Spectacularly positioned on a steep-sided gorge, Knaresborough is a historic spa and market town in North Yorkshire. It is famed for its magnificent railway viaduct and centuries-old castle ruins and features caves associated with local legends about a hermit and a prophetess.
Things to do in Knaresborough
Perched atop a hill overlooking the River Nidd are the ruins of Knaresborough Castle, which was originally built in the 12th century by a Norman baron. It houses a museum displaying furnishings from the Tudor Court and exhibits about the castle’s storied past. In the summer months, live performances take place on the castle grounds.
One of the best ways to explore Knaresborough is along the River Nidd Waterside Walk, which extends from Mother Shipton’s Cave to the 15th-century sandstone chapel of Our Lady of the Crag. A highlight of the walk is the town’s mighty viaduct, a mid-19th-century marvel that spans the Nidd Gorge. Dotting the riverbank are cafes where you can watch the comings and goings.
For a taste of English aristocratic life in the 19th century, join a guided tour to explore the period-furnished rooms of Allerton Castle. Admire the life-size statues of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York before stepping inside to see the stained glass windowed Dining Room and the opulent Great Hall. Work on this Victorian Gothic estate’s Temple of Victory is said to have inspired the famous nursery rhyme “The Grand Old Duke of York”.
Getting around Knaresborough
Knaresborough is around 30 minutes’ drive from both York and Leeds. Leeds Bradford Airport is 25 minutes away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from York and Leeds to the Knaresborough railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Knaresborough is small enough to explore on foot.