If you’re looking for a fun, affordable family day out in North Yorkshire, Knaresborough Castle is a real hidden gem. Set in the beautiful town of Knaresborough and overlooking the River Nidd, this 900-year-old site is packed with history that kids (and grown-ups!) can actually touch – including real medieval graffiti in the dungeon! The Courthouse Museum brings the past to life, and there’s plenty of space for little ones to play, explore, and enjoy a picnic. With lots of other attractions nearby too, it’s the perfect place for a family adventure in Yorkshire.
Tickets and Opening Times:
The castle and museum are open Tuesdays to Sundays during the Summer months (April to October) and Wednesdays to Sundays during the Winter months (November to March). Opening times also vary slightly.
Tickets can be purchased from the Courthouse Museum and include entry to both the museum and castle. You can also buy a joint ticket for these attractions and the Royal Pump House Museum in Harrogate.
Click here for more information on opening times and ticket prices.
Parking and Travelling:
There are several short stay car parks in the centre of Knaresborough, including Castle Yard car park, Market Place, Fisher Street and Chapel Street. On sunny days, weekends and school holidays it can be difficult to find a place to park here.
York Place Long Stay car park is slightly further from Knaresborough Castle but is very cheap to use and has many more spaces. Click here for more information on York Place car park.
Knaresborough is also served by a train station in the centre.
Prams/ Accessibility:
By its nature, Knaresborough Castle is not very accessible as there are lots of uneven floors and stairs. However, the grounds have level paths and slopes and the museum has an accessible back entrance. This is not manned and so they will need to be told in advance you are coming or in our case, someone went through the main entrance up the stairs to ask them to let us in the back entrance. This is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Things to do at Knaresborough Castle
1. Explore the ruins
Visiting the ruins of Knaresborough Castle is a real treat. You can wander through the atmospheric dungeons where I especially enjoyed spotting the centuries-old medieval graffiti etched into the stone. Don’t miss the climb up to the first floor, where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the River Nidd and the surrounding countryside.
2. Visit the Museum
A visit to the Castle Museum was a real highlight. We especially loved the massive children’s playroom, packed with giant building blocks, hobby horses, and big jigsaws that kept everyone entertained. There’s also plenty to explore for history lovers, with fascinating displays about the castle’s past and the important people who shaped local history. It’s a lovely mix of fun and learning for all ages.
Things to do nearby
Knaresborough itself is a bustling town full of things to do and see. I absolutely love visiting the mysterious Mother Shipton’s Cave and the petrifying well, just around the corner from the castle. Hiring a rowing boat from the riverside and exploring the River Nidd is also a bit hit with families. During the school holidays, there is always something happening in Knaresborough and it is one of my favourite places for a family day out. Click here to see what events are happening in Knaresborough.
A wonderful place for a walk, a scramble or some sightseeing, Brimham Rocks is a must visit place for any adventurer, young and old. Described as ‘dramatic moorland rocks’, we loved clambering over and through these rock formations. Its a great place to let the kids go wild.
3. Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate
4. Valley Gardens, Harrogate
5. Ripley Castle