If you’ve ever watched a Christmas movie and dreamed of wandering round a cosy, festive town with a hot chocolate in hand like one of the characters, this could be your chance.
Earlier this year, residents of the picturesque Yorkshire town of Knaresborough enjoyed star spotting as a film crew descended on the area. Sky Original Christmas movie Tinsel Town is set to premiere on November 28 and will star Hollywood heavyweights Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson, as well as an impressive supporting cast that includes Derek Jacobi and Danny Dyer.
According to YorkshireLive, the filming process meant locals got to enjoy their festive decorations around the town for longer than usual, and a local shop owner Di Watson, from Knitting Pretty, said: “The town is buzzing with excitement. Knaresborough is a unique, beautiful, friendly town and we’re delighted to be part of this.”
But it’s not the first time Knaresborough has been chosen as the location for a festive film. TV movie A Very British Christmas, which is available to rent on Amazon Prime, was also predominantly shot around the town.
So, if you want to have your own festive adventure, Knaresborough could be the perfect backdrop. A great place to start is in the cobbled Market Square, which is surrounded by independent shops and cosy pubs. The usual market runs on Wednesdays, and on December 6 and 7, there will be a Christmas market that’ll include festive food stalls, artisanal crafts, and much more.
Nearby, the Green Dragon Yard, which was also used for filming recently, will be decked out in Christmas decorations. This cute historic square is home to a vintage shop and a quirky tearoom. The crew were also spotted along Castlegate, a windy, narrow road with lots of independent shops, cafes, and other unique spots.
As the name suggests, Castlegate leads onto the entrance to Knaresborough Castle, which was once the home to medieval kings, as well as a courthouse and prison. While the castle is now in ruins, a keep remains standing, and there’s a courthouse museum which includes many pieces of the original furniture.
It’s also one of the best spots to see the town’s most iconic sight, Knaresborough Viaduct, where you’ll see trains running to and from Harrogate. The viaduct was originally set to be finished in 1848, but when it was almost completed, it collapsed. Historical accounts say that the noise from the falling masonry lasted nearly five minutes.
The collapse of the viaduct caused a local outrage, and was blamed on poor materials and workmanship, as well as two months of heavy rain causing the river to swell. Thousands of fish died due to the presence of so much limestone in the water. However, the determined town decided to rebuild the viaduct, and the existing structure has stood in place since 1851, made from sturdy stone from a quarry just down the road.
You’ll find plenty of cosy places to stay for a pre-Christmas weekend break. Knaresborough Inn sits on an elevated spot above the River Nidd and among landscaped gardens. The inn has a slightly eccentric, yet welcoming vibe, with beautifully decorated rooms and a dining room serving up rustic British classics. Rooms start at £95-a-night for two in November.
Close to the train station is The Mitre, a pub specialising in craft beers and cocktails, which also has a unique Asian street food inspired menu. It has four rooms above the pub, including an apartment which sleeps up to four, and stays in a double room start at £110 a night in November.
So, if you’re looking for a getaway that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Christmas film, pack up your cosiest scarf and head to Knaresborough this winter. It’s just two and a half hours from London by train, with a change in York, and is set to be the perfect festive backdrop. However, falling in love with a handsome local shop owner during your stay is not guaranteed.
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