Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

Askrigg
Aysgarth Falls
Bempton Cliffs
Beverley
Bingley
Bradford
Bridlington
Burnsall
Burton Agnes Hall
Castle Bolton
Castle Howard
Clapham
Flamborough Head
Fountains Abbey
Goathland
Grassington
Hardraw Force
Halifax
Harrogate
Hawes
Haworth
Hebden Bridge
Helmsley
Heptonstall
Holmfirth
Howden
Hubberholme
Humber Bridge
Hutton-le-Hole
Kettlewell
Kilburn
Kilnsey Crag
Knaresborough
Lastingham
Malham
Muker
North Yorks Railway
Pickering
Reeth
Richmond
Rievaulx Abbey
Ripley
Ripon
Robin Hood's Bay
Runswick Bay
Saltaire
Scarborough
Semer Water
Settle
Sewerby Hall
Skipton
Staithes
Tan Hill
Thirsk
Whitby
York

The rivers of Yorkshire have created a magnificent landscape. Perhaps none more so that at Knaresborough, where the river Nidd flows through a gorge. The bridge crossing the river adds to the superb views which can be enjoyed from the castle grounds at the top of the gorge. The castle itself was built to guard against Viking Raiders approaching from the river.

It’s not only the views that attract people. They come to find out about one of Knaresborough’s most unusual characters, Mother Shipton. She was a famous prophetess born in a cave in beside the river in 1488. She came to national fame when she predicted that Cardinal Wosley, on his way north in 1530, would never be enthroned at York – and indeed he wasn’t.

Besides visiting the cave, you can also make a wish in the well nearby, although there are no guarantees that your wish will be granted. By far the most fascinating attraction at Mother Shipton’s Cave is the famous Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Curiosity has drawn millions of visitors over hundreds of years, to see cascading water turn everyday objects into stone – almost by magic! It’s actually the water, rich in lime that solidifies the objects. And you can even see a pair of shoes left by an actress from Coronation Street.

Knaresborough and Mother Shipton's Cave is featured on our 55-minute video Picture Postcard Yorkshire, and can be purchased on line. Click here to find out more.

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