and return for dinner.
See The Kings Head HotelThe Buck Inn
27 29 Newbiggin, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 3-star inn on Newbiggin in Richmond, rated 4.3 across 349 reviews. Breakfast is served and there is a bar for the evening, with free wifi and free parking completing the essentials. It is a straightforward pick for visitors who want a bed, a meal to start the day and their car left safely while they explore on foot.
See The Buck InnThe Unicorn Richmond
2 Newbiggin, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Pool and spa
- Pool bar
Why stay hereThe Unicorn Richmond is a 3-star property on Newbiggin, rated 4.3 from 349 reviews, and it has a pool bar. That single feature points to a stay built around a drink by the water rather than a long list of services. It suits guests who want a central Richmond address and plan to spend their time out and about.
See The Unicorn Richmond11 Tower Street
11 Tower Street, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 3-star self-catering address on Tower Street in Richmond with a 4.2 rating from 11,492 reviews. The kitchen comes with an oven, microwave, refrigerator and toaster, and there is a washing machine, fireplace and free parking. Pets are allowed. This is the choice for longer stays and families who would rather cook for themselves than eat out every night.
See 11 Tower StreetThe Farmers Arms
Gatherley Road, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Farmers Arms on Gatherley Road is a 3-star inn with a restaurant and bar, plus room service. A garden and playground make it workable for families, and family rooms are available. Guests can fish nearby or simply eat in. Parking is free and wifi is free. It fits those driving through who want a meal, a drink and a garden without venturing further.
See The Farmers ArmsHartforth Hall Hotel
Hartforth Richmond Dl10 5Ju Uk, Richmond, United Kingdom
Why stay hereHartforth Hall Hotel is a 3-star property at Hartforth outside Richmond. A restaurant is the facility recorded for it, so the stay is built around eating on site. It suits guests looking for a quieter address away from the town centre who are content to take their meals at the hotel.
See Hartforth Hall HotelThe Castle Tavern
3 Market Place, Richmond, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn Market Place in Richmond, this 3-star tavern has a bar, cafe and restaurant, with free wifi and free parking. A shuttle service runs, and the property is wheelchair accessible. It works for guests who want to be in the middle of town with food and drink downstairs and an easy way to get around without driving.
See The Castle Tavern
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Queen's Head | ★★★ | 4.7 | 407 | Yes | – | – |
| The Chequers Inn | ★★★ | 4.6 | 427 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Fleece Hotel | ★★★ | 4.6 | 318 | – | – | Yes |
| Black Lion Hotel Richmond | ★★★ | 4.6 | 316 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| The Holly Hill Inn | ★★★ | 4.5 | 768 | Yes | – | – |
| The Frenchgate Restaurant & Hotel | ★★★ | 4.6 | 148 | – | – | – |
| The Tan Hill Inn | ★★★ | 4.4 | 4,805 | Yes | – | Yes |
| Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel | ★★★ | 4.4 | 905 | Yes | – | – |
| The Kings Head Hotel | ★★★ | 4.3 | 1,115 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Buck Inn | ★★★ | 4.3 | 349 | Yes | Yes | – |
| The Unicorn Richmond | ★★★ | 4.3 | 349 | – | – | – |
| 11 Tower Street | ★★★ | 4.2 | 11,492 | Yes | – | Yes |
| The Farmers Arms | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
| Hartforth Hall Hotel | ★★★ | – | – | – | – | – |
| The Castle Tavern | ★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These hotels list family rooms, and several add a playground or a garden for children. The Chequers Inn has family rooms, a cot, a playground and a picnic area, Black Lion Hotel Richmond adds a garden, banquet space and a tennis court, and The Fleece Hotel, The Tan Hill Inn and The Farmers Arms all list family rooms as well. Ratings run from 4.4 to 4.6 out of 5.
The Chequers Inn · Black Lion Hotel Richmond · The Fleece Hotel · The Tan Hill Inn · The Farmers Arms
For pets
Pets allowed appears in the facilities of The Chequers Inn, The Fleece Hotel, Black Lion Hotel Richmond, The Tan Hill Inn, The Kings Head Hotel and 11 Tower Street. The last of these is a self-contained house on Tower Street with a kitchen, microwave, oven, washing machine and fireplace, which suits travellers who want their dog with them and space of their own.
