In North Yorkshire and within the Borough of Harrogate is the beautiful and charming town of Knaresborough. Located just 3 miles east of Harrogate, Knaresborough lies on the River Nidd and officially became part of North Yorkshire only in 1974. With sights and attractions ranging from Knaresborough Castle and the railway viaduct to Mother Shipton’s Cave and canoeing on the river, this handsome town is positively unique and surprising.
The popular market town is known for being the home to one of the oldest tourist attractions in England, Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well. This beloved landmark has been open since 1630, which tells the story of Mother Shipton and the waters which turn objects to stone. Walking through the historic woodland here you can truly soak up some of Knaresborough’s enchanting heritage.
To take in more of Knaresborough’s breathtaking views, surrounding the town are a variety of scenic walks you can enjoy throughout the year. With natural trails including the Nidd Gorge Loop, Knaresborough Round and the River Nidd and Bilton Greenway Circular, you’ll be spoilt for choice on which area of beauty to explore first.
Indeed, Knaresborough is a beautiful place to visit everywhere you look. The distinctive railway viaduct welcomes visitors with a picture postcard view, and the town is filled with remarkable sights and sites. Knaresborough Castle is a ruined fortress that looks over the River Nidd, and here you can discover the dungeons and step into the museum to find tales of local characters, including Guy Fawkes. And on the outskirts of Knaresborough is Goldsborough Hall, a 400 year old stately home with luxurious rooms, fine dining restaurants and award winning gardens.
Although the town may seem relatively small in size, the businesses hidden away here are a treat to discover. There are so many characterful shops; The Crystal Buddha is an award-winning special holistic crystal store, stocked with globally inspired gifts and fair trade goods including sage bundles and gemstone pendants. On High Street is Twig&Ink, a lovely little shop selling all things gifts and clothing. Other charming little retailers include Castlegate Books, The Wine Shop, Knitting Pretty, PEAR and Northernline Antiques.
Whether you visit on a cold winter’s day or during the height of summer, finding a friendly cafe is often the best way to start the day. The Ugly Duckling Tearoom is an idyllic riverside spot where visitors can pop in for a coffee and a slice of cake, it’s ideal for all the walkers and cyclists and they’re dog friendly too. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, Number Thirteen is a retro coffee house and cakery that pleases locals and tourists alike with savoury scones, homemade toasties and beautiful cakes. At Marigold’s Cafe & Boating you can relax and gaze onto the river, enjoy a lovely warm drink – and then perhaps go out for a row on the River Nidd yourself!
Whilst Knaresborough provides a lovely day out, it also serves up a proper meal and a decent drink. There’s Carriages, a cosy family-run gastropub and restaurant that cooks up locally sourced ingredients for delicious pub food with a twist. SO! Bar and Eats offers a tasty menu that caters to all needs, from a quick lunch to sharing feasts. And Drakes satisfies queues of eaters with Yorkshire fish and chips, to eat in or maybe take to the pretty market square.
Nearby, Six Poor Folk is a stylish bar, cafe and bistro set in one of the town’s oldest buildings that dates back to 1480. Here you can enjoy great local beers, well chosen wines, a variety of cocktails – and even better, they’re dog friendly. Perfect during the summer months – when the town also hosts the unusual fun Knaresborough Bed Race – The Worlds End is a handsome waterside pub and beer garden and makes the ideal spot to watch the world go by. Located all around Knaresborough are friendly neighbourhood pubs, so for a crawl you’re in the right place. As if you haven’t got enough reasons to visit beautiful Knaresborough.
Image Credit: 1 @yorkshireliving_ 1 @louise.ann.photography 3 @millistrations
