LOCAL KNARESBOROUGH SITES
Knaresborough Castle
This ruined fortress has a commanding position high over the River Nidd on a cliff. Built by the Normans at the turn of the 12th century, Knaresborough Castle was reinforced in stone a century later by King John and expanded further under Edward I and Edward II in the 14th century.
Although the castle was pulled down after the Civil War and its stone reused in the town centre, you can peer into the dungeon and scale the King’s Tower.
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Mother Shipton is England’s most famous Prophetess. She foretold the fates of several rulers within and just after her lifetime, as well as the invention of iron ships, the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Within historic woodland along the River Nidd is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of the famous prophetess. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the waters which turn objects to stone.
Bebra Gardens
Bebra Gardens is a small, attractive park close to Knaresborough Castle.This hidden gem, which provides a haven from the hustle and bustle of the town centre is named in honour of the town’s links with Bebra, Germany.
The gardens are on a steep slope and there are sloping, meandering pathways leading through mature trees and conifers. The paths lead to the paddling pool at the lowest point and onto Waterside below.
Knaresborough Town Windows Trail
The painted ‘Town Windows’ are sponsored by Renaissance Knaresborough. Many of the town’s Georgian windows were bricked in to avoid window tax; these windows were painted in the trompe l’oeil style used to create an illusion of reality.
A leaflet guide is available from Tourist Information in Castle Courtyard.
