Perched on top of a hill above the river Nidd, the idyllic, historic market town of Knaresborough is a warren of medieval streets and spectacular views. Towering above the gorge is Knaresborough Castle, situated in a commanding position with stunning vistas across the valley. The imposing four arched railway viaduct across the gorge is also a famous landmark of a town that is full of quaint shops, cafes and tea rooms. Knaresborough has been attracting visitors for centuries and Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well situated by the river is thought to be the oldest entrance-charging tourist attraction in England, open since 1630 and once home to a mysterious prophetess who died in 1561, the well turns objects left there to stone.
Perched on top of a hill above the river Nidd, the idyllic, historic market town of Knaresborough is a warren of medieval streets and spectacular views. Towering above the gorge is Knaresborough Castle, situated in a commanding position with stunning vistas across the valley. The imposing four arched railway viaduct across the gorge is also a famous landmark of a town that is full of quaint shops, cafes and tea rooms. Knaresborough has been attracting visitors for centuries and Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well situated by the river is thought to be the oldest entrance-charging tourist attraction in England, open since 1630 and once home to a mysterious prophetess who died in 1561, the well turns objects left there to stone.
The market square in the centre of the town is a quaint and beautiful place to stroll around with a lovely Market Cross monument and a statue of the famous, local legend Blind Jack. The Square is also venue of a popular market on most Wednesdays.
Don’t Miss
St Robert’s Cave - on the outskirts of the town lies a medieval hermit's dwelling and grave that can be visited. Robert of Knaresborough had a reputation for being visited by kings due to his holy reputation.
Knaresborough Town Window Trail – many of the houses in the centre of Knaresborough are decorated with illusionary window paintings known as trompe I’oeil. They cover windows that were bricked up to avoid paying a window tax in Georgian times. The Tourist Information Centre has Window Maps so that can enjoy your self-led hunt. A warning, finding them all can be a pain.
Mother Shipton’s Cave – a fantastic attraction with family events throughout the year. 2024 may even see the introduction of their first pagan wedding packages.
Take a riverside boat trip - along the riverside there are the iconic green and red rowing boats to hire and of course, ice cream to buy.
Knaresborough at Christmas – there is something for everyone at this time of year with Christmas Trails in the Castle Grounds, carols by the waterside, panto at the Frazer Theatre and Mother Shipton’s Christmas Experience events.Did You Know?
Knaresborough Castle was built in the 12th century and King Richard II was held prisoner here.
Knaresborough has England’s oldest chemist shop, trading since 1720 and the interior still features original fixtures.
Legend has it that Mother Shipton predicted both the Great Plague of London and The Great Fire of London.
Knaresborough recently finished in 3rd place in top 10 most 'instagrammable' places in Yorkshire. With more than 183,000 posts, it ranked only behind York Minster and the North York Moors.
The small, attractive Bebra park, with its meandering pathways is named in honour of Knaresborough’s twin town Bebra in Germany.
SNOOZE YOU LOSE - The Great Knaresborough Bed Race will take place on 8 June in 2024. The gruelling fancy dress race is a time trial over a 2.4 mile course allowing one lucky person to be the passenger on a home-made bed with the race ending with a swim in the Nidd.
GO YORKSHIRE PUN ALERT - famous celebrities that have allegedly participated in the event include Wet Wet Wet’s Marty Pillow, Bruce Springsteen, Wayne Sleep, Dream Martin, Snoozy Quatro, PJs and Duncan and the cast of Band Aid singing ‘Duvet know it’s Christmas time’.
