Easby Abbey’s white-canons’ ruins stand beside the River Swale, with a fine gatehouse, refectory and neighbouring St Agatha’s church. Richmond makes the natural overnight base: its castle and market place connect to the abbey by a riverside walk. Reeth suits visitors who want the abbey as a heritage stop within a wider Swaledale stay and can drive down-valley.
The King’s Head is on Richmond Market Place near the riverside outing; The Burgoyne adds a Reeth green and Dales breakfast for a longer stay.
Hotel · Richmond (North Yorkshire)
The King’s Head Hotel
Richmond Market Place hotel for the abbey riverside route and separate castle visit.
The operator lists single and several double-room categories.
A restaurant and bar are on site.
In-room tea and coffee facilities are listed.
Before you book: Ask about the room floor, market-square outlook, noise and overnight parking. Do not assume a historic building has the entrance or lift arrangements you need.
Reeth village-green hotel for a Dales stay with a road trip down to Easby.
The current operator lists individually designed rooms and suites.
Its published location is on Reeth green.
Before you book: Choose the named room for its bed layout, size and outlook. Confirm space for any child bed or travel cot, dining reservations and the limited private parking before booking.
Compare Reeth's village green with Richmond's market square for a Swaledale walking break.
Make it your kind of break
ROMANTIC BREAKS
Riverside ruins and town supper
Walk from Richmond when conditions suit, then return to the market place for the evening.
FAMILY BREAKS
Use the car park and short circuit
The gatehouse and refectory make a focused stop; muddy ground and steps may limit a pushchair route.
A LITTLE ROOM TO EXPLORE
Easby’s ruins and Richmond Castle
A Richmond night lets the abbey and the town’s separate castle become two visits rather than one hurried loop.
Arrive in Richmond or Reeth
Use Richmond’s market place for supper or settle around Reeth green before a Swaledale day.
Explore Easby Abbey
From Richmond take the riverside route if conditions suit, or use the B6271 car park; see the gatehouse, refectory and church exterior.
Visit Richmond Castle before leaving
Return to Richmond for the Norman castle, its keep views and exhibitions, allowing for a separate ticket and opening check.
Less time? Visit the free abbey from its car park and leave Richmond Castle for a longer break.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
A few useful details
Does Easby Abbey charge admission?
No. English Heritage lists free entry. Its daily opening is longer from late March through October and shorter in winter.
Can I walk from Richmond Castle?
Yes. English Heritage describes a roughly 35-minute riverside walk between the abbey and Richmond Castle. Check path conditions after wet weather.
Where is the car park?
The signposted car park is off the B6271. The final approach follows an unsurfaced private road. The stay map centres on Richmond; the abbey is downriver at Easby.
Can I enter St Agatha’s church?
The neighbouring parish church is still in use and contains rare 13th-century wall paintings. Its own access may vary; check locally before planning an interior visit.
Are there toilets or a café at the ruins?
English Heritage does not list these at Easby. Richmond Castle, around 1.5 miles away, has a shop and toilets, while Richmond town has food options.
Independent, research-led accommodation and base comparison; no firsthand stay or custodian endorsement is claimed. Property links lead to official operators.
Sources checked 2026-09-23. Check current arrangements before travelling.