Knaresborough Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Knaresborough is a charming town that captures the essence of quintessential England. With its idyllic setting along the River Nidd and its rich history dating back over 1,000 years, this picturesque destination offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

One of Knaresborough's most iconic landmarks is its stunning viaduct, an impressive feat of Victorian engineering that spans across the river. As you stroll along the riverside promenade, you can marvel at the arches and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. For a unique experience, take a leisurely boat trip along the river and admire the town's historic buildings from a different perspective.

Exploring the town's historic center, you will encounter a wealth of medieval architecture and charming streets lined with independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs. Discover the ancient ruins of Knaresborough Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the river. This medieval stronghold offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot for memorable photographs.

For a taste of Knaresborough's vibrant local culture, visit the bustling market square. Here, you can browse stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs. Immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere and strike up a conversation with the welcoming locals, who are always eager to share stories about their beloved town.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Knaresborough's surrounding countryside. The Nidd Gorge, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers scenic walking trails where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woodlands and spot wildlife along the way. Make sure to visit Mother Shipton's Cave, a mystical place said to be England's oldest tourist attraction. Explore the petrifying well, where objects turn to stone over time, and learn about the fascinating legend of the prophetess Mother Shipton.

Alternative names: Population: 14.7 thous.Elevation: 259 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 54°0'29"N, 1°28'2"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Knaresborough Top Attractions

Knaresborough Attractions - What to See and Explore

Knaresborough offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mother Shipton's Cave, Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, Knaresborough Castle, Knaresborough Viaduct. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Mother Shipton's Cave
Mother Shipton's Cave is at Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England, near the River Nidd. Nearby is a petrifying well, also known as a dropping well. The latter is the oldest tourist attraction to charge a fee in England, and has been operated since 1630.
Sacred and religious sites • Church
Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
The early-fifteenth century Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag is located in an old quarry on Abbey Road beside the Nidd Gorge at Knaresborough and is an early 15th century chapel cut out of the sandstone of the river gorge cliff face.
Forts and castles • Historical place • Museum
Knaresborough Castle
Knaresborough Castle is a ruined fortress overlooking the River Nidd in the town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England.

Bridge
Knaresborough Viaduct
Knaresborough Viaduct is a viaduct in the North Yorkshire town of Knaresborough, England. The viaduct carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd in the town.
Church • Gothic architecture
St John the Baptist Church
St John the Baptist Church is a parish church in the Church of England located in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. It is the largest church in the town.
Field • Park
Jacob Smith Park
Jacob Smith Park is a park owned by Harrogate Borough Council in the outskirts of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, England. It is located in Scriven, and was opened in 2008.
Ruins
St Robert's Cave
Robert of Knaresborough was a British hermit who lived in a cave by the River Nidd, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. His feast day is on the 24th of September.

Day trips

Knaresborough – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Knaresborough, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Gordale Scar (Malham), National Railway Museum (York), National Science and Media Museum (Bradford).

27 milesW
Natural attraction, Nature, Canyon
Gordale Scar, Malham
Gordale Scar is a dramatic limestone ravine located near the village of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, United Kingdom. Carved out by water over thousands of years, this imposing natural wonder is a magnet for tourists, hikers, and geology enthusiasts.
15 milesE
Museum, Specialty museum, Science museum
National Railway Museum, York
The National Railway Museum in York stands as an enduring homage to the United Kingdom's rich railway heritage. Nestled in the heart of this historic city, the museum is an essential destination for train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
19 milesSW
Exhibits on the history of TV and film
National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
Nestled in the heart of Bradford, England, the National Science and Media Museum stands as a testament to human ingenuity in the realms of science, technology, and culture. This institution is dedicated to exploring the science and culture of light and sound...
15 milesS
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Briggate, Leeds
Nestled in the heart of Leeds, Briggate stands as a bustling shopping district that has been at the center of the city's retail experience for centuries. This pedestrian thoroughfare boasts a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for...
19 milesNW
Canyon
How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale AONB
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, How Stean Gorge offers a natural spectacle that beckons the adventurous spirit. This dramatic limestone ravine, carved out over thousands of years by water erosion, is located in the scenic area of Nidderdale AONB, United...

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Best Time To Visit Knaresborough

Learn when is the best time to travel to Knaresborough weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, March, April, May and July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Knaresborough?

The top attractions to visit in Knaresborough are:

What is the best time to visit Knaresborough?

June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in April, May and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.