30 Things to Do in Knaresborough

The location of Knaresborough alone is enough to capture the imagination. The central area is on cliffs above the River Nidd and the medieval stairs and streets take you on meandering routes up and down the hill. Arriving by train is especially dramatic as you approach the town by crossing the Victorian railway viaduct that spans the Nidd Gorge.

While you may just fancy a stroll around the town or along the promenade, an outing on the river, and a lunch or tea and cake in the marketplace, Knaresborough provides something for all tastes and energy levels.

Visit Knaresborough Castle

Owned by the Duchy of Lancaster, Knaresborough Castle is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the River Nidd. It dates to Norman times, but over the 900 years of its existence it has had an active military life resulting in significant repairs and additions. However, by the Tudor period it no longer had a military function and in the mid-17th century, much of the castle was destroyed on the orders of the monarch. 

The courthouse was spared as was the tower which served as a prison. At the end of the 19th century the grounds were landscaped to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. You can explore the castle on your own or as part of a tour. There’s the king’s chamber, a dungeon, and a secret underground passage. You can also wander the gardens, enjoy the river views, play computer games, visit the Museum, try on period costumes, take part in organised events, or play bowls or use the putting green.  

Explore Mother Shipton’s Cave and The Petrifying Well

Open since 1630, Mother Shipton's Cave and The Petrifying Well are England’s oldest visitor attractions. The cave where Mother Shipton, a 15th century prophetess whose predictions were unnervingly accurate, was born lies along the scenic 1-mile walk through the trees in the remains of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. Next to the cave is the Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon whose waters are reputed to turn objects to stone. There’s a picnic area, adventure playground for children, trails, and a museum displaying a range of petrified objects. 

Go Clay Shooting

If you fancy an exciting Clay shooting experience you can sign up for one, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced. This outdoor activity has been enjoyed since 1882 when clay targets replaced live targets such as pigeons. You will be provided with a qualified instructor and all the training and equipment you will need including a modified shotgun, hearing protection, cartridges, and clays. 

After you have tried your hand at clay shooting you can enjoy a well-earned mug of soup and a roll in winter or tea and cake in summer. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and some walking is involved.  

Visit Knaresborough Museum

As part of the Castle compound, you can visit the Knaresborough Museum, located in the Courthouse building. It contains a perfectly preserved Tudor courtroom, complete with oak tables and fittings, which is one of only two or three in the country. You can even try out the stocks used to punish prisoners!

There are numerous exhibits which relate to the Castle, life in the 17th century, the shirt and armour of the executed Royalist Sir Henry Slingsby, the town’s connection to Guy Fawkes and an 18th century murder case, and some of the town’s more colourful residents such as John ‘Blind Jack’ Metcalfe. There is also a collection of works from the Harrogate Borough Council's Fine Art Collection.

Hike in Nidd Gorge

Nidd Gorge is 120 feet deep and was carved during the Ice Age and, like much of the area, is steeped in history and myth. The Nidd River flows through the gorge, and the woodland here consists of five woods. It is a local conservation site with remnants of defensive earthworks from the Civil War, an ancient Hill Fort, and bell pits from the period when coal was mined here. In addition to the history, scenery, and trees, the area is home to over 80 species of bird; some 30 types of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles; 91 species of fungi; and a huge array of plants and trees. This makes it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. 

Information boards provide details of the footpaths, and the forest path that runs for less than a mile has a good surface and only some minor inclines. However, walking in the gorge is more challenging as it is steep in places, can be slippery in wet weather, and some paths include board walks and steps. For the energetic, there is a walk between Knaresborough and Ripley Castles. Fares, events, and festivals are held throughout the year.

Explore St Robert’s Cave

St Robert's Cave is a rare medieval hermitage that was cut out of the limestone bedrock. It consists of the cave, a domestic area, and a small chapel that contains an altar and the saint’s grave. Robert of Knaresborough (c. 1160 – 1218) followed a religious vocation and was revered for his work with the poor and destitute. However, his lifestyle was not approved of by the Constable of Knaresborough Castle, and Robert was forced to take refuge in a cave by the River Nidd. 

Robert lived here for the rest of his life gaining a reputation as a miracle worker and holy man. Although his grave is still marked here, his body was moved to a Priory built in his honour. Although never officially canonised, Robert is recognised as a saint by Rome.

