Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
Location Location
Perched majestically upon the cliffs overlooking the River Nidd and the magnificent railway viaduct across Nidd Gorge, it's hardly surprising Knaresborough has become not only one of the most photographed towns in Yorkshire but chosen as the location for December's feel-good film, A Very British Christmas. Its warren of medieval streets that weave their way up and down from the river reveal a multitude of treasures from great shops and eateries to beautiful parks, walks and a flourishing cultural scene.
Knaresborough sits on the A59 between York and Harrogate, a convenient east-west road that also merges with the A1M just a few miles away. There are also regular direct rail services to Harrogate, York and Leeds. Alternatively, why not travel by bike? The Beryl Burton Cycle Way is a Sustrans route allowing cyclists to ride to Harrogate, Bilton and Ripley via green, traffic free routes.
Bag a Property
If you've more than £400K to spend you could be in with a shout for one of Knaresborough's highly sought after riverside properties. For those who want to ditch the car and rely on lower carbon emission trains, the town centre offers a wealth of old and characterful properties starting at around £250K which are just a few minutes' walk from the Grade II listed station.
Popular peripheral estates with close proximity to the town's good schools, leisure facilities and A1M motorway are a popular choice for families.
Explore
Start with a stroll around Knaresborough Castle, a semi-ruined medieval castle which still evokes a sense of its former grandeur as an important northern fortress. From here you can also appreciate the stunning view down to the river. Tucked away below the castle, landscaped into the steep hillside are the Bebra Gardens, so-named in honour of the town's German twin. These ornamental and compact gardens offer gently sloping pathways down to the river and feature an al fresco paddling pool in summer.
The recently regenerated river promenade is a delightful south- facing parkland with upmarket cafés and rowing boats for hire from Easter onwards.
Retail Therapy
Knaresborough Market, held every Wednesday in the Square (since 1310) is worth seeking out, offering many locally produced meat, cheese, beer, bread and pie stalls. For quintessential charm '1720 style', visit The Old Chemist Shop and Lavender Rooms at Market Place. While no longer a dispensing chemist, it still sells natural bath and body products from Harrogate Sulphur Soap and The Master Herbalist, along with chocolates supplied by the award winning Harrogate Cake Co.
Book lovers will enjoy popping into charming, independent bookshop, Castlegate Books and Sheer Bliss Lingerie on the High Street is a sophisticated lingerie and swimwear boutique. Northern charity Henshaws, which supports people with sight loss and other disabilities, also has a fabulous on-site gift shop stocking ceramics, jewellery and textiles - all made by its students.
Café & Cocktails
The first choice for great food has to be Carriages Restaurant and Wine Bar which occupies a listed building at the bottom of the High Street. Now owned by the Straker family who've run Harrogate's William and Victoria for generations, it boasts a great atmosphere along with a beautiful elevated beer garden.
Word is spreading fast about Six Poor Folk, one of Knaresborough's newest bars and the crowned centre of its live music scene. Bookmark its open mic nights, acoustic sets and popular Friday night vinyl disco. For great family dining try Two Brothers Pizzeria - booking essential and for the best coffee and cake, Number Thirteen Coffee House and Cakery on Castlegate.
