Knaresborough Tourist Information
Historic Knaresborough, a small market town, is a well kept secret on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, offering numerous monuments, activities, museums and old churches. Take boat trips along the River Nidd and view Knaresborough's historic Castle. Mother Shipton's Cave is a particularly popular family attractions within the town (see Mother Shipton's webguide right for details).
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Knaresborough turns 'pink' in summer when it hosts FEVA, a festival of entertainment and visual arts.
Knaresborough Castle & Tourist Information
Knaresborough Castle ruins are well worth the climb up to a hill for not only spectacular views across the River Nidd, but also fascinating ruins of a royal castle which was rebuilt in the 14th century. In 1170 the assassins of Thomas Becket apparently fled to this castle. You can view the Keep open in the summer season, plus the underground Sallyport and the Old Courthouse.
Explore the museum within Knaresborough's Old Courthouse, which takes you on a journey of Knaresborough's history, particularly around the English Civil War. A Tudor Courtroom scene is recreated on-site.
For more information on Knaresborough Castle and the Old Courthouse Museum browse the Knaresborough Town Guide weblink right. Note too the Chapel of our lady of the Crag situated in the town near Low Bridge. This chapel is one of the smallest in the country and dates from 1408.
Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 2AS.
Mother Shipton's Cave & Knaresborough Attractions
Mother Shipton's Cave and adjacent natural phenomena - the Petrifying Well is Knaresborough's most popular family attraction. History and legend is blended well here to offer a modern family attraction great for kids. Mother Shipton lived around 500 years ago and was known across Britain as a prophetess. Indeed her prophetic visions were feared. This site became somewhat of a pilgrimage for many coming to bath in the waters of the Petrifying Well, which it was believed had powers to heal.
Mother Shipton's Cave & the Petrifying Well, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD. Tel. 01423 864600.
Another site of pilgrimage in Knaresborough dating even further back to the 13th century is St Robert's Cave an Friary. Read more on the history of St Robert and visiting this cave site via Knaresborough's stunning riverside walk on Knaresborough's town webguide. Boat trips are also available on the River.
Knaresborough has been holding its weekly markets on Wednesdays at Market Place since it received its town charter in 1310.
