Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, our weekend getaway began at the charming Castle Yard House in Knaresborough. This beautiful cottage, both inside and out, located just beside the historic Knaresborough Castle, provided the perfect blend of history and comfort. From the windows, we enjoyed people watching and views of the castle ruins, setting the scene for a weekend filled with exploration and relaxation.
Day One: Exploring the Hills of Knaresborough
Knaresborough welcomed us with its picturesque streets and undeniable charm and I instantly fell in love with the place. Known for its steep and winding hills, I think this quaint town proved to be one of the hilliest places we’ve ever visited – a walk around certainly got the heart rate up! Our day started with a leisurely stroll through the cobbled lanes, — independent shops, cosy cafes, and an abundance of pubs and bars to choose from.
Our first stop was breakfast alongside the river in Marigold cafe. A perfect spot to watch the boaters and take in the beauty of the viaduct before it gets too busy. Note: we arrived for opening at 9.30am and it soon got busy, so if you want a good spot I’d advise doing the same.
The walk along the River Nidd was equally delightful, I could have spewnt all day watching the boats gliding gently across the water (with some boaters doing better than others!) and the viaduct standing tall in the background.
Just a stones throw from the cottage lies Knaresborough Castle. The castle’s history is rich and intriguing, dating back to the 12th century, and its grounds offered plenty of opportunities for exploration and photo-taking. We explored the ruins and were in awe looking at the stunning panoramic views of the town and river below. When we booked the cottage I had no idea that the famous Knaresborough view that I was so excited to see, was literally our front garden.
Next, we wandered down to Bebra Gardens, a serene spot and a nice place for a quiet walk. In the Summer months there is a paddling pool filled up daily for the kids (ar adults!) to enjoy. Despite it being a warm summer evening, we dint see another soul and it was so peaceful.
Day Two: A Day Trip to Harrogate
The next morning, we headed to the old-fashioned Knaresborough train station, a quaint and charming spot that felt like a step back in time. The train journey to Harrogate was short and pleasant and it couldnt have been easier. We rarely use the train at home so the boys loved it and it added to the fun!
Harrogate greeted us with its elegant architecture and sophisticated atmosphere. We spent most of the day exploring Harrogate’s beautiful gardens and parks. The Valley Gardens, with its colourful flower beds was a highlight. We then meandered down the beautiful streets and alleys, popping into the shops and doing lots of window shopping in the Montpellier Quarter!
Before heading back to Knaresborough, we visited The Giggling Squid – our favourite Thai! The plus-side to getting the train was a few cocktails too!
As our weekend came to a close, we found ourselves back at Castle Yard House, feeling content and rejuvenated. Our stay in Knaresborough had been perfect with its quaint streets, historical sites, and charming river views. Harrogate, with its elegant charm and delightful attractions, provided the perfect complement to our adventure.
Day Three: Haworth & Home
On our journey home, we made a short stop in Haworth, a village famous for its connection to the Brontë sisters. Walking down the cobbled Main Street, we felt as though we had stepped into a different era. We visited the Brontë Parsonage Museum, where we learned about the lives and works of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë. The quaint village, with its literary heritage and scenic beauty, provided a perfect final touch to our North Yorkshire adventure. We have visited here many times, and it never disapoints.
North Yorkshire’s beauty and charm left a lasting impression on us, and Castle Yard House proved to be the ideal base for us to explore from. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that combines history, charm, and natural beauty, Knaresborough is the place to start!
