A Guide to the best things to do in Knaresborough in 2023
There are many exciting things to do in Knaresborough, a historic market town in North Yorkshire, England. The town has become the place to be due to the iconic and grand railway viaduct standing proudly over the River Nidd, where people of all ages rent a wooden rowing boat to snap the perfect picture with the imposing arches.
Is it too far to head to the beach? Then do not worry, because Knaresborough and its flowing river, promenade, fab ice-cream shops and chippies will satisfy your coastal craving. After all, some call it the Yorkshire Riviera. From the river to the castle, museum, Bebra Gardens and the array of places to eat in Knaresborough, you will undoubtedly have a fantastic trip. You won’t run out of things to do in Knaresborough very quickly, and if you find yourself in that position, why not head to the Knaresborough Visitor Centre and talk to their friendly staff? They can help you with accommodation too!
Are you ready to enjoy a quintessentially English experience exploring the medieval streets?
When is the best time to go to Knaresborough?
Knaresborough is a popular day trip and can get very busy in school holidays and at weekends. Most people visit Knaresborough between March and October because the rowing boats are only available to hire in this period. If you want to visit the castle, it is only open in the summer months too (although the courthouse is open in the winter).
However, as they are day-trippers, most tourists have left by sunset, and consequently, we have experienced the promenade by ourselves. Of course, some Knaresborough attractions may be closed by then, so you will have to time your trip according to what you would like to see and do in Knaresborough.
Knaresborough hosts many events throughout the year, including a Christmas Market, a festival of the arts in August, river tug-of-war, and Knaresborough Bed Race to name only a few. It certainly is a quirky town!
Good to know: Knaresborough market day is Wednesday
Is Knaresborough worth visiting?
We believe that is a UK hidden gem and is definitely worth your time to visit. It offers something different to the big cities, yet it is easily accessible from York (25-minutes away by train) and Leeds (45-minutes away by train) and the ideal location of the train station means that everyone can reach it.
It is also compact, so when you arrive you do not need to hire transport and you can get to most places on foot! It also means that you can see most places on this list of fun things to do in Knaresborough in a day if you’d like to!
12 Fun things to do in Knaresborough
This is a list of the best places to visit in Knaresborough, which you can use to create your custom itinerary for visiting the lively town. It is easy to get around Knaresborough because it is small and compact. But it is good to know that the steps and slopes up to the castle and back from the Waterside can be steep and challenging for those with mobility issues.
Knaresborough Viaduct
Unsurprisingly, the grand 24m high viaduct is one of the main reasons people visit the town. It was completed in 1851 and is the railway line over the River Nidd. There are many impressive viaducts in the country, including one of our favourites at Ladybower Reservoir.
However, there is undoubtedly something special and unique about Knaresborough’s viaduct, and you will regularly see people taking photos of it. It is a beauty, and it is a Grade II listed building too.
Fun fact: just after it was almost complete in 1848, it collapsed into the River Nidd, and they had to replace it!
Knaresborough Castle
Standing proudly overlooking the River Nidd in the ruins of Knaresborough Castle that the Normans built in the 12th century. After the Civil War in 1648, it was pulled down because parliament wanted to demolish Royalist castles, and the stones were used to build houses. Therefore, the castle is only in ruins, but it is still worth checking out. Today the castle is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and is maintained by the council.
The best way to reach the castle is to follow the path up from the Waterside. It is a steep climb, but one with fantastic views over the Waterside and has become a viewpoint for the best pictures of the viaduct. It is truly an amazing view from here and one of the best free things to do in Knaresborough.
Good to know: the castle is only open seasonally. However, the grounds are open all year long.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm in the summer months only.
Cost: Adults: £3.50 Children: £2
Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Knaresborough Market Place
Head to the middle of town, where you are spoilt for choice for a brew of Yorkshire Tea and a cake in the 14th-century market in the square. If you want to be part of the action, you should visit on Wednesday to enjoy the market come to life, where you can browse the stalls selling anything from flowers to local produce. It is quite the experience. It runs from 10 am until 3 pm.
Good to know: this is the spot where you can visit England’s oldest pharmacy Ye Oldest Chymist Shoppe, in England.
Address: 6 Market Pl, Knaresborough HG5 8AG
Knaresborough Shops
What we love so much about Yorkshire towns is the fact that they are full of independent shops. It reminded us of Helmsley and all the fabulous stores there. There is nothing better than shopping local and supporting small businesses, and Knaresborough is the place to do that.
Whether you admire the antiques, galleries, books, or you want to find some vintage items. You will be able to do that in Knaresborough. They are all delightful too.
Church of St John the Baptist
The Chapel of St John the Baptist can be found along the north bank of the river with incredible stained-glass windows. It is not too far from the viaduct and is the biggest church in Knaresborough.
It is also a Grade I Listed Building and there has been evidence of a church here since 1114!
Address: Vicarage Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 9AE
Bebra Gardens
If you want a place to relax or have a picnic, Bebra Gardens is your answer when you are in Knaresborough. The only downfall is that the gardens are pretty small, so you might want to come back after more sightseeing if it is busy. Regardless, it is still one of the best things to do in Knaresborough.
