No. in Party   2
Visited    February 2008

The building had been spotted during an earlier visit to Richmond but this was some time ago and I’d forgotten how the place stands in splendid isolation.

It’s a bit of a trek from the parking to the door but on a fine evening when you’ve not been Landmarking for ages, the anticipation of entering the building for the first time overrides this minor inconvenience.  We were not disappointed as we made our way, up, up and up through the building; lovely views from the big windows all around, plenty of space and some beautiful restoration work.

Richmond town is nice and bustling on Saturday with a decent market and plenty of shops for provisions.  The pubs left something to be desired and the beer left everything to be desired - a great let down. We mixed and matched eating out and takeaways (just to make the most of the tower), having a very good meal and an entertaining night at the Frenchgate Hotel and a good sit-down curry at the Tandoori Night Restaurant (you can see the tower from the dining room).

An interesting walk takes in the ruined Easby Abbey (free entry) and proved popular on Sunday morning, the earlier you set out the better it will be if you wish to avoid the crowds.

Top tip for the tower is to keep the doors closed to prevent any heat you’ve managed to develop from the stove shooting up the stairway and out of the roof in double-quick time.

Our idea was for a quiet and relaxing weekend away and CT came up trumps.