Attractions

Looking for the best things to do in Knaresborough? From its famous castle and railway viaduct to riverside walks, historic caves and beautiful gardens, here are 10 Knaresborough attractions worth exploring.

1. Knaresborough Castle

Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Explore the ruins of Knaresborough Castle and enjoy some of the best views in town across the River Nidd and famous viaduct.
Best for: History, views and photography | Tel: 01423 866886 | Website: Knaresborough Castle

2. Mother Shipton’s Cave

Prophecy House, Harrogate Road, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Discover the legendary birthplace of Mother Shipton and the remarkable Petrifying Well at an attraction welcoming visitors since 1630. Mother Shipton’s Cave
Best for: Families, history and legends | Tel: 01423 864600 | Website: Mother Shipton’s Cave

3. Knaresborough Viaduct

River Nidd, Knaresborough
Knaresborough’s magnificent railway viaduct towers above the River Nidd and creates one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable views.
Best for: Photography, sightseeing and riverside walks | Cost: Free

4. Knaresborough Waterside

Waterside, Knaresborough HG5
Take a stroll beside the River Nidd, stop at a riverside café or hire a rowing boat for a classic Knaresborough experience.
Best for: Walking, families and riverside views | Cost: Free to explore

5. Bebra Gardens

Brewerton Street, Knaresborough HG5 8AZ
These attractive gardens beside Knaresborough Castle provide a peaceful green space just minutes from the town centre.
Best for: Gardens, relaxing and families | Tel: 01423 500600 | Cost: Free

6. St Robert’s Cave

Abbey Road, Knaresborough HG5 8HY
Hidden beside the River Nidd, St Robert’s Cave is associated with the medieval hermit Robert of Knaresborough and offers a glimpse into the town’s remarkable past.
Best for: History, walking and hidden Knaresborough | Cost: Free

7. Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag

Abbey Road, Knaresborough HG5 8HY
This tiny medieval chapel carved directly into the rock is one of Knaresborough’s most unusual historic landmarks.
Best for: History, heritage and unusual places

8. Jacob Smith Park

Scriven Road, Knaresborough HG5 9DF
Jacob Smith Park offers open parkland, woodland and peaceful paths within easy reach of Knaresborough.
Best for: Walking, nature and families | Cost: Free

9. Knaresborough Market Place

Market Place, Knaresborough HG5
The historic Market Place is the lively heart of Knaresborough, surrounded by independent shops, cafés, pubs and characterful old buildings.
Best for: Shopping, food and exploring | Cost: Free to explore

10. Knaresborough Riverside Walk

River Nidd, Knaresborough
Follow the River Nidd beneath the viaduct and discover some of Knaresborough’s finest scenery along its popular riverside paths.
Best for: Walking, photography and nature | Cost: Fre

Discover Knaresborough

Only have a few hours? Start at Knaresborough Castle, walk down to Waterside, admire the viaduct and continue along the River Nidd towards Mother Shipton’s Cave.

10 Best Attractions in Ripon – Things to See and Do

Looking for the best things to do in Ripon? This historic cathedral city combines ancient architecture, fascinating museums, beautiful waterways and some of North Yorkshire’s biggest visitor attractions. Visit Ripon

1. Ripon Cathedral

Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT
Discover more than 1,300 years of history at magnificent Ripon Cathedral, including its remarkable Anglo-Saxon crypt dating from 672. Visit Ripon maps
Best for: History, architecture and heritage | Website: Ripon Cathedral

2. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Explore spectacular abbey ruins, Georgian water gardens and deer parkland at this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ripon. National Trust
Best for: History, walking, families and photography | Tel: 01765 608888 | Website: National Trust – Fountains Abbey

3. Ripon Workhouse Museum

75 Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE
Step inside a historic Victorian workhouse and discover the real stories of the people who lived and worked within its walls. Ripon Museums
Best for: History, families and rainy days | Tel: 01765 690799 | Website: Ripon Museums

4. Prison & Police Museum

St Marygate, Ripon HG4 1LX
Discover the darker side of Victorian law and order through historic cells, policing displays and stories of crime and punishment. Ripon Museums
Best for: History, families and rainy days | Tel: 01765 690799 | Website: Ripon Museums

5. Courthouse Museum

Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
Step into a historic courtroom and discover how justice was administered in Victorian Ripon. Ripon Museums
Best for: History and heritage | Tel: 01765 690799 | Website: Ripon Museums

6. Newby Hall & Gardens

Newby Hall, Ripon HG4 5AE
Explore a magnificent historic house, award-winning gardens, adventure playground and miniature railway just outside Ripon. Newby Hall
Best for: Families, gardens and history | Tel: 01423 322583 | Website: Newby Hall & Gardens

7. Ripon Racecourse

Boroughbridge Road, Ripon HG4 1UG
Known as Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse, Ripon Racecourse combines summer racing with an attractive setting close to the city. Ripon Races
Best for: Horse racing and days out | Website: Ripon Races

8. Ripon Canal

Canal Road / Bondgate Green, Ripon
Enjoy a peaceful waterside walk along Ripon Canal, where city scenery gradually gives way to countryside and wildlife. Visit Ripon maps
Best for: Walking, wildlife and relaxing | Cost: Free

9. Ripon Market Square & Hornblower

Market Place, Ripon HG4
Visit Ripon’s historic Market Square at 9pm to experience the centuries-old tradition of the Ripon Hornblower setting the watch. Visit Ripon
Best for: Local history, tradition and photography | Cost: Free | Website: Visit Ripon

10. Ripon Walled Garden

Palace Road, Ripon
This peaceful former kitchen garden features an orchard, woodland, plant nursery, café and accessible walks, with free admission. Visit Ripon maps
Best for: Gardens, families and relaxing | Cost: Free | Website: Ripon Walled Garden

Discover Ripon

Only have a day? Start at Ripon Cathedral, explore the city’s three museums, wander around the Market Square and finish with a walk beside the Ripon Canal — or allow a separate half or full day for Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Visit Ripon