Pictures of Knaresborough

About Knaresborough

This attractive market town lies in the high reaches of Yorkshire above Harrogate. It is overlooked by the peaceful waters of the River Nidd which is spanned by a magnificent Victorian railway viaduct and the fascinating remnants of Knaresborough Castle, built in the 12th-century. The castle was made "Royal" by King John who used it as a residence while he spent time hunting in the Forest of Knaresborough.

Knaresborough Castle was besieged by Parliamentarians during the Civil War, eventually the Royalist's surrendered, the castle was heavily damaged and what remains shows us that this must have been a remarkable place. Today we can see an Elizabethan Tower and a partially demolished courthouse which now houses a museum. Fine parkland surrounds these stirring historic remains, from which there are spectacular views over the valley below.

The town itself has a number of steep zig-zagging lanes and cobbled alleys usually ending up at the riverside. Backing on to this impressive area amidst a cloud of trees is St.John's Church. The church occupies a site on which it is believed a place of worship has stood for over thousand years. However, the church we see today appears to date mostly from the 14th-century when it was rebuilt according to the wishes of Queen Philippa, bride of Edward III. The church has a tower and a small spire, inside there is a Perpendicular font with a later cover, a 17th-century screen, and many historic monuments.

This is the town which gave us the legendry Mother Shipton, a prophetress of the 15th-16th-century. She is believed to have been born near the famous Dropping Well, a spring with a high mineral content which stands beside Mother Shipton's Cave, close to the banks of the Nidd. Mother Shipton supposedly forecast the English Civil War, the Great Fire of London and the development of the Aircraft. She also foretold the world would end in 1881.

The town is graced with a beautiful market square where visitors can see amongst other memorable buildings what is claimed to be the oldest Chemist Shop in England. Knaresborough is full of Yorkshire character, it lies in a beautiful rural heartland where visitors can lose themselves in a world of timeless charm and tranquillity. It offers peaceful riverside strolls, opportunities for hill walking, fishing and boating on the River Nidd. A local museum tells of the regions rich history and of the town's industrial heritage.

There are pleasant local shops, good quality inns and restaurants, and a wide selection of hotels for those wishing to stay and explore the many towns and villages adjacent to this lovely old town.

Knaresborough is within easy reach of the Gouthwaite and Leighton Reservoirs, the magnificent Yorkshire Dales, and the waters of the rivers Ure and Swale.