Sandwiched between the historic city of York to the east and the spa town of Harrogate to the west, Knaresborough is one of North Yorkshire’s most popular destinations for daytrippers. The town has plenty to offer and is steeped in history – from ancient caves and chapels to the ruins of Knaresborough Castle, where a classic view of the Knaresborough Viaduct awaits.
Knaresborough also caters for foodies, with plenty of charming cafes, butchers and bakeries to discover. And, of course, there’s the River Nidd, where walking and boating opportunities abound.
From our home in Leeds, this historic market town makes for a perfect day trip at any time of year – from wet and windy January days to hot summer weekends. Here are 10 of our favourite things to do in Knaresborough, including locally-owned shops and the ever-popular Mother Shipton’s Cave.
Why we love Knaresborough
1) Knaresborough makes for a perfect day trip from Leeds or York. The picturesque town sits on the train line between Leeds and York, just a few miles northwest of Harrogate. With regular rail connections and a station within easy walking distance of the main sights, it’s easy to explore Knaresborough on a day out.
2) The town’s quaint alleys and charming paths are unlike any we’ve come across in inland Yorkshire. It almost feels like you’ve been transported to the fishing villages of Robin Hood’s Bay or Staithes, with houses perched precariously on the steep clifftops of the Nidd Gorge overlooking the rippling waters below.
3) Knaresborough Viaduct is one of the most iconic sights in Yorkshire. Stretching over the River Nidd, the viaduct carries trains on the Harrogate line between Leeds and York and is a must-see when visiting the area.
4) Locally-owned businesses abound in Knaresborough, from cute cafes and candle makers to breweries and bakeries. A day trip to Knaresborough is the perfect opportunity to support small, independent traders whilst snapping up the perfect souvenir or snack.
10 brilliant things to do in Knaresborough on a day trip
From exploring the historic castle to sampling the beers from a local brewery, here are 10 of the best things to do when visiting Knaresborough.
1) Take in the views of Knaresborough from the castle
Best for: Taking the famous photo of Knaresborough viaduct.
Head to the northwestern ramparts of Knaresborough Castle where you will find the iconic Knaresborough viewpoint, which offers unbroken views across to the historic railway viaduct that stretches over the River Nidd.
If you arrive at the castle during the day, you will likely see a small crowd gathered with their phones and cameras out, looking to capture the iconic scene. There’s plenty of space, so don’t worry too much about needing to wait for a spot. Weekends are, understandably, the busiest times.
After admiring the views of the viaduct, make sure to spend some time exploring the castle grounds. Dating back to the 1100s, the castle is a fascinating place, packed with history and stories from medieval times.
On a sunny day, the myriad of benches and low walls around the castle grounds make for a perfect place to sit and enjoy the weather.
How to do it: Entry to the grounds of Knaresborough Castle is free. This includes access to the viewpoint. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round. On Sunday afternoons in the summer, bands play free concerts in the castle grounds from 2pm until 4pm.
2) Visit the Courthouse Museum at Knaresborough Castle
Best for: Discovering the history of Knaresborough Castle.
To learn more about the history of Knaresborough Castle, head to the Courthouse Museum. Housed in a 16th-century building, which operated as a local courthouse, the museum tells the story of Knaresborough Castle and the wider town.
Highlights include the original Tudor courtroom, a simple space bedecked in wooden panelling, with a few typical accessories such as parchment and quills laid out. Other items highlight Knaresborough’s history and people, including the infamous Mother Shipton, whose cave on the opposite side of the Nidd is one of the town’s most popular tourist attractions.
How to do it: An adult ticket for the Courthouse Museum costs £3.80, with children’s tickets costing £2.20. You can buy a family pass for £11.10. Tickets also include entry to the Keep of Knaresborough Castle, although it’s worth noting that this is closed from October until Spring, and often shuts in bad weather.
3) Explore Mother Shipton’s Cave
Best for: Exploring one of Knaresborough’s most enchanting tourist attractions.
Mother Shipton was born in a humble cave next to the River Nidd in Knaresborough in 1488. She made a name for herself as a soothsayer and prophetess, with her most famous predictions ranging from the Great Fire of London to the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Mother Shipton’s legacy as a fortune-teller has echoed through the centuries, with her birthplace becoming one of the most popular tourist sights in the area.
I grew up a short drive from Knaresborough, and everyone knew about Mother Shipton’s Cave. It was an institution – always a popular option for a family day out.