Wander around the Royal Pump Room Museum

The Royal Pump Room Museum is in nearby Harrogate and has the distinction of being the site of the strongest sulphur wells in Europe. Built in 1842, it was designed to shelter the rich and famous who flocked there to “take the waters”. Among these patrons was Tsarina Alexandra of Russia and various politicians and authors. 

An annex was added in 1913 and today it houses the museum which features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of items from the town and the spa’s history. There are also daily tours of the wells. 

Tackle the Knaresborough Round Walking Route

Why not put on walking shoes, pack a picnic lunch, and head off on the circular Knaresborough Round Walking Route? It follows riverside paths and quiet lanes and, with less than 1000 feet in inclines, makes a lovely day-hike. You can also break it into smaller sections if you want to take a more leisurely stroll. There are no markers for the route, but both the Knaresborough and Harrogate Information Centres have maps available.

Ride the Beryl Burton Cycle Way or the Nidderdale Greenway

Named after the 7 times World Champion cyclist Beryl Burton, who raced for Knaresborough Cycling Club, the Beryl Burton Cycle Way is a surfaced cycle path. This is a lovely, traffic-free route that starts at the riverside and then passes through woodland and fields, emerging in the Bilton area with routes to either Harrogate or Ripley. 

Connected to the Beryl Burton Cycle Way is the gentle, 4 mile long Nidderdale Greenway which was a railway track before the line was closed. It takes you over the Nidd Gorge Viaduct and, for those who are energetic enough for the 15-mile cycle ride, you could stop off at one of the National Trust sites: Brimham Rocks, Fountains Abbey, and Studley Park.  

Enjoy Knaresborough Town Windows

While the idea of enjoying windows may sound odd, Knaresborough Town Windows is a vibrant collection of public art works scattered throughout the town centre. Bricked-in windows in Georgian buildings (done to avoid window tax) have been painted using trompe l’oeil, a style of painting that tricks the eye into thinking the painted scene or person is real. So, the Town Windows collection put the windows back into the buildings and gives visitors the fun of finding them as they explore the older areas of the town. 

Marvel at the flora and fauna of Staveley Nature Reserve

Located 5 miles from Knaresborough is the 84-hectare Staveley Nature Reserve. The diversity of the reserve includes areas of reed swamp around a shallow lagoon, grassland with scrub, and pasture. If you enjoy flora, you can look for the more than 230 species that grow here, including hundreds of spotted orchids that bloom in the dry months. For ornithologists there are some 205 species of birds with about 45 breeding on the site. Dragonfly fans can watch for 19 species during the summer months.  

Have fun at the annual Knaresborough Festival

If you are in town in August, the Knaresborough Festival (FEVA) runs for 10 days each year and provides a wide range of activities for adults and children. It features musical and visual events, exhibitions, and installations and the shops in the town dress their storefronts in pink as part of the celebration. You can opt to attend talks, creative workshops, outdoor picnics, art and photographic exhibitions, music events, and street and dance performances. Food and drink are available from a range of stalls and venues.

Be part of The Great Knaresborough Bed Race

The Great Bed Race has been held on the second Saturday in June every year (except 2020) and in all weathers since 1966. Organised by the Knaresborough Lions to raise funds for local charities and community projects, the event is a combination of a procession and pageant and a gruelling athletic race. The beds are decorated, and the teams wear costumes. These are removed before the 2.4 mile run through parklands and the Nidd Gorge, up a steep slope to the town centre, down the other side, across High Bridge and then swimming through the River Nidd. 

There are prizes for the winning race team and the best dressed bed and team who then lead the afternoon parade of competitors, team supporters, bands, and dancers. This event is so popular there are now similar ones in other UK towns, the US, Germany, and New Zealand.  

Catch a performance at The Frazer Theatre   

Home of The Knaresborough Players, The Frazer Theatre showcases amateur and professional dramatics. The group was established in 1962, it is run as a not-for-profit organisation, and all the staff are volunteers. They offer dramatic and dance and music productions and have a Youth Theatre too. The theatre plays host to the Nidderdale & District Drama Festival every March and, in August, to certain FEVA events.

Take the plunge at the Knaresborough Pool

The Knaresborough Pool is open to the general public and there are various payment options (pay-as-you-go, weekly, membership, etc). There is a four-lane pool, a shallow leisure pool ideal for children and learners, and organised fun sessions. If you want to arrange a fun or special event, there is a water sprayer, bubble pool, and a flume which can be booked. Swimming lessons for children and adults are provided and, for those wanting some other water-based exercise, the venue holds aqua aerobics classes.  