The Chequers Inn · The Fleece Hotel · Black Lion Hotel Richmond · The Tan Hill Inn · The Kings Head Hotel · 11 Tower Street
For parking
Free car parking is listed by The Queen's Head, The Chequers Inn, Black Lion Hotel Richmond, The Holly Hill Inn, The Tan Hill Inn, Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel, The Buck Inn, 11 Tower Street, The Farmers Arms and The Castle Tavern. This matters in Richmond, where the centre is steep and cobbled and you will want to know where the car can actually get to.
The Queen's Head · The Chequers Inn · Black Lion Hotel Richmond · The Holly Hill Inn · The Tan Hill Inn · Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel
Top rated
The highest guest ratings among these 3-star hotels belong to The Queen's Head at 4.7 out of 5 from 407 reviews, then The Chequers Inn, The Fleece Hotel and Black Lion Hotel Richmond, each at 4.6 from 427, 318 and 316 reviews.
The Queen's Head · The Chequers Inn · The Fleece Hotel · Black Lion Hotel Richmond
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Richmond has no railway station; the line closed in 1969 and the station is now a cinema and food hall. Darlington is your railhead, twelve miles away on the East Coast Main Line, with the 34 bus running into Richmond market place in about 35 minutes. Northallerton is a further alternative if you are coming from Leeds. Book a taxi in advance for late arrivals, as evening buses thin out badly after 7pm. Once in town you can reach the castle, theatre, museum, The Station and Easby Abbey entirely on foot, but Richmond is very steep, so ask your hotel where the car can actually get to.
When to go
Come for the castle at opening time before the coach parties, and for the falls when the Swale is in spate after rain. At nine on a Friday the Black Lion and the Unicorn are full and the chip shop queue reaches the pavement, and by half eleven the town is silent. Skip Richmond if you want late bars, as most kitchens stop around 8.30pm midweek. Spring and autumn give you the walks along the Swale and up Swaledale without the summer crowds.
Things to do near Richmond
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Richmond?
The Kings Head Hotel on Market Place, The Castle Tavern on Market Place and Black Lion Hotel Richmond on Finkle Street are right in the middle, with The Buck Inn and The Unicorn Richmond on Newbiggin just below. The Frenchgate Restaurant & Hotel on Frenchgate is also a short walk from the square.
Do any of these hotels have parking?
Free car parking is listed by The Queen's Head, The Chequers Inn, Black Lion Hotel Richmond, The Holly Hill Inn, The Tan Hill Inn, Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel, The Buck Inn, 11 Tower Street, The Farmers Arms and The Castle Tavern. The Kings Head Hotel lists parking without stating that it is free.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets allowed is listed at The Chequers Inn, The Fleece Hotel, Black Lion Hotel Richmond, The Tan Hill Inn, The Kings Head Hotel and 11 Tower Street. If you are bringing a dog, check the individual hotel's conditions when you book.
Which are the best-rated hotels on this shortlist?
The Queen's Head has the highest guest rating at 4.7 out of 5 from 407 reviews. The Chequers Inn, The Fleece Hotel and Black Lion Hotel Richmond follow at 4.6 out of 5, from 427, 318 and 316 reviews respectively.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Chequers Inn lists family rooms, a cot, a playground and a picnic area. Black Lion Hotel Richmond adds family rooms, a garden and a tennis court, while The Fleece Hotel, The Tan Hill Inn and The Farmers Arms also list family rooms.
Is there a hotel with a pool or spa in Richmond?
None of these 3-star hotels lists a pool or spa. The Unicorn Richmond lists a pool bar only. If a pool is essential, look outside this shortlist.
Can I reach these hotels by train?
No. Richmond's line closed in 1969 and the station is now a cinema and food hall. Darlington, twelve miles away on the East Coast Main Line, is your railhead, with the 34 bus running into Richmond market place in about 35 minutes.
Which hotels serve food?
The Queen's Head, Black Lion Hotel Richmond, The Holly Hill Inn, The Frenchgate Restaurant & Hotel, The Tan Hill Inn, Premier Inn Catterick Garrison hotel, The Kings Head Hotel, The Farmers Arms and The Castle Tavern all list a restaurant, and several also list a bar.