Don’t forget to visit the other sites, such as the Petrifying Well
Visitors can explore the cave itself, whilst the rest of the site is packed full of whimsical features. These include the Petrifying Well, which is purported to be the oldest ticketed tourist attraction in England. Visitors have paid entry fees here since 1630. The well can turn everyday items into stone in a matter of months. Petrified teddy bears – available from the shop – are a popular souvenir. The site also boasts a wishing well, adventure playground and a small museum packed full of petrified items donated by public figures over the decades.
How to do it: Ticket prices for Mother Shipton’s cave vary depending on whether you park on-site, visit with a group or walk in as a pedestrian. They also vary according to the time of year. The cheapest tickets are £6 for an off-peak pedestrian ticket, whilst a peak-time pedestrian ticket costs £13. To view the latest prices, visit the Mother Shipton’s Cave website. If you are visiting as a couple and are driving, we recommend parking in the nearby Conyngham Hall car park, which is just across the road from the entrance to Mother Shipton’s Cave – this will save you plenty of money compared to buying a ticket for on-site parking.
4) Support a local business at the Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company
Best for: A friendly welcome and brilliant beeswax products.
We loved visiting this place, calling in on a whim on a rainy January day as we wandered around central Knaresborough. We were greeted warmly by the owner, who is extremely passionate about his craft.
He makes all the candles in a small workshop next to the main store, and the beehives themselves are dotted around Yorkshire, from Scarborough to Skipton. It’s everything a locally-run business should be, and the products themselves – from candles to wax melts are gorgeous. It’s the perfect place to bag a souvenir from your trip to Knaresborough.
How to do it: The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company stands in a small courtyard a stone’s throw from the main square. Look out for Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms, and then turn left.
5) Enjoy coffee and a bowl of soup at No Place Like Home
Best for: A cosy retreat on a cold Yorkshire day.
When it started raining heavily, we ducked into a small cafe No Place At Home. This small, friendly cafe was the perfect antidote to the wet weather.
Most of the tables were occupied when we entered, but we managed to squeeze ourselves onto the stools at the bar facing out of the window. This proved to be a great place to watch the world go by and wait for the rain to stop.
Their soup and toasted sandwich deal is excellent value, at £8.95 at the time of writing. When we visited, the soup of the day was cream of mushroom, and it was absolutely perfect. Smooth, packed full of flavour and complete with generous chunks of mushroom. I enjoyed a brie and bacon toastie alongside the soup, whilst Lucy opted for a bacon sandwich.
The coffee and tea were excellent, and a good size to sit and sip whilst we enjoyed our food. Knaresborough has plenty of cafes that are right on the main pedestrian streets – these can get very busy at peak times. It’s definitely worth walking a few minutes from the busy centre to visit No Place Like Home.
How to do it: No Place Like Home is open from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 3pm. It sits on the A59, a short walk from Knaresborough train station and the main square.
6) Sample the pork pies from Appleton’s Butchers
Best for: A delicious snack on the go.
Just a stone’s throw from the main square, Appleton’s is one of Knaresborough’s most popular butchers. This small Yorkshire business dates back to 1867 and boasts four branches around Yorkshire in Ripon, Wetherby, Boroughbridge and – of course – Knaresborough.
The Ripon branch is the home of the Appleton’s brand, with locals known to queue around the block to get their hands on the pork products, which are the firm’s speciality. The Knaresborough branch opened in 2020, bringing sausages, steaks and pies to the town.
Appleton’s pork pies are a particular favourite, showcased in their bright shop window to tempt hungry passersby. At £6.50 for a large, 1lb pie, you can’t go too wrong – this tasty treat will set you up for a busy day exploring Knaresborough.
How to do it: Appleton’s Butchers in Knaresborough is open from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm. The shop is in the heart of the town, and you can also order online or over the phone.
7) Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Best for: Another historic, cave-based attraction in Knaresborough.
One of Knaresborough’s more whimsical attractions, the Chapel of our Lady of the Crag offers precisely what it suggests on the tin – a chapel built into the crag. The chapel’s history stretches back to 1408, when it was excavated by a man known as John the Mason to become a wayside shrine for pilgrims making the journey between the town and the nearby Priory.
Today, it makes for a fascinating stop on a riverside stroll. A short path zig-zags up from the wooden gate. Trees tower above the route, with lush landscaped flowerbeds below. A painted cross, black with a white background, sits on the cliff face next to the chapel. See if you can make out the carving of a knight, which stands next to the entrance.
