Knaresborough Central

Knaresborough town centre sits on a loop of the River Nidd, with the ruins of Knaresborough Castle perched above the river and a stone viaduct carrying the railway across the gorge. The Market Place and High Street form the commercial heart, with independent shops, tearooms and the covered market stretching up to cobbled lanes and yards that reflect the town's medieval layout. The riverside drops steeply from the castle to stone steps and footbridges, where small boats are moored and anglers fish the river.

Local life is shaped around the river and market: riverside walks follow the gorge, and boat hire lets visitors travel under the castle cliffs. The town hosts an annual Bed Race, a street event that starts in the Market Place and runs toward the river, attracting teams in costume. Public spaces include the castle grounds and riverside lawns used for fairs and concerts in summer; narrow side streets lead to civic buildings and the museum, keeping the centre compact and walkable.