If you’re visiting Knaresborough and want to make the best of your time, then you’re in the right place. From attractions to visit, places to eat and drink and the best local indies. Keep reading for all you need to know about visiting Knaresborough.
Where should you visit in Knaresborough?
Mother Shipton’s
You can’t visit Knaresborough without a trip to England’s oldest tourist attraction. See the petrifying well, make a wish and visit the cave the famous prophetess lived in. Read all about it on my dedicated Mother Shipton’s blog
The Viaduct
Well you can’t miss it can you? For the best perspective of this magnificent railway bridge head to the river, grab yourself a rowing boat from one of the boat hire companies on the riverside or head up to the castle green.
The Castle
While you’re up at the castle green getting a good look at Knaresborough viaduct it’s time to take in the history of the castle, built in around c1100. Make sure you pay and have a wander around the interior and the Keep, it’s not an expensive entry fee (£4 adults/£2.30 Child) and well worth taking an hour or so to look around.
Bebra Gardens
You’ll find these adjacent to the castle green. These sloping gardens are beautiful at any time of year and if you’re there in the height of summer little ones can take a dip in the paddling pool.
Painted Windows
Or to use their correct name; the Trompe L’oeil, ‘deceive the eye’. You can find them all around Knaresborough and if you’re lucky, you might find a map from the tourist information centre but I also have a full dedicated blog to Knaresborough’s Painted Windows. There are more out there than on the map so my best advice is the keep your eyes peeled and keep looking up ^
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Knaresborough
- Carriages – Classic gastro pub food with a modern twist; on the High Street.
- Six Poor Folk – Café, bar and bistro in one of Knaresborough’s oldest buildings.
- Black Mulberry – Cosy café on the riverside.
- Two Brothers Grill – Grill and Pizzeria in the Castle Courtyard.
- The Worlds End – A large pub with great views of the River Nidd.
- Marigolds – Riverside café and one of the places to hire a rowing boat.
- 1858 – A restaurant and bar in a converted old bank on the High Street.
- Riverside Café – On the riverside looking out onto the viaduct.
- Number Thirteen – Our favourite place for a coffee, just off the market place.
- The Old Ticket Office – a cute coffee shop on the railway platform.
- Watermill Café – An old watermill on the River Nidd by Knaresborough Lido.
- Little Way Café – a cute little café with living room vibes.
- Castle Creamery – the best place to grab an ice cream in the summer or a hot pudding in the winter.
And finally, if you’re looking to do some shopping in Knaresborough here are our
Local Indie Shops Not to Miss on Your Visit to Knaresborough
- Zigzag – a massive selection of cards and gifts on the High Street.
- Crystal Buddha – Amazing crystal and rock shop with a Zoltar machine!
- Harriets – Great value ladies clothing and accessories.
- Twig&Ink – Gorgeous ladies clothing boutique.
- Yorkshire Beeswax Company – Handmade eco friendly Beeswax candles, gifts and wax melts
- Donkeys Year Antiques Centre – Antiques Centre set in a Georgian building, housing 50 dealers.
- Castlegate Books – Cute little independent bookshop on the Market Place.
- Appleton’s Butchers – Tasty butchers…try their pork pies and sausage rolls.
- River and Rose – Beautiful florist on the Market Place.
Seasonal Events in Knaresborough
Depending on when your visit make sure you keep an eye out for :
The Bed Race. If you’re visiting on the bed race day you’ll know about it. It’s one of the most quirkiest traditions you will have ever seen; cheese rolling eat your heart out!
Every Wednesday is Market Day in so if you’re visiting mid week make sure your head to the market Square
Normally on the first Saturday of every month, you’ll find the Little Bird artisan market in the castle grounds which is well worth a visit with lots of food and gift stores from local artisans. Check their website for the most up to date info.
For those guests coming at Christmas and New Year the Christmas market is a must. This year it’s on the 7th & 8th of December 2024.
And on New Year’s Day, although very much weather dependent, you might even catch the Duck Race where 100’s of yellow rubber ducks are tipped into the river Nidd!
However long you are visiting Knaresborough for, whether it’s just a day visit or you’re here for the whole week, there’s plenty to see and do. If you ever need more help with planning an itinerary you are always welcome to drop me an email and I’ll help as much as I can.
