The small market town of Middleham lies above the River Cover and the River Ure in Wensleydale. The town is famous for its association with King Richard the Third whose childhood home Middleham Castle (once known as the ‘Windsor of the North’) towers over the town.

Middleham has two cobbled squares which are surrounded by Georgian and Victorian buildings, shops, galleries, pubs and tearooms. The fortified church of St. Mary and St. Akelda dates from the 13th century.

For over 200 years the training of racehorses has played an important part in the affairs of Middleham. Almost 500 racehorses are stabled locally and every Easter the Middleham Stables Open Event takes place.