Knaresborough in Nidderdale
When: 31st March to 4th April 2025
Where: The Knaresborough Inn, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Who: Helen Venus and Barbara Hamilton
Level: Low Moderate and Moderate
What's included: Four days/nights bed, breakfast, packed lunch and dinner, plus three and a half days guided walking.
Cost: contact us for details
Perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd, the market town of Knaresborough is a place of ancient walkways, cobbled alleys and secret passageways, weaving their way up and down the hill. At the base of the cliffs on which the town sits, there is delightful promenade with a coastal feel - it might be a bit chilly for ice-cream or messing about in boats in early April, but it’s very pretty at any time of year.
We are heading to this area out of season to coincide with the blooming spring flowers, which will be particularly stunning on the Harrogate Stray, and around the magnificent ruins of Fountains Abbey.
Originally build in the 15th century as The Dower House, the hotel was sympathetically and comfortably refurbished by new owners in 2023, and is now called The Knaresborough Inn.
Back in the day, I was a silver service waitress at the hotel during my uni holidays, so I’m really looking forward to staying there. I just hope no one throws sprouts into my wine, which might have been something I did once when serving at a Christmas party. Not on purpose of course…
All the rooms are ensuite and there are two types: standard doubles and classic doubles, which have more floor space. The classic doubles can be turned into twins though, should you want to share with a friend.
The hotel is perfectly located to explore the market town of Knaresborough and the stunning Nidd Gorge. I’m nowhere near thinking about the itinerary yet, but I’ll definitely be giving us an opportunity to visit the famous Wednesday market.
Here are some options of other things that I’m considering:
A walk taking in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, possibly tying in a trip to RHS Harlow Carr (although it might not be the right time of year for that). A trip to Betty’s Tearoom is a MUST (ignore the queue in the photo below)! Mum and Dad went there to celebrate, when they found out that they were expecting me.
A walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. I’ll definitely make sure that you don’t miss one of the highlights of the site - the car park I helped resurface at the age of 18.
A walk around the giant rock formations at Brimham Rocks. I nearly fell to my death here, aged two. I promise not to do that this time.
As you can see, it’s a very special and personal place for me, and I can’t wait to show you around!
We are taking bookings soon, so if you are interested in joining the priority list to learn more about this fabulous holiday, contact me now.