This woodland estate runs along the side of the River Nidd and is full of mystery and magic and was the birthplace of the prophetess, Mother Shipton. You can visit the cave where she was born and the mysterious Petrifying Well where items hung up underneath the waters ‘turn to stone’. The small museum has some interesting artefacts on display. Children can enjoy playing in the adventure playground and you can grab some food and drink at the café.

From the Castle grounds, follow the steps and paths down the side of the crag to the riverside, here you will find lots of places for refreshments or you can even hire a rowing boat for a bit of fun on the river. Once at the river, turn left and walk along Waterside and onto Abbey Road where you will find St Robert’s Cave, a medieval hermitage and chapel. You can continue to the end of Abbey Road where you can see some tree sculptures.

Retrace your steps back to Waterside and head up to Bebra Gardens. Named after Knaresborough’s twin town of Bebra in Germany, this little park is home to flowerbeds and rockeries and the bushes and trees are home to different birds and wildlife. This is a great spot for a picnic and in the summer months the paddling pool offers lots of splashing fun for children.

Many of the houses in the centre of Knaresborough are decorated with illusionary window paintings known as trompe I’oeil. They cover the many windows that were bricked up to avoid paying a window tax in Georgian times. The different paintings include characters from Knaresborough’s past and provide a fun way to see the town. Pick up a window map from the Tourist Information Centre and see if you can find them all.

Hop in the car for the short journey to Goldsborough Hall, a stately home and hotel a few miles from Knaresborough. Once home to the late Queen’s Aunt, Princess Mary, you can indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea in The Orangery. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around the beautiful 12 acre gardens and parkland which are full of snowdrops in late winter.

From the High Bridge in Knaresborough, the Beryl Burton Cycleway links up to the Nidd Gorge, a beautiful woodland area along the banks of the River Nidd. The woods are home to an abundance of wildlife and are covered in bluebells in the spring. Walk along following the line of the river before crossing over the wooden bridge and returning to Knaresborough along the other side.