View the Chapel in the Rock

Also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, this chapel dates to the early 15th century. Little is known about its origins, but King Henry IV granted permission for the construction to John the Mason. The story is that John was working on the Castle and that his young son was almost killed by a rockfall at the quarry. John cried out to Mary and the child escaped harm. He then carved this chapel into the solid limestone cliff face in thanks for his son’s life. The chapel was used as a shrine by travellers and a place of worship by stonecutters and masons working in the area. 

It is still a consecrated place of worship. There are carvings inside and outside, including a life-sized knight, altar, and vaulted roof. It can be reached by the path alongside the Nidd River. Note that opening times are very limited so, if you want to see the interior, check with the Knaresborough Information Centre before you go.

More things to do in Knaresborough

Days out near Knaresborough

• Indulge in a Yorkshire Food Tour in Harrogate for two. Harrogate, 4 miles from Knaresborough, boasts a vibrant independent range of eateries. In the company of a knowledgeable local guide, you will spend three hours visiting five of the finest restaurants and drink establishments in the Montpelier Quarter and sampling their food.
• If you are looking for something a little more adrenaline-loaded, sign up for a 30-minute Segway Rally Blast for two. You and your companion will be kitted out in safety gear, given a brief training session, and then let loose on the track to have some two-wheeled fun. There are height and weight restrictions.
• Just outside Harrogate are the Harlow Carr Gardens. These public gardens are wonderful to wander around, but the venue also stages events, has a centre where you can purchase plants and other horticultural items, a food and drink venue, and a library with a collection of books on plants, garden design, and broader topics.  
• If you enjoy visiting stately homes then a trip to the 19th century, Grade I listed Allerton Castle, also called Allerton Park, is well worth it. There are tours of this Victorian Gothic building, gardens to stroll through, and events throughout the year including theatre productions, outdoor cinema screenings, and teas.     

Places to eat in Knaresborough: 

There are many restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops in Knaresborough and surrounds. At time of writing, and according to Tripadvisor, some of those with the best reviews include:

• The Guy Fawkes Arms is a country pub in the village of Scotton, home to Guy Fawkes for part of his teens. Their Á la carte, Sunday Lunch, and Lunch Special Menus feature seasonal, local produce.
• If you want breakfast, brunch, or lunch, McQueen's Cafe in the Knaresborough High Street offers a range of teas, coffee, cakes, soup, sandwiches, and paninis and vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. 
• For drinks, a light lunch, or a dinner, The Half Moon Free House is an option. It offers a range of foods served inside or in the courtyard or grassed area with riverside views. Stone-baked pizzas are available Tuesdays to Thursdays.
• The Mother Shipton Inn, in close walking distance to the cave that bears the same name, is a quintessential inn located near the river and offering a range of traditional English and pub fare. 
• If you prefer a grill house or Italian food, try Two Brothers Grill and Pizzeria that serves lunch and dinner. The menu is extensive but one of their specialties is the calzone. 
• Situated in Harrogate, the Tannin Level offers guests drinks, light lunches, sandwiches, and an Á la carte dinner menu catering for a range of tastes.  

Places to stay in Knaresborough:

As with eating places, Knaresborough boasts several types of accommodation, from B&Bs to chain hotels, to suit all tastes and budgets. Here’s a small sample:

• The General Tarleton is an 18th century coaching inn that has 15 rooms available in addition to an alfresco dining area.
• If you are looking for a little more luxury, the Dowerhouse Hotel might be the place for you with its swimming pool, spa, and gym. There is also an award-winning restaurant.
• With views of the river, Castle, and Viaduct, Teardrop Cottage has 4 rooms and is within easy walking distance of the town centre and many local attractions. 
• Built in the 17th century and recently refurbished, Kirkgate House provides characterful accommodation and the rooms have en suite shower rooms. Breakfasts are provided.

FAQs

What day is market day in Knaresborough?

The Knaresborough Market is open every Wednesday. Flowers, foods, plants, fresh produce, and a host of other items are on display.

What's Knaresborough famous for?

The primary historical and cultural sites all draw visitors. However, the town’s location and character, the surrounding countryside, and the activities on offer have all given the town a reputation as a lovely place to visit.  And then of course there is the Bed Race!

Is Knaresborough Castle free?

No. There is an admission charge for adults and children and family. Annual family passes are available.