Best Things to Do in Knaresborough, Yorkshire
After the best things to do in Knaresborough, Yorkshire? Ooft, you’re going to have an amazing time! So, as a Yorkshire local, here are a few of my suggestions to help you have an awesome visit.
Knaresborough, England, is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in North Yorkshire, so I was super happy to visit with my bestie!
From the witchy history of Mother Shipton’s Cave to the breathtaking view of the viaduct from Knaresborough Castle, there’s plenty to do and even more to be curious about. Whether you’re travelling through Yorkshire or are planning to visit Knaresborough on a day trip, here are a few things you shouldn’t miss.
Best Things to do in Knaresborough, Yorkshire
1. Knaresborough Castle
A 12th-century fortress in a prime hilltop position that looks down on a winding river below? Count me in!
Over nine hundred years ago, Knaresborough Castle was built upon the imposing cliff above River Nidd by a Norman baron, with much of the current ruins dating back to the early 1300s.
The castle’s exterior is all on public grounds so that you can appreciate it for free all year round.
2. The Castle and Courthouse Museum
The interior of Knaresborough Castle is ticketed, so you can pay to go inside to dive deeper into the history of the kings who once commanded this stronghold, hide out in the dungeons… and find the secret tunnel! The onsite museum also shares objects and stories to bring the history to life, and has an activity room for kids, so it’s not a bad idea if you’re in need of fun things to do in Knaresborough in the rain.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, tickets are currently just £4.40 for adults and £2.50 for children, with family and concession tickets also available.
3. Knaresborough Aqueduct
Perhaps Knaresborough’s most photographed landmark is the aqueduct, which spans 200 metres above the Nidd Gorge.
The viaduct is also functional, having been built in the mid-18th century to connect the railway line from Harrogate to Knaresborough. Look out for trains crossing overhead on their way into Knaresborough Station.
There are multiple views over Knaresborough Aqueduct throughout the town, so you won’t miss it, but one of the most popular is from Viaduct Terrace View, where you can see the colourful rowing boats lining the river banks under the viaduct.
Alternatively, my favourite viewing spot is right next to Knaresborough Castle, by the War Memorial at the top of Bebra Gardens. From here, you can fully appreciate the reflection of the aqueduct in the river.
4. Bebra Gardens
Not only is Bebra Gardens worth visiting for its view over the aqueduct, but this public park is a little gem in its own right. The pathways snake across dry land that was once the moat for Knaresborough Castle, ascending the hill towards the fortress.
These days, it’s best enjoyed as a pretty picnic spot below the trees, or for a refreshing splash in the paddling pool during the summer.
You can access the gardens from above, at the castle, or below, from the steps beside the river.
5. Mother Shipton’s Cave
Known as ‘England’s oldest tourist attraction,’ Mother Shipton’s Cave is associated with soothsayer Mother Shipton, who was born in the cave in 1487 according to English folklore. Historians believe the woman was definitely real… But whether she was a real witch or not is up to your imagination!
The attraction may have opened to tourists back in 1630, but it has plenty of modern flourishes to keep things interesting, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much there was to see here!
From wandering around the park (which was SO pretty in Autumn) to discovering the natural rock formations of the cave and petrifying well, we genuinely had such a fun day out.
The Cave
Set in the midst of the mile-long woodland park, the cave is famously the birthplace of prophetess Mother Shipton. According to local legend, she predicted everything from 1666’s Great Fire of London to the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
The story has it that she was born to the name Ursula in 1488, to a teenage mother, Agatha, and an unknown father. Agatha raised Ursula in the cave for two years before a local family took her baby in, while tragically Agatha was taken to a convent where she later passed away,
Ursula Shipton was also born with a disability that meant she had ‘twisted’ limbs – from today’s perspective, she basically experienced ableism. But in the 1400s, this meant she was a witch. Later, in the Lancashire witch trials, we know that women who were ‘different’ in some way – such as those with a disability – were more likely to be accused of witchcraft, and it shows an uncomfortable truth of how intolerant humans can be.
Fortunately, in this case, Mother Shipton defied the odds and lived until 1561, before passing away at the age of 73. Mother, indeed. <3
Like many women suspected of witchcraft, Mother Shipton was also potentially a healer who used traditional remedies to help the sick or injured. But if the folklore is to be believed, her true talent was in her power of prophecy and premonition.
The Petrifying Well
First recorded in 1538, the site has been a visitor attraction since 1630 when people would come in great numbers to watch everyday objects be turned into stone, hence being granted the title of England’s oldest tourist attraction.
The Petrifying Well really does turn objects into stone (sort of)… But it ain’t magic. The high mineral content simply deposits calcium carbonate on top of any objects in the water, eventually giving them a statue-like exterior. Amazingly, it only takes a few months for items to petrify here.
You can see some of the petrified objects hanging at the side of my photo below!
The Wishing Well
People have been hoping this wishing well will grant their wishes for over 300 years. The water is seen as magical because it comes from the same source that feeds the Petrifying Well.
Unfortunately, my wish is yet to be granted. Rude.
Visiting info
There is also onsite food and drink, a gift shop (where you can buy petrified stone teddy bears, among other magical items), playground, and small museum. The site is dog-friendly but not great for accessibility – the cave and well are natural attractions that can only be accessed via 25 steps.