The path meanders down the hill below the castle. There is also a paddling pool and benches to have a breather! It is hidden, but you will likely stumble upon it near the castle.
Good to know: it is open every day 24/7
Address: Brewerton St, Knaresborough HG5 8AZ
Mother Shipton’s Cave
There are many great things to see in Knaresborough, and a popular attraction is Mother Shipton’s Cave. Did you know this is England’s oldest tourist attraction?
It has been charging visitors since 1630! In a nutshell, Mother Shipton prophesied and predicted many events, including the Great Fire of London and the Spanish Armada’s defeat. Some say she was born in this very cave! It may (or may not) be only a story, but it is something fun to do in Knaresborough.
Just outside is the Petrifying Well, which is thought to have turned objects into stone. You need to see the geographical wonder to believe it!
Address: Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Mother Shipton’s Inn
If you are wondering which Knaresborough pub you should visit, we can recommend Mother Shipton’s Inn. It is a 16th-century coaching inn welcoming and has a beautiful setting in the trees and by the River Nidd.
It is near the Low Bridge of Knaresborough, so it is slightly out of the craziness of the Waterside on a busy day. However, it is still a buzzing place to be, and the beer garden by the River, with its bright lights, is a beautiful setting to have a beer and sample some local food! It is what you would expect (and more) from a British pub.
Address: Low Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8HZ
Visiting a pub should be on your list of things to do in Knaresborough. Therefore, if this is not your vibe, the Half Moon Pub has an excellent reputation too.
Have an Ice-cream by the Waterside
Is there anything better than having ice cream and walking along the Waterside on a hot summer’s day? You’ll feel like you’re abroad. Visit Marigold’s ice cream shop. It may have a queue outside, but it is worth it. If it is not good weather (very probable), then grab a warm coffee and enjoy the view instead.
Other popular shops include Bymor Real Dairy Ice Cream and Castle Creamery.
Knaresborough Boats
Arguably (thanks to Instagram), the most popular Knaresborough attraction is Knaresborough Boats. You can rent these boats at Marigold Cafe and Boating or at Blenkhorn’s Boats. Price is per hour, and we have seen the river filled with these boats, so do not expect to do it alone! The boats seat 2-6 persons.
Remember you can only rent these from mid March to October, so plan ahead.
River Nidd Waterside Walk
The River Nidd Waterside Walk is easily one of the best things to do in Knaresborough. Many people love to bring their dogs for a stroll by the river, and it is beautiful in rain and shine. If you walk down Abbey Road, you can also admire the wonderfully beautiful and grand houses. When we last visited Knaresborough, it was so busy that this walk was perfect for a moment of solitude.
People love to visit the Marigold Café afterwards – it seems very popular as it is always busy!
St. John the Baptist Church
St John the Baptist Church, on Church Lane, is the main church in Knaresborough. The earliest it dates back is 1114 and changed its name from St Mary after the reformation in the 16th century. Today, it is open every day, and you can appreciate its magnificence and peace.
Address: Vicarage Ln, Knaresborough HG5 9AE
The Window Trail
Knaresborough has a Window Trail that you can follow, which sum up his paintings in windows. Interestingly, the artwork stems from when windows were blocked to avoid window tax. Searching for window art is one of the more unique things to do in Knaresborough.
13 Other fun things to do in Knaresborough:
- Cycle on the Nidderdale Greenway
- Explore Allerton Castle
- Knaresborough Square and the Market Cross
- Courthouse Museum
- Art in the Mill Art Gallery
- The Diamond Jubilee Wishing Well
- Nidd Gorge
- Visit Hermit’s Cave
- Frazer Theatre
- Plumpton Rocks
- Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
- St Robert’s Cave
- Jacob Smith Park
Stay in Knaresborough
There are some lovely places to stay in Knaresborough if you wish to make it a weekend trip. For example, The Blue Bell at Arkendale, The Groves Inn and The Mitre Inn are all wonderful options and close to everything you will need.
How to Get to Knaresborough
Knaresborough is in the borough of Harrogate and is a popular destination because it is straightforward to reach.
By car, it is a mere 4-miles from Junction 47 on the A1, and there is plenty of parking. There is limited free parking around Knaresborough, or there is paid parking with 355 spaces at Conyngham Hall car park that is open 24/7. The postcode for parking in Knaresborough is HG5 9AY.
Good to know: The prices are more than double from winter to summer, but there is free disabled and motorcycle parking all year.
The closest airport for foreign visitors is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is only 30-minutes away, and you can catch the train from both York and Leeds. The bus station has services from Harrogate and is in the town centre.
So, are you excited about your trip to Knaresborough? We cannot get enough of this beautiful family-friendly town. And, we love it every time we go, as there’s always something else to do because the list of things to do in Knaresborough is endless. There are also some great hotels in Knaresborough, so it will not be a wrong choice if you are tempted to have an overnight stay.
We will return time and time. Walk around and discover the town and let us know if you stumble upon any other great Knaresborough attractions!
Remember to check out our other Yorkshire Travel Guides to:
A day trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The Best Things to do in Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
