Knaresborough is a charming market town in Yorkshire less than an hour away from Leeds by train and 45 minutes by car.
The historic town is a “perfect” place for a day trip, according to Visit Harrogate, which hails Knaresborough’s “pretty” side streets as well as its “quirky” shops, cafes and tea rooms.
Knaresborough Market takes place on Wednesdays, with food and flowers among the range of goods on offer.
Perched on a cliff with the River Nidd winding its way below, the town is located on the Nidd Gorge which crosses a railway viaduct.
For anyone arriving in the town by train, the view from the viaduct is said to be “amazing” while at the base of the cliffs is a promenade hailed as “delightful” and a sun trap in summer.
There is a range of things to do and see in Knaresborough, including Mother Shipton’s Cave, which is promoted as England’s oldest tourist attraction.
Open since 1630, the small cave is the birthplace of England’s “most famous prophetess” and now tells the story of her life.
When not mixing her traditional remedies, Mother Shipton would predict the future and legend has it she foresaw the Great Fire of London and defeat of the Spanish Armada.
She was born Ursula Sontheil in 1488 in the reign of Henry VII and was raised by her mother, Agatha, in the cave before a local abbott took pity on the single mum and a local family offered them a home.
A “legendary” figure of folklore, Ursula married Tobias Shipton from York. She died at the age of 73 in 1561.
Visit Yorkshire describes Knaresborough as “steeped in history” and hails it as a “quintessential” Yorkshire town.
It recommends a visit to the Castle Grounds which overlook the town and offer “breathtaking” views as well as an insight into Knaresborough’s history.
Eateries recommended by Visit Yorkshire include The Black Mulberry cafe on the town’s Waterside, The Knaresborough Inn, McQueen’s family-run cafe and The Ugly Duckling riverside tearoom, to name just a few.
Knaresborough has a range of accommodation, including hotel, B&B and self-catering. Goldsborough Hall just outside the town has five AA gold stars and is set in tranquil parkland.
Byways Boutique Bed and Breakfast in nearby Flaxby has three en suite rooms while 17th century cottage Belmont Gem offers “exclusive” self-catering accommodation, according to Visit Harrogate.
The town is on the Harrogate Line between Starbeck and Cattell. It takes 45 minutes to get there by train from Leeds. By car, Knaresborough is about 20 minutes west of the A1(M) at Junction 47 along the A59.