This post contains affiliate links, which not only help with planning your trip but also make this website and YouTube channel possible at no extra cost to you—win-win! Thanks for your support.
If you’re looking for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway in Yorkshire, Knaresborough could be for you. It may be small, but this charming riverside town is packed with things to do and is one of our favourite local days out.
Home to a 14th-century castle, riverside walks, row boats galore and a talking crow (yes, really!), there’s bound to be something here that appeals to you.
In this travel guide we’ll share our top recommendations for the best things to do in Knaresborough, followed by all the practical info you’ll need to plan a fantastic day out. These suggestions are based on our many trips to this lovely town, so we hope you find them helpful.
Map of Knaresborough attractions
Save our map of attractions, restaurants and pubs.
Best things to do in Knaresborough
1. Explore the ruined Knaresborough Castle
Knaresborough Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans and has a rich history spanning over 900 years.
The castle sits on a rocky cliff high above the River Nidd. It has been involved in many conflicts, including the English Civil War and the Jacobite uprisings, and served as a royal castle for King John and Edward II.
In 1648 the castle was largely destroyed when Parliament issued an order to dismantle all Royalist castles. Interestingly, many of the town’s buildings in the center were constructed using stones from this very castle.
Today the castle is in ruins, but its historical significance and unbeatable views make it worth adding to your Knaresborough itinerary. Explore the castle ruins and medieval keep, and enjoy the amazing views of the viaduct, towering over the River Nidd. In fact, If you Google image search Knaresborough many of the photos you see will be from this spot.
How much does it cost to visit Knaresborough Castle?
The grounds are free to explore, but there is a small admission fee if you would like to enter the castle. Your ticket also includes admission to the Courtyard Museum (see no.2)
2. Learn about crime and punishment and Knaresborough’s Courtyard Museum
Located in a beautifully restored Georgian courthouse building, the small Courthouse Museum provides a fascinating peek into the workings of the local justice system. Learn more about intriguing local characters including Blind Jack and Mother Shipton, and get a sense of what life was like in the town centuries ago.
Exhibits include:
- Crime and punishment
- History of the local police force
- Tudor courtroom (including original fittings)
- Old town stocks (for punishing prisoners)
Admission is included with your Knaresborough Castle ticket.
3. Chat to a raven
While you’re exploring the grounds you might come across the castle ravens. The castle ravens are cared for by Janette Skelton, known locally as “the raven lady”. She has the title Her Majesty’s Keeper of the Knaresborough Castle, and has devoted her life to caring for these amazing birds.
As friendly as the ravens appear, one in particular has been known to steal cameras and phones so watch your belongings!
Try and spot the African pied crow named Mourdour, who speaks to visitors in a thick Yorkshire accent. Give our video a watch if you want to hear Mourdour for yourself!
4. Relax and recharge at Knaresborough’s Bebra Gardens
Take a short stroll through the small but pretty Bebra Gardens.
This picturesque green space is filled with colourful flowers and offers a tranquil spot for a relaxing break. And, if you’re visiting during the warmer months, you can even cool off in the paddling pool located at the lower end of the gardens.
Bebra Gardens are free to enter.
5. Stroll along the River Nidd
Experience the tranquil beauty of the River Nidd with a leisurely stroll along Knaresborough’s waterside walk.
The picturesque riverside offers stunning reflections and views of the viaduct and castle cliff. You can even stop at one of the charming independent cafes along the way. Some have very inviting terraces where you can soak in the scenery and watch the rowers go by.
During the warmer months, the riverside walk should be enjoyed with an obligatory ice cream (I insist).
I’d recommend swinging by Marigolds Cafe for one of their award winning Yorkshire ice creams. We loved the Daim bar flavour – I’d happily eat this bad boy even in winter!
For those who are up for a longer walk, the Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge, and Old Bilton Circular Walk is a popular 6-mile route that starts and ends in Knaresborough. This flat walk takes 2-3 hours to complete and offers a chance to explore the beautiful countryside beyond the town (and get a bit of peace and quiet!).
6. Look for the farmery ruins
At Conyngham Hall Car Park, keep your eyes peeled for the ruins of a Farmery. You’ll find it tucked away at the far end of the car park, away from the town exit. This collection of buildings and yards, once crucial for the running of a farm, has a mysterious past, with various theories about who put it together. But regardless of who built it, this site was once a bustling hub of activity, still fresh in the memory of some locals.
Unfortunately, towards the end of the 20th century, the Farmery experienced a sad decline. Its buildings started to deteriorate, nature took over, and it became unsafe and off-limits to the public for nearly four decades. However, thanks to the hard work of the Conyngham Hall Farm Working Group, and the support of local organizations and grant funding from WREN and the Waste Recycling Group, you can now visit the site.
The ruins are only small so while I don’t think they’re worth going far out of your way for, it’s worth looking out for if you’re using the car park or walking up the river towards Nidd Gorge.
7. Captain a row boat
Hiring a rowboat is a fun way to take in Knaresborough from a different perspective. With one hour to navigate up and down the River Nidd, it’s a fantastic activity, especially on a warm day.
