28 MINUTES FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Knaresborough
Few towns pack as much into one riverside view as Knaresborough. Ruined castle walls look down over the gorge, a Victorian railway viaduct strides across the water below, and cobbled streets climb the hill behind. Add Mother Shipton's Cave, said to be England's oldest tourist attraction, and you have a full and varied day out less than half an hour from Pateley Bridge.
Visit information
- Location
- Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5
- From Pateley Bridge
- 28 minutes via Pateley Bridge Road and the B6165
- Open
- Town is open year-round, attractions keep their own seasonal hours
- Entry
- Free to wander the town, paid entry for the castle, cave and rowing boats
- Dogs
- Welcome in the town and on riverside walks
- Facilities
- Plenty of shops, cafes, pubs and a large public car park
A town shaped by its gorge
Knaresborough grew up around its castle, built to guard a crossing of the River Nidd at the point where the river drops into a steep gorge. The castle was a favourite of King John and later played a role in the Civil War, before being largely demolished on Cromwell's orders, leaving the atmospheric ruins you see today.
The famous railway viaduct, completed in 1851, replaced an earlier structure that collapsed during construction, and now carries the line between Harrogate and York directly across the gorge. The view from the riverside, with the viaduct framing the castle above, is one of the most painted and photographed scenes in the county.
Mother Shipton's Cave has been open to paying visitors since 1630, making it, by most accounts, the oldest tourist attraction in England, predating even Stonehenge's formal visitor arrangements.
Making the most of your visit
Allow at least half a day to do the town justice: time to explore the castle grounds, a stroll or boat trip along the river, and a wander up through the old town to the market square. A full day lets you add Mother Shipton's Cave as well.
The riverside is the best spot for photographs of the viaduct and castle together, and rowing boats can be hired right there in summer. Park in one of the town's car parks and walk down, since the streets near the river are narrow and busy.
It works well combined with Harlow Carr or Fountains Abbey on the same day, since both sit between Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge.
What to see
Knaresborough Castle
The ruins of a 14th-century royal castle sit high above the gorge, with sweeping views over the river and town below. The grounds are free to explore, with a small museum and the original courthouse, one of the oldest in the country, open seasonally.
The River Gorge and Viaduct
The River Nidd cuts a dramatic gorge right through the town, spanned by a striking railway viaduct that has become one of the most photographed views in Yorkshire. Hire a rowing boat from the riverside and see it from the water.
Mother Shipton's Cave
Said to be England's oldest tourist attraction, open to visitors since 1630. The cave is linked to the legendary prophetess Mother Shipton, and sits beside the Petrifying Well, where objects hung beneath the dripping water slowly turn to stone.
Read more →The Old Town
Steep, cobbled streets climb up from the river past independent shops, tearooms and pubs, with the market square at the top hosting a market every Wednesday. A proper Yorkshire market town with plenty of character.
Less than half an hour away
Knaresborough is around 28 minutes from Pateley Bridge by car. Check individual attraction websites for opening times before you travel.