How to do it: The Chapel of our Lady of the Crag is only open to visitors on Sundays during the summer, from 2pm to 4pm. However, you can still catch a glimpse from the entrance next to the river. It’s a pleasant walk in any case, with towering cliffs to your left. You’ll also have the chance to admire some of Knaresborough’s fanciest houses across the river to your right.
8) Walk to Turning Point Brew Co. for a pint
Best for: A post-walk drink at a local brewery.
If you’ve still got energy left after walking to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag or heading out onto the water, you may want to continue down the riverside walk towards Turning Point Brew Co.
This popular microbrewery, which has been based in Knaresborough since 2019, has a small taproom where you can sample the goods – from IPAs to stouts. No matter your drink of choice, visiting the taproom offers a perfect opportunity to sip your drink just a few steps away from where it was brewed.
How to do it: The Turning Point Brew Co. brewery taproom opens on a Friday and Saturday once a month between April and September. This is typically the last weekend of the month. Make sure to check the opening dates before you walk there!
9) Go boating on the River Nidd
Best for: A taste of adventure on a hot summer’s day in Knaresborough.
Perfect for a summer afternoon, boating on the river is one of the most popular things to do in Knaresborough. On a sunny Saturday, dozens of small wooden rowing boats splash and glide along the river beneath the Knaresborough Viaduct.
Whilst self-powered trips are popular among those looking to try rowing for themselves, some companies – such as Blenkhorn’s Boats – offer rowing or punting services, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the trip without having to steer the boat yourself.
Note: If you visit out of season, you may find that the rental companies are closed – check before you travel. Most of the boating companies open in March.
How to do it: There are a couple of popular boat hire companies in Knaresborough, including Blenkhorn’s and Marigold. During busy periods, you may wish to book ahead.
10) Call in at St Robert’s Cave
Best for: Visiting a fascinating medieval hermitage.
Follow the river away from the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag, and eventually, you’ll reach St Robert’s Cave. This tiny hermitage, carved into the riverside cliff, was home to St Robert of Knaresborough (1160-1218), who was a monk at nearby Fountains Abbey before opting for a hermit’s life in Knaresborough.
St Robert attracted a small group of followers, gaining a reputation for healing and miracles. The cave became his home, whilst a chapel just outside is where he administered services. When St Robert died, his remains were buried in the chapel before being moved to a nearby priory. Today, not much remains of the chapel except for a few foundations.
How to do it: St Robert’s Cave is a short walk down the river from the centre of Knaresborough. There is a small information board explaining the history of the site. You probably won’t need much time here – it is very basic. It is free to visit.
One day in Knaresborough: How to do it
Whilst Knaresborough is a lovely place to stay, we think you can explore the town’s best bits in one day. For those travelling from outside Knaresborough, here’s how to do a day trip.
Getting to Knaresborough by car
Depending on where you are travelling from, driving may be the best way to get to Knaresborough. If you do need to drive to Knaresborough, keep in mind that the roads can get busy. We recommend arriving early, particularly on weekends during the summer.
Car parking: The best place to park in Knaresborough is Conyngham Hall Car Park. This car park is right next to the river, a stone’s throw from the entrance to Mother Shipton’s Cave. Knaresborough Viaduct is just a couple of minutes walk away.
Parking at Conyngham Hall is very cheap, with a ticket costing £1.20 for four hours, or £1.80 for 24 hours at the time of writing.
Top tip: The Conyngham Hall car park has electric charging bays near the entrance. However, non-electric vehicles can also park here – most people miss the signs and drive further down. If enough charging bays are free, you can save yourself a walk by parking in one.
Getting to Knaresborough by train
If you are travelling to Knaresborough from Leeds or York, the train is the best way to get there. It’s a direct service with Northern, and you won’t need to worry about battling traffic or trying to find a parking space.
Knaresborough is a 45-minute train journey from Leeds and a 25-minute trip from York, with up to three services per hour. When you arrive at Knaresborough, the train station is just a few minutes’ walk from centre of town or to the riverside.
Top tip: If you are travelling as a couple (like us!), we recommend buying a Duo ticket for the train. This can save you 25% on the standard fare, which can be quite a lot of money, particularly if you don’t have railcards.
Read next: Explore Rothwell Country Park on the outskirts of Leeds.
A day in Knaresborough: Our final thoughts
Knaresborough makes for a fantastic Yorkshire day trip. This picturesque market town offers authenticity in abundance through its myriad of locally-owned businesses, whilst the castle and caves showcase the area’s fascinating history. Knaresborough is quite unlike any of its neighbours and is one of our favourite alternatives to the busy cities of Leeds and York – a must-do when exploring this corner of England.