Updated on April 18, 2025
The pretty town of Knaresborough in North Yorkshire is known for its striking viaduct, picture-postcard views, and unique chequered houses. Here is your guide to the top things to do in Knaresborough on your next visit.
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About Knaresborough
Before we delve into the best things to do in Knaresborough, here is a quick introduction to the charming market town.
Where is Knaresborough?
Knaresborough is a spa and market town located four miles to the east of Harrogate, in North Yorkshire. The town straddles the River Nidd, giving it its picturesque waterside view and impressive viaduct, which makes photos of the town instantly recognisable.
How To Get To Knaresborough
Knaresborough’s proximity to York, Harrogate, and Leeds makes it easily accessible, especially by public transport. Here are the easiest options for planning your visit:
Car: Knaresborough is a popular destination and parking is limited so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Pay and display car parks can be found at Bond End (HG5 9AX) or Castle Yard Car Park (HG5 8AS).
Rail: For the easiest rail connection, catch a train to York then take the Northern service directly to Knaresborough Station. There is also a Northern service from Leeds train station, although the journey takes longer. Find tickets via Trainline.com
Air: The closest international airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is a 30-minute drive from Knaresborough.
Is Knaresborough worth visiting?
Yes, Knaresborough is well worth visiting! The pretty town is packed with fascinating historic sights, boutique independent stores and is absolutely brimming with charm! The unique architecture and riverside views make Knaresborough an unforgettable getaway!
Things To Do In Knaresborough
Knaresborough has a broad range of attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages. You can spend the day taking them all in or pass a few hours visiting your favourites. Here are some of the top things to do in Knaresborough.
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Mother Shipton’s Cave is England’s oldest tourist attraction. It first opened its doors to visitors in 1630! Today, you can watch items turn to stone in the petrifying well and discover the history of prophetess Mother Shipton who was apparently born (and potentially buried) on the site.
Ursula Sontheil, better known as Mother Shipton, was a prophetess who lived c. 1488-1561. She was supposedly born in a cave in Knaresborough and made a living predicting the future. You can visit the cave of her birth, as well as the neighbouring petrifying well which turns objects to stone.
The well and cave are in a beautiful woodland setting. The site also houses a cafe truck, adventure playground, pixie village, and museum/shop which highlights petrified items left by famous visitors.
Knaresborough Castle
Knaresborough Castle was once a stronghold of medieval kings but is now a peaceful retreat from the bustling town. The ruins sit atop the town, with spectacular views over the river. The surrounding area has been transformed into a beautiful green space where you can sit and relax.
The castle was first built around 1100 although several alterations were made to the original Norman structure. It was largely destroyed in 1648 due to an order by parliament to dismantle all Royalist castles during the civil war. Many of the buildings in the town are built using stone from the ruined castle.
Since the year 2000, the castle has held resident ravens, one of whom was donated by the Tower of London. You can see them tethered in the castle grounds on most days. You can also tour the inside of the castle remains and the castle museum.
Boating
If you want to appreciate the charm of the town from a unique perspective, you need to see it from the river. With one mile of river to explore, hiring a rowing boat is a leisurely way to pass an hour.
Boating is a fantastic way to gaze up at the pretty town and spot some more of those iconic chequered houses. You will also pass beneath the viaduct and gain an appreciation for the impressive scale of the structure.
You can hire boats from either Knaresborough Blenkhorn’s Boat Hire or Marigolds Cafe & Boating. Both are easy to spot on the riverfront thanks to the numerous boats bobbing in the water and you don’t need to pre-book. But if you’re not a fan of the water, you can take a pleasant stroll along the waterfront instead.
Knaresborough Viaduct
When you visit Knaresborough, you cannot help but view the viaduct. The structure dominates the views of the town from wherever you are. It first opened in 1851 and carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd.
The viaduct makes photos of Knaresborough instantly recognizable. While you’re in the town be sure to spend some time appreciating the structure which adds to the charm of Knaresborough.
Other Things To Do In Knaresborough
Here are a few more ideas of things to do in Knaresborough:
- Bebra Gardens – These pretty gardens are a wonderful hidden gem. They are built around a sloping, meandering pathway leading through mature trees and conifers.
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag – This ‘Marian’ shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus Christ. The Chapel is the work of a master craftsman, with a carved altar, vaulted ceiling, roof bosses, and gargoyles, looking every bit like an erected building, but with a special quality…it is created from the crag itself.
- Church of St John the Baptist – This peaceful church is an ideal place for a reflective retreat from the bustle of town. It is located on a tranquil spot along the river, and you can look inside to admire the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Where To Eat And Drink in Knaresborough
Looking for a bite to eat or a drop to drink? Knaresborough has plenty on offer for you to try out. Here are just some of the local favourites:
The Worlds End pub aptly takes its name from one of Mother Shipton’s prophecies. It is claimed that when the neighbouring bridge over the river falls for the third time, the world will end. To date, it has collapsed twice, so try your chances with a stroll across to grab a pint at The Worlds End.
