UPDATED MARCH 2026! There is so much to do in Yorkshire, it’s almost impossible to know where to begin! Besides the big cities like Leeds and Sheffield, and smaller cities like York and Harrogate, there are so many small towns perfect for exploring. Knaresborough, in the Vale of York, is a picture perfect, quaint little town and easily accessed from York by train in less than 30 minutes. It’s one of the best day trips from York! Here’s how to spend one day in Knaresborough.

What to Do in Knaresborough

Market Place

Your first stop in Knaresborough should be the Market Place, surrounded by shops, pubs, and cafes. Don’t miss the statue of Blind Jack, one of Knaresborough’s most famous residents! He was born in the town in 1717, blinded from small pox when he was 6, and became a notable road builder in the area. He lived to be 92.

There is also a statue of Mother Shipton, a wise woman who was born in a cave nearby in 1488.

Green Dragon Yard

One of the prettiest corners of Knaresborough is Green Dragon Yard, tucked away off Castlegate. It’s got a number of local independent businesses, such as a tearoom and candle shop. One of the buildings here was a former flax mill. Don’t miss it as you’re wandering around the center of Knaresborough.

Knaresborough Castle

Knaresborough Castle stands in ruins at the top of a cliff, and it’s one of the absolute best views in town. You can walk around the castle grounds year-round. The castle was built in the 14th century – it ended up on the losing (Royalist) side of the Civil War in 1644. The victorious Parliamentarians ordered that the Royalist castles should be “slighted” (ruined to a degree that they were defensively useless), and the castle was partly demolished in 1648. You can see the inside of the castle keep on a joint ticket with the Courthouse Museum.

Courthouse Museum

The Courthouse Museum, just across the green from Knaresborough Castle, boasts an original Tudor courtroom. There are also exhibits on local history. Check opening times in advance, as the attractions are open for fewer days in winter.

Knaresborough Railway Viaduct

The railway viaduct is one most iconic symbols of the town. It was built in 1851, and has four arches that are a maximum of 80 feet in height. It’s the classic photo from Knaresborough – you can’t miss this on a visit here!

River Nidd

Knaresborough’s biggest natural attraction is the River Nidd, which flows through the town. The town is mainly based between the High Bridge and the Low Bridge, and I absolutely loved walking along the river. In the summer months, you can rent boats from the Marigold Cafe – this is one of the most popular things to do in Knaresborough. Be sure to get an ice cream here, too!

Mother Shipton’s Cave

Mother Shipton’s Cave is one of the top attractions in Knaresborough. The cave is supposedly where Mother Shipton, a prophetess and soothsayer who could predict the future, was born in 1488. The complex includes walking paths along the river, as well as the famous Petrifying Well. This gets its name due to its high mineral content, allowing it to petrify items immediately. The place claims to be England’s oldest tourist attraction, having opened in 1630! It’s a really fun place to visit – they have their own parking area, which is included in admission costs.

Old Manor House

You can spot the Old Manor House from anywhere along the river – it’s one of the most famous black-and-white-checkerboard style buildings in town. Built as a hunting lodge for King John, the Old Manor House is supposedly where Oliver Cromwell received the surrender from the Royalist forces after their defeat at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644, during the English Civil War.

There are plenty of other checkerboard buildings across town to see as well!

St. John the Baptist Church

This is a beautiful church, which sits on the top of the hillside, overlooking the town, the river, and the railway viaduct. The grounds here are lovely.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag

On the opposite end of town, right along the river past the Low Bridge, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag. This chapel is tiny (just 13 feet by 8 feet!) and is carved right into the rock face. It was supposedly built in 1408 by a mason, to give thanks for his son being saved from falling rocks. The chapel itself has very limited opening hours – usually just Sunday afternoons between 2-4pm. But it’s definitely worth visiting just to see the dramatic cliff where it’s located.

Planning Your Trip to Knaresborough

Knaresborough is easily accessed by train from York and Leeds, making it an easy daytrip. The closest airport to Knaresborough is Leeds-Bradford Airport, although Manchester Airport will have far more flight options. I use Skyscanner to get the best deal on flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Check out tours in the area below!

Where to Stay in Knaresborough

If you’re planning on staying in Knaresborough overnight, there is a smattering of holiday flats, guesthouses, and hotels. I spent a week housesitting here, which was wonderful! Here are a few places for accommodation in Knaresborough:

• The Knaresborough Inn – a lovely 18th-century coaching inn with friendly staff, tasty food, and beautiful gardens
• Teardrop Cottage – comfortable rooms in a cozy guesthouse, with a shared rooftop terrace and free private parking
• Orchard Club – a Georgian townhouse hotel with spacious rooms, an award-winning breakfast, and plenty of character
• Hideaway Knaresborough – a smart one-bed apartment, with an unbeatable view from the balcony overlooking the river and viaduct

Knaresborough is a charming little town, and there’s enough to do that certainly merits a day trip. It’s a fantastic place for a wander and a boat ride, particularly if they weather is nice! It’s definitely one small town to explore if you’re spending time in Yorkshire.

Have you ever been to Knaresborough? What did you enjoy most?

You might also like my posts:

99 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire

A Daytrip to Ripon

Beverley: One Place You Can’t Miss in East Yorkshire

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Whitby

Thornton-le-Dale: Why You Need to Visit This Charming Yorkshire Village

All of my Yorkshire posts!

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