However, while many describe rowing as “relaxing” or “romantic,” I’m not sure I totally agree. It can be pretty hard work – I even managed to get us stuck in the drooping branches of a tree at one point! And on a busy day, navigating around the other boats can feel like slow-motion bumper cars.
Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed hiring a row boat in Knaresborough and would definitely recommend you give it a try – it has to be one of the most fun things to do in Knaresborough. If it does sound unappealing to you, then you could consider hiring a boat in the morning when the river is much less busy. The following photos show what how much more peaceful boating in the river is in the morning.
How to hire a row boat in Knaresborough
You can hire a boat from Marigolds Cafe or Blenkhorn’s Boats. You don’t need to book in advance, just show up and join the queue. Each boat can hold up to 6 people and you will be captain of your vessel for one hour. I believe prices are the same at both locations.
8. Be mystified by Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well
Mother Shipton’s story is shrouded in mystery and myth, making her one of the most intriguing figures in Knaresborough’s history.
She was believed to be a witch and a prophet, whose predictions of doom and destruction during the Tudor reign were delivered in an eerie poetic form. According to legend, she was born in a cave hidden in the lush forests surrounding Knaresborough and was linked to numerous dark events and tragedies in the area, including bewitching the “petrifying well”, which notoriously turned objects into stone.
Today, Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well is thought to be one of England’s oldest paid tourist attractions, dating back to 1630!
Once you have paid you could walk to the cave in around 10 minutes, but we recommend you take your time strolling along the scenic riverside. With cliffs on one side and the river on the other, this is a beautiful, albeit busy place to walk.
Once you reach the well you’ll see items, mostly children’s toys, hung beneath the petrifying waters. Once attributed to witchcraft in the past, it’s now understood to be a natural process driven by evaporation and an unusual mineral composition. Objects left in the water gradually transform into stone over a span of three to five months. It’s pretty cool phenomenon to see!
Tip: Check out special events at Mother Shipton’s Cave, such as the Christmas celebration or the Easter Village. This is a great thing to do in Knaresborough if you’re visiting with kids.
How much does it cost to visit Mother Shipton’s Cave?
9. Visit St Robert’s Cave
St. Robert’s Cave, located on the bank of the River Nidd, is often overlooked by visitors to Knaresborough.
The cave is named after St. Robert of Knaresborough, whose desire to live a life of solitude resulted in him living in the cave as a hermit in the 12th century. Legend has it that St. Robert carved the cave out of the rock himself, using only his hands and a small hammer. The cave served as his home for many years, and he was said to have performed miraculous healings and other acts of charity for the local people.
Today, you can visit the cave and see the small altar where St. Robert is thought to have conducted his religious devotions. The entrance is tiny so watch your head on your way in!
The cave is roughly a 30-minute walk up the river, so it’s something I’d only suggest if you’re in the mood for a scenic stroll. On a beautiful day this walk is incredibly pleasant though, and the best part is, you can check off a couple of attractions from this list along the way. Keep on reading to see what I mean!
St Robert’s Cave is free to enter.
10. Spot the Abbey Road Sculptures
A short walk we love in Knaresborough is along the idyllic Abbey Road to St Robert’s Cave and back.
Not only does this walk pass by the river, woodland, a gorge, numerous gorgeous houses with well-kept gardens and a tiny chapel built into a cliff (see number 11 on this list), you can also look out for some unusual wooden sculptures.
Durham-based sculptor Tommy Craggs created the sculptures which serve as an excellent addition to an already thoroughly lovely walk. I won’t add their exact location to the map because I don’t want to spoil the fun, so keep your eyes peeled.
11. Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Built in the early 15th century, the tiny Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag is built into the side of a cliff, overlooking the River Nidd.
According to legend, a local man named John was playing with his son near the cliff when a large rock began rolling towards them. In a moment of desperation, John prayed to the Virgin Mary to save his son. Miraculously, the rock changed direction and his son was saved. John was so grateful for the miracle that he built the chapel as a testament to his faith and gratitude. Today, the chapel is a beautiful tribute to this miraculous event and continues to be a place of worship and pilgrimage for those seeking solace and inspiration.
Know before you go: Opening times are limited to 2-4 p.m. on Sundays during the summer, but the Chapel can be viewed from Abbey Road at all other times. The chapel is only accessible by foot and requires a short hike up a steep path, but the effort is well worth it.
12. Explore Market Place
If you’re a fan of markets, make sure to make your way to Knaresborough’s vibrant Market Place. The market comes alive every Wednesday and is a fantastic spot to snag some fresh produce and locally crafted goods.
If your trip doesn’t fall on a Wednesday you can still stop by to find the statues of prophetess Mother Shipton and local hero Blind Jack, who was a pioneering road builder of the 18th century.
The festive Christmas Fair is also centred around the historic Market Square so head here for delicious treats and locally made gifts.