Two Brothers Grill & Pizzeria Restaurant is home of “the best calzone in Yorkshire”. Although unable to speak personally, it comes highly rated on TripAdvisor.
If you’re in the mood for some fine dining, award-winning Storm Restaurant at Dower House & Spa sits at the edge of the town. They offer an indulgent 3-course a la carte menu, a lighter Lounge menu, or traditional afternoon tea.
Or, if you’re like us, you’re not prepared to let a meal interrupt your exploring, get some fuel on the go in the form of ice cream! Fresh from the local creamery, you can get a scoop of Brymor Real Dairy Ice Cream from the shop on the corner of Castle Yard and Castlegate.
Places To Stay In Knaresborough
If you want to make the most of your trip to Knaresborough, why not stay a few days and experience some of the surrounding areas? Here are just a few accommodation options for your stay.
- Goldsborough Hall (£££) – The most luxurious stay in the area, Goldsborough Hall is a private historic royal stately home and gardens. It has 17 luxury rooms for guests and feels like a private country retreat with a 400-year royal history. You’ll feel like royalty with a stay in this princess’s home!
- Teardrop Cottage (££) – This homely accommodation is set on the picturesque waterside, with magnificent views of the river, castle, and Victorian stone viaduct. They have four beautifully finished boutique rooms that will feel like home from the moment you arrive!
Discover more places to stay in Knaresborough here:
Booking.comThings To Do In Knaresborough
So, these are the top things to do in Knaresborough. You’ll fall in love with this picturesque town as soon as you see it! And, at only a stone’s throw from the Yorkshire Dales, it is the ideal place for a day trip on your visit.
What would you love to do on a visit to Knaresborough? Let me know in the comments below!
Ready to start planning another Yorkshire adventure? Check out the Ultimate Yorkshire Bucket List for over 100 must-see Yorkshire locations at your fingertips!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
Wow you’re pictures are so beautiful! Honestly never heard of Knaresborough before. Will def read up more on this destination
Thanks so much! It’s such a pretty town, it’s so picturesque! It’s a lovely place to visit for a day, especially as part of a Yorkshire road trip. I hope you get an opportunity to visit in person and see it for yourself!
Knaresborough looks so charming, especially with that magnificent viaduct! Mother Shipton’s cave looks especially interesting, as does the castle.
It’s such a picturesque little place! I always find a trip to Mother Shipton’s fascinating! It’s such an incredible phenomenon! And the castle is so beautiful and has great views over the town. I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
Yet to visit York, looks lovely. Enjoyed the read.
Yorkshire is such a lovely area! There are so many beautiful places to visit. I hope you have an opportunity to visit one day!
What a charming town! I would absolutely love to visit here one day 🙂 I love small English towns like this and think visiting the castle and going for a paddle on the river would be such a lovely day!
It is a really picturesque little town! I hope you get an opportunity to visit! You definitely need to take a boat ride, you get to appreciate the beauty of the town from a whole new angle!
I would love to visit more of England. I have been to London, but would like to go off the beaten path! This is an awesome guide, thanks for sharing 🙂
London is great but there is definitely a whole lot more to England that is worth seeing! Im biased but I think everyone should visit Yorkshire! I’m glad you like the guide and I hope you get a chance to visit one day!
Hope to come to Yorkshire in the near future
One problem my wife is in a wheelchair so limited to where we can go
This post took me back to my childhood in the 60s. Visits to Knaresborough on Sunday afternoons!
Ah I love that! Knaresborough is such a beautiful place to visit, how lovely that you were able to visit so frequently when you were growing up!
Wow. Officially adding Mother Shipton’s Cave to my bucket list!
Mother Shipton’s Cave is such an interesting place and well worth a visit if you get the chance!
The river and viaduct would definitely be on my list of must-see places in Knaresborough.
I agree! The views of the viaduct over Knaresborough are so iconic! I love soaking up the view of it from near the castle and from a boat on the river!
I love this whole area but have never heard of Knaresborough before. It looks so charming, and I’d definitely check out Mother Shipton’s Cave as the oldest attraction, very cool!
Knaresborough is a really pretty town, it’s definitely worth visiting when you’re exploring North Yorkshire! Mother Shipton’s Cave is such a cool place to see. I love seeing the items turned to stone and making a wish in the well!
Your photo’s of Knaresborough are so beautiful. I didn’t know a lot about the town, but it’s definitely worth a visit!
Thank you so much. Knaresborough is such a beautiful town, I love visiting to capture some photos. I hope you have an opportunity to visit!
I hope to explore England but more off the beaten path next time, Knaresborough is such a charm.
Ah there are so many beautiful places to explore in England! Knaresborough is a lovely town and well worth visiting if you have the chance!