Knaresborough Travel Guide – Visit Knaresborough – Budget Travel In England

Visit Knaresborough, Yorkshire to experience a quaint riverside town that offers caves, castles, a stunning viaduct and a magical spring that turns objects into stone.

My first visit to Knaresborough was the result of looking for a quirky market town close to my home city of Sheffield. From Sheffield, it is easy to get to Derbyshire market towns like Bakewell, Castleton and Matlock Bath. But my familiarity with these towns forced me to look further away. I asked friends if they knew of any places worth visiting that were close enough to enjoy a day trip. “Have you ever been to Knaresborough?” asked one friend. I had not. I discovered that I could get a train to Leeds and then another train to Knaresborough and be there within 90 minutes.

Since then, I have visited Knaresborough a further two times: once with my girlfriend and once again with my girlfriend and parents. They all agree  Knaresborough is a beautiful market town. Nearby Harrogate is also worth a visit but Knaresborough edges it for me. You can do both in one day but I recommend spending a day in each to fully appreciate them.

Where To Stay In Knaresborough

These are some of the best budget hostels around Knaresborough, according to user reviews. These are affiliate links to the Agoda web site. I receive a small amount for any bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.

• Blue Bell at Arkendale
• Goldsborough Hall
• The Groves Inn
• Newton House
• Teardrop Cottage
• Kirkgate House
• The Mitre Inn

Food And Drink In Knaresborough

Knaresborough offers fish and chips, quaint tearooms and award-winning ice-cream. There are also a number of restaurants in the town. Nearby Harrogate also has more international cuisine and is a short bus ride away.

Aragon Fisheries

Located a short distance from the main centre, ‘Aragon Fisheries’ (map) is worth the walk. Whilst the owner has a reputation for being a bit grumpy, his wife is delightful and loves winding him up. The fish and chips are made to order.

Brymor Real Dairy Ice Cream

Delicious, award-winning ice cream with 20 flavours to choose from. In the summer, expect to queue. The sign in the window claims they “serve the best ice-cream you will ever taste”. That’s quite a statement. It might not be the best ever, but it is certainly great!

Drake’s Fish & Chips

Drakes is a fish and chip restaurant and take-away in the heart of Knaresborough. The food is decent but the staff could be a little friendlier. There always seems to be an issue whenever I’ve been in here. Whether it’s people being short-changed or a very angry guy who had been splattered with hot fat.

Lavender Tea Rooms

Lavender Tea Rooms is located in a historic chemist in the main square of Knaresborough. Upon entry, you will find a shop selling traditional sweets. Climb the old, steep stairs and you will find the cafe. Known for their cakes and cream teas, we had a great breakfast here overlooking the main square. My girlfriend had a cheese scone, chilli jam and cream cheese and I had a most wonderful bacon, sausage and egg sandwich with great coffee! Map.

Old Ticket Office

Old Ticket Office is a quaint cafe located in the old ticket office in the railway station. They serve good coffee and cakes at reasonable prices. It is the perfect place to relax before taking the train home. Map.

Riverside Cafe

I visited the ‘Riverside Cafe’ (map) with my parents and girlfriend as the rain came pouring down on us during a stroll along the Knaresborough Waterside. The staff were very friendly and attentive and the food and drinks were very good. The breakfast was a great start to the day.

Things To Do In Knaresborough

As Knaresborough is a small town, you can see all of its attractions in one day without rushing. If you arrive by train, walk down to the river and turn left, heading towards Knaresborough Viaduct.

Take a leisurely walk along the waterside and enjoy the many cafes and shops. You might want to stop and take a boat ride.

During the summer, this area is bursting with colour.

Climb up to the castle and explore this ancient area before heading into the town centre. Spend some time visiting the many independent shops and then walk down the main High Street. Once you reach the A59, turn left. The A59 will take you back down to the river where you can head towards your starting point after a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Art In The Mill

‘Art in the Mill’ (map) is an independent contemporary art gallery selling works by local artists. Paintings, ceramics, sculptures, textiles and more are on offer and they even offer a framing service.

Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Crag

If you are taking a riverside walk, once you reach Abbey Road you will come across ‘Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag’ (map). The chapel was carved into the cliff face in 1408. It is almost always closed. The opening times, according to the web site, are Sundays from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. (from the beginning of April to the end of September).

Harrogate

A short bus ride from Knaresborough will take you to the spa resort town of Harrogate. On two of my visits to Knaresborough, I spent some time in Harrogate too. Here are some of the places I visited:

Blues Cafe Bar & Yorkshire Tapas

Yes, you read that correctly: Yorkshire Tapas! Live music every night and food on the first floor. It’s a great bar but the music is a little too loud for such a small venue. It gets very busy and uncomfortable at times but if you like loud, live blues rock, this is the place for you! Map.

Konak Meze Turkish Restaurant

Popular Turkish restaurant with a great atmosphere. Advance booking is required. Great food and the staff are attentive and friendly. Map.

Major Tom’s Social

A great atmosphere in this family-friendly craft beer bar that also sell wood-fired pizza. When we visited, they had a gallery of 70s Polish film posters. Recommended. Map.

Space Vintage, Retro And Design

Fantastic retro shop over two floors selling furniture, clothes and curios. Be warned; you might end up buying shirts that you might later regret.  Map.

Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre

‘Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre’ (map) is more than just an art centre. Their workshops encourages people with disabilities to show off their creative talents. It’s a great place to visit too. Not only can you enjoy the art on display, but there is an urban beach and a sculpture trail in the adjacent woods.

Knaresborough Castle

Ruined fortress from the 1300s with a museum, underground tunnels, landscaped gardens and wonderful views of the viaduct. Look out for the talking crow which asks how you are in a Yorkshire accent!

Knaresborough Castle Opening Times: 11 am – 4 pm, Mon – Sun (summer months only – check here before your visit).
Knaresborough Castle Entrance Fee: £3.50.

Knaresborough Market

Every Wednesday since 1310, the main square hosts an open-air market where traders sell locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce. You can buy meat, fish, fruit and veg and many other home-made delights such as chutneys and jams. The whole town comes alive on market day so Wednesday is a good day to visit.

Look out for the statues of local historical characters ‘Mother Shipton’ and ‘Old Blind Jack’.

Knaresborough Windows

Keep your eyes peeled and always look above the shop fronts for the art that adorns many of the town’s windows. The art illustrates characters and events from the town’s history and can be seen all year round. Also look out for fake doors!

Mother Shipton’s Cave

‘Mother Shipton’s Cave’ (map) is a cave within historic woodland that runs alongside the River Nidd. It is the oldest visitor attraction in England. It tells the story of Mother Shipton and the petrifying well which turns all objects that touch it into stone! i found the attraction to be expensive and, having read that it needs a bit of an upgrade, decided against it.

Mother Shipton’s Cave Opening Times: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Mon – Fri. 9.30 am – 5.30 pm, Sat & Sun.
Mother Shipton’s Cave Entrance Fee: £10 (group discounts available – click here for more info).

Is Knaresborough Worth Visiting?

Knaresborough is a beautiful, small market town. On my first visit, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered it before. Each subsequent visit has been with others who had never visited and they all loved it too. If you are anywhere nearby, make an effort to visit. You will not be disappointed.