The best things to do in Knaresborough

Located just a few miles from Harrogate on the edge of the Nidderdale National Landscape, Knaresborough is a pretty market town with a historic castle, a maze of medieval streets, and an iconic viaduct with four majestic arches spanning the River Nidd.

From rowing a traditional wooden boat under the viaduct during spring or summer to a woodland walk around Nidd Gorge in autumn, there’s something to do in Knaresborough throughout every season. Don’t miss the Christmas market in December with festive stalls and twinkling lights adding a sprinkling of magic to the town.

We have compiled some of our favourite things to do in and around this historic market town, and you can browse our full range of Knaresborough cottages below to start planning your next getaway.

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Mother Shipton’s Cave

Nestled on the edge of Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave has been attracting visitors since 1630 and people are still drawn today to the Petrifying Well that turns everyday objects to stone. The fact that the cave was the birthplace of famed witch and prophetess, Mother Shipton, adds to the mysterious allure, especially as there is a magical wishing well that can help your dreams come true.

Mother Shipton’s Cave is set in parkland in the Royal Forest of Knaresborough, and there’s a scenic riverside trail to follow during your visit. Kids will love spending time in the adventure playground, and there’s also a fascinating on-site museum and a shop where you can purchase teddies turned to stone in the well.

Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum

Knaresborough Castle stands high on a hill above the River Nidd with views across to the viaduct that makes the journey to the top well worth the effort. During a visit, you can explore the ruined royal castle remains, meet the resident ravens, climb up to the King’s Chambers where Edward II would once have slept, and head down to the dungeons to see what life was like for a medieval prisoner.

Alongside the castle, there is also an original Tudor courtroom, which houses a small museum where you can learn more about the history of Knaresborough Castle. The grounds are open to the public throughout the year and feature a 9-hole putting green and crown green bowls, along with regular concerts every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer.

Row along the River Nidd

If you fancy travelling under the Knaresborough Viaduct and enjoying a view of the town from the water, there are several places where you can hire traditional wooden boats for a scenic jaunt.

Blenkhorn’s Boats has offered their distinctive red and green boats to locals and tourists alike for more than 100 years, and have a variety of sizes available along with punts and a punting service if you want to relax and enjoy the ride. Nearby Marigold Café and Boating has a tempting selection of hot drinks and cakes, with tables where you can watch other rowers go past before hiring one yourself.

Take a scenic walk around Nidd Gorge

Located in a steep-sided, wooded valley that lies between Knaresborough and Harrogate, the dramatic Nidd Gorge is a 35m ravine forged during the Ice Age. There’s a variety of paths to follow around the nature-rich woodland, which forms part of the ancient Royal Knaresborough Forest.

There’s a 1.5-mile Woodland Trust trail which takes you from the on-site parking at Ripley Road, through the trees and along the River Nidd, where you can marvel at the gorge, enjoy a riverside picnic and spot wildlife such as roe deer, badgers, voles and kingfishers.

Shop the stalls at Knaresborough Market

There’s been a market in Knaresborough since 1206, with a royal charter by Edward II in 1310 decreeing it should happen every Wednesday. Centuries later, the historic marketplace still thrives with colourful stalls selling everything from fresh farm eggs and cheese to clothes and jewellery.

There’s a real community feel to Knaresborough Market, with locals and visitors mingling together and friendly stallholders happy to chat while you browse their wares. There is also an artisan market held at Knaresborough Castle on the first Saturday of each month, and a Christmas market in December when the town is transformed into a winter wonderland.

Explore a maze of medieval streets

Knaresborough is built on a rocky gorge on the edge of the Nidderdale National Landscape, where a maze of medieval streets rise to the castle at the top of town from the river below. You’ll find steep stone steps leading to the higher part of town and seating where you can catch your breath after the climb while enjoying the view.

Hidden cobbled courtyards like the Green Dragon Yard have a range of independent shops and eateries such as The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company and Flamingos Tea Room. Other favourite shops in Knaresborough include the Donkeys Years Antique Centre and Trinket, where you’ll find a range of lovely candles, homeware and gifts.

Discover Knaresborough’s historic buildings

There are around 200 listed buildings in Knaresborough, including The Old Manor House, which is painted like a chessboard due to the original owner’s love of the game. Various other Knaresborough buildings followed suit, so you’ll find chequered black and white houses dotted around the town.

There’s also plenty of Georgian architecture around Knaresborough; several of these houses now have specially painted windows that depict the town’s most famous historical figures.

Wander around Bebra Gardens

The small and peaceful Bebra Gardens are reached by crossing the dry moat at Knaresborough Castle. Winding paths will take you around the rockeries and flower beds that feature a variety of exotic plants and shrubs. There is various seating around the park, including a beautiful butterfly bench where you can relax, watch the world go by and enjoy views over the River Nidd.

During the summer months, the gardens are home to a large paddling pool where kids can have fun splashing about. You’ll find more lovely gardens in nearby Harrogate, including the free-to-access Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr.

Catch the train to nearby Harrogate

Just 4 miles from Knaresborough is leafy Harrogate, and there are regular bus and train services to whisk you between the two Yorkshire spa towns. There’s plenty to see and do in Harrogate, including visiting the Turkish Baths to experience revitalising treatments in ornately designed rooms dating back to the Victorian era.

It’s also worth heading to the original Bettys Tea Room to enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea with all the trimmings before wandering around Harrogate’s cosmopolitan Montpellier Quarter, where you’ll find pavement cafes, antique shops and independent boutiques.

Map of things to do in Knaresborough

Find all the locations and things to do mentioned in this guide with this handy map:

Plan your Knaresborough getaway

If you have been inspired to explore Knaresborough’s medieval streets and visit the mysterious petrifying well for yourself, we have a range of lovely cottages around the town for either short breaks or longer holidays.

Browse our range of Knaresborough holiday homes, including a collection of dog-friendly properties, to find your perfect base for a Nidderdale adventure.