6. Devil’s Arrows
Top tip: If you wanna feel young on your birthday, go and hang out with something prehistoric. These standing stones are about 3500-5000 years old, and I’m only a teeny weeny halfway to seventy. HA.
The Devil’s Arrows in North Yorkshire are thought to be named after an 18th-century legend in which the devil got peeved off at the local village and threw these stones at them in anger.
Fortunately for the villagers, the devil had terrible aim (I feel you buddy) and the stones got stuck in this field instead… While we can’t be sure of the true reason these prehistoric stones were placed here thousands of years ago, it was likely for ritualistic reasons, possibly to align with the southernmost summer sunrise.
You’ll find the Devil’s Arrows on the map just outside the village of Boroughbridge, and just a 15-minute drive to the beautiful market town of Knaresborough.
There’s a small car park at the edge of the field where you can easily spot the first two standing stones.
The third stone, pictured below, is just across the road, so cross once you’ve parked up and take a look.
Don’t miss this one; it’s the second tallest of its kind in the UK.
7. Boat along River Nidd
With the River Nidd being such an iconic part of the town, especially with the aqueduct towering above, it’s no surprise that boating along its waters is one of the most popular things to do in Knaresborough for families and adults alike.
You can rent a traditional rowing boat from Marigold Cafe & Boating or Blenkhorn’s Boats, and punt hire is also available.
8. Walking along the River Nidd
A walk along the river is equally lovely, and a perfect alternative to rowing if you’d prefer to stick with free things to do in Knaresborough. The valley itself formed during the Ice Age, and today you can cover about 46 hectares of woodland while walking in the area.
Whether you take a short stroll along the riverside or tackle Nidd Gorge as part of a longer hike while following in the footsteps of pilgrims, here are a couple of options:
Easy Nidd Gorge Walk
This easy 2.3km Nidd Gorge Woodland Circular Walk takes about 30-60 minutes, following along the river pathway from Ripley Street car park and past a small Iron Age hillfort.
River and St Robert’s Cave Walk
A longer, 5-mile circular walk will take you along the river to St Robert’s Cave. It’s not often you’ll come across a Medieval hermitage, but this cave has survived after being carved into the limestone rock centuries ago.
The religious hermit Robert Flower made it his home back in the 12th century and was known for his devotion and holiness, with people visiting his cave to seek his blessing. Born in York, Robert preferred his humble cave to the wealthy life his upbringing could have afforded him, and he was honoured as a Catholic and Anglican Saint (though he wasn’t officially recognised).
What is it with people in Knaresborough and people living in caves, huh?
Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Another 20 minutes or so down the river is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, which is positively modern compared to St Robert’s Cave, dating back to the 15th century.
Carved into the sandstone walls of Nidd Gorge, the Grade 1 listed chapel is certainly one of the most unique things to see in Knaresborough! You can imagine why it was a popular stop for pilgrims travelling through Yorkshire over the next couple of centuries.
9. Knaresborough Forest Park
Knaresborough Forest Park is a community project devoted to regrowing and rewilding the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. Places like this are so important, with wild meadows and woodlands not only being necessary for our wildlife, but also for us, too! Yep, I love stuff like this.
You can park at Conyngham Hall to visit the park, but note that the project is still in development so there aren’t any facilities onsite. Please be mindful of the hard work volunteers are putting into the park by sticking to the footpaths and taking everything with you. They do also occasionally run events, such as walks, talks, and experiences.
Where to Eat in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
- Knaresborough Market – the market dates back to 1310, but fortunately the food is a little fresher.
- The Ugly Duckling Tea Room – a riverside cafe with freshly made baked goodies, known for its tasty breakfast and lunch options
- Marigold Cafe and Boating – if you’re planning on renting a rowboat, Marigold will help fill you up before sending you out onto the river
- Six Poor Folks – Great quality food and a lovely atmosphere; I also couldn’t believe how quickly we were served here on a busy Saturday!
- One of the town’s many local pubs – honestly, it’s tricky to pick just one as there are so many highly-reviewed spots to grab a hearty lunch and traditional ale. Cheers!
Places to visit near Knaresborough, England
- Harrogate – one of Yorkshire’s fancier towns, this Victorian spa town is a good place to treat yourself to a spa day and great food
- Hiking Yorkshire Dales National Park – from conquering the peaks to exploring Malham Cove or the Ingleton Waterfalls, this is the perfect destination for hikers. It’s beautiful!
- York – the historic city, famous for its Viking history (in fact, tons of history) and hauntings.
- Fountains Abbey and Studley Gardens – well-preserved Medieval ruins and an expansive Georgian garden; there are so many hidden spaces and interesting features to explore here.
- Harewood House – an elegant 18th-century house with 140 acres of historic gardens and woodlands.
- Brimham Rocks – one of my favourite natural playgrounds in Yorkshire; park up and take the short, winding path through the awesomely bigass rocks.
- Further afield, Yorkshire has everything from the expansive moors of Brontë’s Haworth and Hebden Bridge in the West to the drama and Dracula of it all in Whitby by the coast.
