Things to Do in Knaresborough: Castle, Viaduct, Boats and More
Knaresborough is Harrogate’s smaller, older neighbour. It’s a market town on a gorge above the River Nidd, with a castle on the cliff and a railway viaduct over the water. Of all the things to do in Knaresborough, the view of that viaduct is the one that stays with you. Here’s what I’d do with a day here, including the bits I’ve done myself.
If you’re staying in Harrogate, Knaresborough is an easy half-day or day out. It’s one of the day trips from Harrogate I’d suggest first.
Last checked: October 2026. Opening times change with the seasons, so check each attraction’s website before you go.
1. See the Viaduct from the Castle
Honestly, the view of the viaduct from the castle is amazing. The railway viaduct crosses the River Nidd just north of the castle ruins, opened in 1851 and still carries trains on the Harrogate line.
2. Explore Knaresborough Castle
We’ve been to the castle, and it’s the obvious place to start. Knaresborough Castle has stood on the high ground above the Nidd for more than 900 years. Today you’ll find medieval ruins, a Tudor courtroom museum and a secret tunnel. The grounds are open all year round. The castle itself opens Tuesday to Sunday in summer (April to October) and Wednesday to Saturday in winter. Tours of the tunnel (the sallyport) are charged separately.
Check prices and times on the official Knaresborough Castle page. For more castles nearby, see my guide to castles in Yorkshire.
3. Hire a Rowing Boat on the River Nidd
We’ve done this ourselves, and it’s a lovely way to see the town from the water. You can hire a rowing boat on the River Nidd. It’s seasonal and weather-dependent, so don’t count on it in winter.
4. Visit Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well
Mother Shipton’s Cave calls itself England’s oldest tourist attraction, open to visitors since 1630. Its main sight is the Petrifying Well, where mineral-rich water slowly turns objects to stone. Legend says the cave is the birthplace of the prophetess Mother Shipton. The site also has woodland and riverside walks, and dogs on leads are welcome in most areas.
It’s seasonal, so check the official Mother Shipton’s Cave website for opening dates and prices before you go.
5. Go to the Market
Knaresborough has held a market since the 1200s, and it still runs every Wednesday in the Market Place, all year apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Keep an eye out for artisan markets too. Callie and I have traded at a few Little Bird Made markets in Knaresborough with her handmade jewellery business, Pressed and Precious. They’re a great way to buy something made locally rather than another fridge magnet.
6. Get a Coffee at Esmé’s
Esmé’s Coffee House and Kitchen on the Market Place does good coffee. It’s my pick for a caffeine stop in town.
How to Get to Knaresborough
Knaresborough has its own station on the Harrogate line, so you can come by train from Harrogate. With a car, it’s easy to combine with other stops in the area. For a wider road trip, compare car hire options.
Where to Stay
I’d base yourself in Harrogate and visit Knaresborough as a day out. See my guide to where to stay in Harrogate and my list of where to eat in Harrogate. If you’d rather wake up by the river, check places to stay in Knaresborough.
More Ideas Nearby
Pair Knaresborough with the rest of my things to do in Harrogate, or head further out to Yorkshire’s abbeys.
FAQ: Visiting Knaresborough
Is Knaresborough worth visiting?
Yes. The castle, the viaduct view and a rowing boat on the Nidd make a really good half-day, especially if you’re already staying in Harrogate.
How do you get from Harrogate to Knaresborough?
The easiest way is the train: Knaresborough has its own station on the Harrogate line.
Can you go inside Knaresborough Castle?
Yes. The grounds are open all year. The castle and its Tudor courtroom museum have seasonal opening days, and tunnel tours cost extra.
What day is Knaresborough market?
Wednesday, in the Market Place.
Can you hire boats in Knaresborough?
Yes, rowing boats can be hired on the River Nidd in the warmer months, weather permitting.