13. Buy a sweet treat from Ye Oldest Chemist Shoppe
There are several independent shops near Market Place, including Ye Oldest Chemist Shoppe. Ye Oldest Chemist Shoppe is a historic pharmacy that functions today as a sweet shop. It’s packed from floor to ceiling with biscuits, jams, souvenirs and just about every traditional sweet you can think of.
14. Follow the Knaresborough Windows Trail
Keep your eyes peeled for the Knaresborough Windows art trail.
Back in 1696, England and Wales introduced a window tax, where buildings with more windows incurred higher tax bills. It was supposed to be a fair way to collect taxes, with the wealthy paying more for their larger, window-filled homes.
In practice, though, something quite different happened. People started bricking up their windows to dodge the taxman!
These bricked-up windows have now been used as a unique canvas for an art project. The artists have created the illusion of real windows using a technique that makes them appear three-dimensional. See if you can spot Mother Shipton or Blind Jack!
15. Stroll the grounds of the Church of St John the Baptist
Discover a peaceful haven just a stone’s throw away from Knaresborough train station – the largest church in the town.
The site of this Grade I listed building dates back to 1114, with remnants of an early church still present. Renamed in the 16th century following the English Reformation, this church was originally dedicated to St. Mary. While the present-day structure was built in the 15th century, the church still retains elements from its early days. Take a quiet pootle around the church grounds and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
16. Have your fill of food and drink
After a few hours exploring Knaresborough you will probably have worked up an appetite. Luckily, there are numerous fantastic dining spots nearby that offer delicious meals to replenish your energy levels!
Where to eat in Knaresborough
pubs in Knaresborough
If it’s pub grub or just a pint you’re looking for then head to one of the town’s many pubs. Knaresborough has a range of traditional pubs, some of which are over 300 years old. Many of these pubs have a rich history and offer a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. These are a few we have enjoyed:
17. Cheer on the Great Knaresborough Bed Race
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is an unusual annual event that has been running since 1966, attracting crowds of thousands of visitors each year.
The bed race sees teams of six enthusiastic runners and one fearless passenger pushing a bed on wheels through the winding streets of Knaresborough. The 2.4-mile course includes a challenging uphill stretch, a daring river crossing, and an exciting descent into the town centre. The passenger on that racing bed must remain on board throughout the entire journey, decked out in a helmet and buoyancy aid just in case.
But the event is more than just a race. It’s a full day of festivities, starting with a parade of the bed teams in their creative costumes through the town. The day also includes a fairground, live music, food and drink stalls, and various other activities. The Knaresborough Bed Race is a true community event, with many local businesses and organisations entering teams. However, teams from all over the UK and beyond come to compete, making it an exciting and international spectacle.
What makes the event even more special is that it raises money for charity. Each team must raise a minimum amount of sponsorship, and over the years, the bed race has raised significant sums of money for various charities.
It’s kind of ridiculous, in the best possible way!
Now that you know what to do in Knaresborough, let’s plan your trip!
Where is Knaresborough?
Knaresborough is in the Harrogate district of North Yorkshire, England. It is located approximately:
- 4 miles east of Harrogate
- 16 miles north of Leeds
- 16 miles east of Skipton
- 18 miles west of York
- 60 miles northeast of Manchester
How to get to Knaresborough
There are several pay and display parking options available in Knaresborough. Please note that parking fees and restrictions may vary depending on the car park and time of day, so be sure to check the signs and pay any fees required.
Public toilets in Knaresborough
There are several public toilets available in Knaresborough. The town has several public toilets situated throughout the town, including at the York Place and Conyngham Hall car parks, the bus station, Castle Yard and riverside (close to Marigold’s Cafe).
You can check the North Yorkshire Council website for up-to-date information on public toilet locations and opening hours.
Where to stay in Knaresborough
Knaresborough offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are a few options to consider:
How to spend one day in Knaresborough
You have probably realised by now that there is too much to do in Knaresborough to fit all into one day. However, we’ve pulled together a suggested video itinerary for a fun day trip in our Knaresborough video on YouTube.
However if you would prefer to read than watch a video, here is an outline of the itinerary we covered:
Best time to visit Knaresborough
The best time to visit Knaresborough is during the late spring and summer months, between May and August, when the weather is typically mild and the town is bustling with activity. This is also when most of the town’s events and festivals take place, such as the Knaresborough Bed Race (and don’t forget that ice cream!). If you prefer to visit when it’s less busy, consider visiting during the spring or autumn seasons, when the crowds have thinned out and the town is still beautiful in its own right. Winter can be quite chilly, but the town’s Christmas market and decorations are bound to get you into the festive spirit!
Tip: As many of Knaresborough’s attractions are outdoors, and one of the biggest joys of the town is walking its picturesque streets, I would recommend saving your Knaresborough trip for a dry day if you can.
How to get around Knaresborough
Knaresborough is a compact town, and fortunately, most of the attractions are within a short walking distance from the train station. Although the walk may include some hills, it’s nothing too strenuous. However, keep in mind that there are some steep steps to navigate between the town centre and the riverside.
Looking for other things to do in Yorkshire? Then you might want to read some of our other Yorkshire posts:
No posts
