Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, it is the principal settlement of upper Swaledale.

[9][10] Reeth is located on the B6270 road that crosses the entirety of Swaledale, linking Richmond with Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria.

Reeth is situated at the meeting point of the two most northerly of the Yorkshire Dales: Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

The village is overlooked by the surrounding fells of Harkerside Moor, Fremington Edge and Calver Hill.

[17] Pupils then receive secondary education at Richmond School & Sixth Form College.

[18] In May and June every year Reeth becomes the hub of the Swaledale Festival, a two-week celebration of music and guided walks.

Additionally on the final Wednesday of August the Reeth Show, an agricultural event, is held.

The local health establishment is Reeth Medical Centre, which serves more 1,600 patients over an area of 200 square miles (520 km2).