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Activities in Knaresborough

    Knaresborough…by any means…

    An enchanting market town in North Yorkshire, Knaresborough has plenty to offer visitors. It is both beautiful to look at, thanks to its dramatic position perched above the River Nidd, Nidderdalebut it’s also completely captivating to wander around with its medieval streets and quirky shops and eateries.

    Whether you’re wanting to discover Knaresborough on foot, by car, by train or by bike, the town will surprise and delight you at every turn.

    Let’s explore…the activities on offer in Knaresborough.

    Knaresborough on foot…

    There is so much to see and do in Knaresborough on foot; it can be hard to pack it into one day. You might want to come back another day! Have a browse around the small but perfectly formed town centre, where you will find some fantastic independent shops, galleries, boutiques, pubs, bistros, cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as a bustling market scene with regular visiting markets and vibrant Knaresborough Market.

    Knaresborough’s unique cliff-top position boasts an impressive promenade that gives it a feel of a coastal location even though you’re actually over 60 miles from the sea. What better excuse to stop off for an ice cream?

    Activities in – Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum

    Image taken during sunset of Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum. The sky is blue and clear in the background and the castle casts a shadow in the sunset light.

    No walking tour of the town is complete without heading to Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum, where you can wander around the ruins of this impressive castle once controlled by medieval kings.

    Admire spectacular views over the River Nidd, visit the courthouse museum, and learn more about a Tudor courtroom & Knaresborough’s history.

    Activities in – Mother Shipton’s Cave

    External shot of Mother Shipton's Cove in North Yorkshire. The building is backed by tall trees in-front of a blue sky.

    Claiming to be England’s oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave has been enthralling visitors for nearly 400 years and is the birthplace of the legendary prophetess Mother Shipton.

    Find out more about her intriguing story in the actual cave where she predicted the future and wander around the surrounding ancient woodland, where the air is thick with fairy magic and folklore.

    Activities in Knaresborough by bike…

    Exploring Knaresborough on two wheels is a great idea with loads of fantastic cycle routes in the area suitable for all ages and abilities. There are some traffic-free paths as well as a number of popular mountain biking trails.

    Activities in Knaresborough – Nidderdale Greenway

    Concrete road going downhill in Nidderdale, Yorkshire . There is shrubbery and grass on both sides of the road. The sky is filled with grey clouds.

    The Nidderdale Greenway is a four-mile cycle route between Harrogate and Ripley that offers some simply stunning views along the way. Passing over the Grade II-listed viaduct that straddles Nidd Gorge and through Knaresborough, the route offers the perfect opportunity to stop off and take a look at plenty of places of interest along the way.

    Things to See on The Nidderdale Greenway

    • Studley Royal Water Gardens and Studley Royal Deer Park, where more than 300 deer wander freely
    • Bebra Gardens, a small but perfectly formed park in the heart of Knaresborough, is the perfect place to stop off for a picnic or refreshment en route.
    • Brimham Rocks, a collection of weird and wonderful rocks formed over 340 million years ago
    • Fountains Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the incredibly well-preserved ruins of a Cistercian monastery.

    Activities in Knaresborough by train…

    A view of the Viaduct from Knaresborough Castle, North Yorkshire, UK. Summer greenery at sunset.

    The only way to arrive in Knaresborough is by train. Take the short but awe-inspiring journey from Harrogate to Knaresborough on the train, and you won’t be disappointed.

    As soon as the train leaves the station at Knaresborough, which is itself cut into the hillside, the spectacle of the Nidd Gorge hoves into view with the dramatic Victorian viaduct, which measures more than 80 feet in height and offers simply breathtaking views over the gorge.

    While in Harrogate, why not visit the world-famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, home of allegedly the best afternoon tea you’ll find anywhere?

    Activities in Knaresborough by car…

    Family in a silver car. Two boys in the back and mum & dad in the front. The kids are smiling, one has an afro and the other, short hair. Parents are both wearing beach ready sun hats.

    Within a short drive of Knaresborough, there are a number of fabulous attractions and activities including:

    Whatever way you fancy exploring and finding activities in Knaresborough, you are guaranteed a warm Yorkshire welcome.