Photos

River Nidd
Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England, UK



The exact origins of the market town of Knaresborough are shrouded in mystery, but could well extend back to the Norman Conquest and possibly even to Roman times. The River Nidd sweeps the outskirts, providing boating facilities and relaxing riverside walks.

Famous for its breathtaking views of the Nidd Gorge, the town is made up of numerous ancient walkways, cobbled alleys and secret passages, all of which reward careful exploration.

A collection of colourful characters associated with Knaresborough, such as Blind Hack and Mother Shipton, lend certain individuality to the town. Mother Shipton's cave, believed to be England's Oldest attraction, is the birthplace of the renowned 15th century prophetess. The Wishing well and the famous Petrifying is a place where absorbent objects are turned to stone with the passage of time.

As well as the oldest attraction, Knaresborough also lays claim to the Oldest chemist shop! This has stood in Knaresborough's picturesque Market Place since 1720. Its unusual façade and antiquated interior, which still harbour original fixtures and fittings, have made it an attraction of exceptional value to local people, historians and visitors.

For many years the royal Castle of Knaresborough played an integral part in British history. It is now in the possession of the Crown as part of the Duchy of Lancaster. Situated atop a large cliff, the ruined Castle commands a view of the River Nidd and Forest of Knaresborough.

Every summer, the Knaresborough Festival celebrates a wealth of musical diversity including folk, blues and country, as well as staging exhibitions of art and photography. The annual Bed race takes place each June, with a riotous jumble of decorated "beds" parading through the streets, negotiating cobbled lanes and hairpin bends before making their way to the notorious river crossing and the finishing line.

River Nidd has its rise at the upper-end of Nidderdale, about 3 miles north-east of Kettlewell; after running a considerable distance from its fountain, enters the earth, by a wide and rocky cavern, called Goydon-pot-Hole: then taking a subterraneous course of some miles, again emerges to the light by two issues, whose waters are soon united, a little below Middlesmoor, and passing by Ramsgill, Pateley Bridge, Hampsthwaite, Killinghall, Ripley, Knaresbrough, Ribston, Walshford, Cowthorpe, and Nun-Monkton, where it empties itself into the Ouse.