The majestic town of Knaresborough is absolutely gorgeous and is set on a steep sided limestone gorge that rises up around the River Nidd. Set on a rocky crag hovering high above the town is the remains of the historic Knaresborough Castle that dates back to the Norman times.
Though Oliver Cromwell sort to destroy the castle because of its Royalist connections local townspeople petitioned Parliament to allow them to maintain the King's Tower as a prison with the result that part of the tower and a courthouse survived and today the courthouse is a home to a museum where you can learn all about the history of the town and castle.
Knaresborough’s waters are best known for their petrifying qualities, as demonstrated at Mother Shipton’s Cave & Petrifying Well. Mother Shipton was this country’s most famous prophet and lived in Tudor times. The petrifying well was opened to the public in the 17th century, when people put its ability to turn everyday objects into stone.
History lesson aside, Knaresborough has the feel of something from fairy tale. The iconic rail viaduct and two bridges drop jaws on first glance, while the many pleasant pubs, cafes and shops make a day well spent.
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