A chocolate box town in North Yorkshire has been praised as a “cosy” destination for an autumn getaway. For anyone looking for a lovely day out or weekend away, the historic market town could be the perfect choice.
Under 30 minutes from York by train, Knaresborough is a “dreamy” destination. Visitors say the town is “so nice in autumn”, with cosy pubs, cafes, and much more to explore. Visit North Yorkshire says: “Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave their way up and down.
“The town centre is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and the imposing railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge offers an amazing view to visitors as they arrive by train.”
The tourist boards adds that there’s lots to do in town throughout the year, with a weekly Wednesday market selling tasty produce, whole foods, plants and flowers.
It goes on: “At the base of the cliffs on which the town sits, you will find a delightful promenade that traps the sun in summer, with a coastal feel despite being more than 60 miles from the sea. This is a great place to enjoy an ice cream or indulge in the traditional English pastime of ‘simply mucking about in boats’.”
The beautiful town is often featured in viral videos on social media. In one popular post, TikTok user @imchrisgreg wrote: “The cosy vibes must be absolutely immaculate. People visit York and skip places like Knaresborough, which is only a 20min. train ride away.
“I was on a little jaunt around the town taking photos, then ended my afternoon at the Mother Shipton Inn, the vibiest, spookiest, most autumnal feeling pub I’ve come across ever!”
Her video earned over 2,500 likes and lots of comments from fans of the town. Someone replied: “Stunning pictures.” Another commenter said: “I love it here.”
Someone shared: “I lived here as a child, I go back every year, it holds such special memories for me.” A fan praised: “So dreamy.” A different comment said: “It’s so nice in autumn. Gorgeous when it snows,” and a viewer said: “Can’t get enough of these autumn vibes!”
Knaresborough is home to Mother Shipton’s Cave, which claims to be England’s oldest tourist attraction. Open since 1630, it is the legendary birthplace of the famous prophetess. A short distance away, visitors will find the Mother Shipton Inn, which has stood on the same site for hundreds of years.
Reviewing Mother Shipton’s Cave on TripAdvisor, one impressed visitor wrote: “Best day out this year loved it so very much we took the grandchildren to see the fairy hoblin event. It didn’t dissapoint they loved it food truck was reasonable and tasty ice creams yummy and very reasonable aswell plenty picnic areas beautiful displays booking for Halloween next.”
Another review said: “There is so much to see and feel at this magical place. From the moment you pull into Knaresborough its so pretty with all the cute houses on the bank down to the river, the checkered houses and the viaduct! We were recommended to visit and we were so glad we did. The staff are super friendly and knowledgable.
“The serenity that falls over you as you wander through the woods to the cave and wishing well is profound – very peaceful and it blocks out all the noise – all you can hear is the wind through the trees and its beautiful! I wont spoil it by telling you anymore but you need to go.”