Barmy, but beautiful, Knaresborough is known to be one of the most photogenic towns of Yorkshire as many will know if they’ve had the pleasure of traversing by rail over its elegant viaduct. Its Victorian arches tower high above the River Nidd in which they are reflected whilst tourists pootle the water in pretty rowboats below. The scene has become synonymous with the town, and you’d be hard pressed to find one quite as picturesque.
Yet Knaresborough isn’t just a pretty face, in fact it’s had quite a colourful past. This historic market town has been trading all the way back since 1100, something that still takes place every Wednesday of the week. There’s the castle which claws into the clifftop that once served as the northern seat of King John and even housed the assassins of Thomas Becket. Although sometimes overshadowed by its well-heeled neighbouring town of Harrogate, visitors actually chose Knaresborough as their mini break destination from as early as the sixteenth century. And let’s not forget the famous soothsayer and prophetess, Mother Shipton, who was allegedly born in the caves that now serve as one of England’s oldest tourist attractions. Amongst her predictions were the Great Fire of London and the Black Death. Legend has it that she also predicted that the end of the world would come if the neighbouring bridge (High Bridge) was to collapse three times. So far, it’s fallen twice, but the locals distract themselves from this by racing each other in the annual Bed Race during the summer months, followed by releasing 5000 yellow rubber duckies into the water on New Year’s Day during the Duck Race. Well, we did tell you it’s a bit barmy!
The iconic view of Knaresborough Explore
If you’re not learning more about the town’s rich history at The Courthouse Museum or exploring the petrifying caves at Mother Shipton’s, then you’ll want to take a wander around the cobbled streets at the top of town. From the traditional market square, discover a long high street filled with countless side streets and courtyards trailing off to hide a collection of specialist shops and passionate artisans.
You won’t find many of the big names around here, think more along the lines of a butcher, baker and candlestick maker – Knaresborough is all about championing independents. In fact, you’re spoilt for choice with a number of butchers including Appleton’s and their award-winning pork pies, as well as Huttons, and JB Wilkinson & Sons all offering quality, Yorkshire produce. Pick up freshly baked artisan bread from The Secret Bakery and then head over to The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Company for a beautiful homemade candle and fresh honey. The sweet treats keep coming with a couple of traditional sweet shops where glass jars line the shelves of The Old Chemist and Yorkshire Mixture.
Before taking the winding stone steps down to the riverfront, be sure to pop into Six Blind Folk where one of the town’s oldest buildings dating back to 1480 is now home to a laid-back bistro. Lovers of craft beer can get their fix close by at Blind Jacks. Down by the water is where you’ll find a great selection of cafes including Marigolds where you can sit and watch the world go by as you indulge with a hot chocolate and huge slab of cake. Beer lovers can hop to Turning Point’s brewery taproom for a sip of their Disco King.
For those who like to stretch their legs, continue along the riverside and up to Conyngham Hall to wander around the grassy plains.
Located on the high street, Knaresborough Pop Up Shop opened its doors in September 2023 as a filler in between tenants, but has proved so popular, it’s become a permanent addition to the town. Its owner, Natalie Horner, had always wanted to open a pop up shop after learning how good they are for small towns. The businesses filling the pop up shop range from those who frequent local artisan markets and shows to those with shops in other towns, people just starting up businesses, and those who solely sell online or as a hobby. ‘The huge variety and the fact the businesses only ‘pop up’ for one week means more and more people are visiting the pop up and showing support for all the local makers,’ explains Natalie. ‘Which in turn helps Knaresborough high street and footfall in the town.’ Natalie is a huge advocate for Knaresborough and its business community, and loves seeing new independents popping up.
For those looking for a laidback lifestyle with a great community feel that’s still well connected, then Knaresborough is the place for you. With a railway that quickly transports you to Leeds, York and Harrogate, as well as the A1(M) a stone’s throw away, it’s a commuter’s dream. Not only does the town’s enviable location make it a wonderful place to relocate, but it’s also home to King James’ secondary school which has a great reputation within the area. It’s also perfect for those looking for a sense of community as that’s really what the town is all about. There’s a variety of sporting events where the locals come together to cheer each other on, while arts and crafts centre Henshaws helps people living with a range of disabilities to discover their talents.
There’s a recently opened Brimhams Leisure and Wellness Centre if you don’t fancy a swim in the Nidd, and you can also work up a sweat at Pure Gym. Just outside of town find St James’ Retail Park which offers the likes of Marks & Spencer, Home Sense and Next.
The place to be in Knaresborough is without a doubt beside the river for its sublime views and impressive properties. These continue onto Waterside and Abbey Road – both seriously enviable locations. There’s plenty of handsome Victorian houses to be snapped up, whilst the historic town centre boasts some beautiful period properties, with pretty suburbs beyond.
The average price for a detached house in the last year is £492,993, semi-detached come in at around £310,000, terraces £288,438 and flats £139,017.
