8 Things to Do in Knaresborough, Yorkshire’s Enchanting Town

Yorkshire offers several lovely small villages and cities that you should visit. Because they are the most well-known, you may have heard of Leeds, York, or even Bradford.

There are less touristy small towns that are hidden gems, and Knaresborough is one of them. Knaresborough offers a variety of activities that will entice you to return.

It’s a traditional British small and cute town with independent stores and traditional pubs.

The residences are stunning, and unlike the dreary buildings of cities, they are brightly coloured and feature well-kept gardens.

Knaresborough is located in North Yorkshire and is about 40 minutes by vehicle from Leeds. It won’t take long to see the town, but it’s well worth a day trip.

Late spring/summer and autumn are the finest times to visit this charming town.

If you want to enjoy long days, boat cruises, and mild or warm temps, go in late spring or summer.

If you prefer witnessing piles of falling brown, yellow, and red leaves in parks, tranquil walks, and a hot drink, you should visit Knaresborough in the autumn.

It is also open in the winter, but British winters are quite dark (sunset is around 4 p.m.) and rainy. If you enjoy chilly weather, you might get lucky and see some snow!

If it rains, bring an umbrella or raincoat with you. It could be the most beautiful day ever, but it could rain later. I used to fall into this trap, but now that I’ve been here for a long, I don’t.

This post will show you where you should go on a day trip to Knaresborough.

Knaresborough attractions

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Castle Knaresborough

The beautiful Knaresborough Castle, perched on a clifftop, offers breathtaking views of the River Nidd and the Nidd Gorge viaduct.

The castle was mostly constructedWe can only see the ruins and a portion of the castle because it was destroyed during the Civil War.

Visit the castle for a history journey and to see the dungeon, ancient graffiti, and unusual secret tunnel.

You can explore the castle on your own or join a tour to learn more about its mediaeval history.

If you don’t want to go inside the castle, you may always gaze out the window at the remains outside or relax in the garden nearby.

Riverside

The riverbank walk at the foot of the castle is one of a kind!

The sight is made even more wonderful by the viaduct, which is surrounded by trees, the river, and tiny independent cafes and restaurants.

It has a lot to offer as well. You may take a boat ride, enjoy Yorkshire tea and cakes in cafés, or classic scampi and chips or fish finger sandwiches at restaurants, cycle, and so much more.

Rowing provides a unique perspective of the town while also being enjoyable. Bring your friends, boyfriend, or even your dog for a unique experience!

You can rent Knaresborough boats here, but owing to weather conditions, they’re only available from March to October.

Cave of Mother Shipton

The oldest tourist site in England, Mother Shipton’s Cave, is a must-see. It’s the ideal location for enjoying nature while learning about strange legends.

You’ll witness a magnificent waterfall and a cave (it’s all about Mother Shipton) as you stroll through the woods. as well as the infamous Petrifying Well

Not only that, but you’ll also learn about its history. The water was thought to transform objects to stone.

This location is intriguing and rich of folklore. You’ll get the vibe as soon as you walk in, and it’s the ideal spot to prepare for Halloween (there is even a spooky Halloween event for the youngest ones).

However, if you want to visit this location, check their website for upcoming events such as Christmas.

It’s a relaxing and interesting location. At the conclusion, you can purchase several strange and unusual items from the shop, such as the wishing wall water drawn from the magical well!

Gardens of Bebra

A little garden with amazing trees and plants, as well as a shallow swimming pool. It’s a terrific place to unwind and shoot Instagram photos!

The good news is that this garden is close to Knaresborough Castle, so you won’t have to travel far to see it.

The House in the Rock tourist site and Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag are both a 7-minute walk from Bebra Gardens.

Church of St. John the Baptist

It is the town’s largest church and is situated near to the viaduct. The building of the church is remarkable.

Many gravestones may be found around the church, which I find frightening because they are in poor shape.

Square in Knaresborough

This is a charming but modest square in the town centre with noteworthy monuments such as the Market Cross and statues of Mother Shipton and Blind Jack.

It is crucial to learn about Mother Shipton if you visit Knaresborough.

Mother Shipton was a witch who was born in a cave near the Nidd River (thus the current Mother Shipton’s Cave attraction.) People thought she had superpowers, thus she was extremely important.

Locals, for example, thought she foresaw the Spanish Armada and the plague that killed 68,000 Londoners in 1665.

Knaresborough has so much history and intrigue that it will pique your interest in the town.

Market in Knaresborough

Every Wednesday, Knaresborough hosts a market for local products, seasonal fruits, and vintage items.

Yorkshire items include fresh meat and fish, beers, cheeses, bread, and, of course, traditional Yorkshire pies!

The market is in the heart of Knaresborough, in the town square, and it is impossible to miss.

Greenway of Nidderdale

If you want a lovely bike ride, you should check out Nidderdale Greenway, which is located in Knaresborough.

Bilton, North Harrogate, and Knaresborough are all connected to Ripley by this 4-mile path. This route will take you through the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Castle Allerton

The beautiful Allerton Castle, a hidden jewel in North Yorkshire, is a 12-minute drive from Knaresborough.

The castle is stunning from the exterior, but it is even more so on the inside. Its building is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture in England, and it has a long history.

It’s also surrounded by 200 acres of lovely gardens where you may roam and see the castle view.

This is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in learning more about England’s history, fine antiques, or castles.