Visit Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Knaresborough tourist information

Knaresborough is a traditional market town on the River Nidd, a few miles to the east of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

With facilities centred around the open market square in the centre (market day in Knaresborough is Wednesday), the town itself is dominated by a large aqueduct across the river, with numerous opportunities to enjoy the views across the river to the steep-sided wooded valley beyond, both while strolling along the river edge and from the higher parts of the town above.

There are lots of steep and cobbled streets lined with traditional Yorkshire stone houses running down the hill to the river which are very picturesque to explore, with a selection of cafes and the chance to hire a boat when you reach the river itself.

The main attractions in Knaresborough are the remains of the Norman Knaresborough Castle, and Mother Shipton's cave, along with several historic cave dwellings including a small chapel built in the rocks

Knaresborough Castle

The original castle in Knaresborough was built shortly after the Norman Conquest, around the year 1100, with further work at the beginning of the 14th century, then laid to ruin at the end of the Civil War in 1648 under orders from parliament. The ruins can now be visited - there is also a small museum dedictaed to the history of the castle and town in the castle - and the castle is also surrounded by well maintained grounds. It is also one of the best places for a view down across the river and the viaduct.

Mother Shipton's cave

Mother Shipton's cave in Knaresborough claims the title of 'longest established tourist attraction in England', having been drawing the crowds since 1630. Mother Shipton herself was a famous prophetess who lived at the time of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I, having been born in the cave in 1488. The healing powers of the waters in the 'petrifying well' next to the cave have also been applying their therapeutic benefits since the 16th century, and items lowered into the water become 'petrified' very quickly. The ensemble is now within an extensive and attractive riverside parkland area.