Waterside Walk
I’m not sure what could be better in life than a walk along the Waterside here in Knaresborough!
Knaresborough has attracted visitors for hundreds of years and the Waterside has that amazing English beauty which makes us smile every time we see it – and that’s a lot! We had a wander down with a tourist hat on to give you an idea of what you can expect from a stroll along our historic road.
Walking down Waterside from The Worlds End pub (named after Mother Shiptons prophesy that “the world shall end when the High Bridge is thrice fallen” - its already fallen twice!) you’ll find Blenkhorns Boats painted their distinctive red & green. There has been boating here for over 100 years originally with punts for hire, there are now rowing boats available for you to hire along the waterside.
Onward, along the lane, a beautiful 14th century thatched cottage marks Water Bag Bank leading up-to our beautiful Victorian Railway Station, and opposite is the even older Old Manor House, known locally as the Checkerboard house, with its distinctive black and white design.
Said to be the oldest residence in the town, it was built by King John as a hunting lodge on the site of an old Oak tree, whose roots remain at the heart of the house.
In the garden of this house also stands a 400 year old Mulberry Tree, planted in the times of James I, which we named the café after!
The Viaduct built in the mid 1800’s is arguably the loveliest feature along the Waterside and is the iconic picture of our town, photographed and painted over and over again. Its not hard to see why. Standing proudly 78ft above the water the Viaduct is a picture perfect view in all of the season. Lit up on an evening and into the darker winter months its looks just as special as in the summer with a perfect blue sky backdrop.
Waking towards the cafes, you can get a glimpse of the Castle Ruins up on the Crag (Yorkshire for Rock or Cliff). There have been restaurants and cafes on Waterside for over 100 years providing a rest stop for visitors all year round. Most famously Marigolds, originally a houseboat. In the summer sunshine, this area of Waterside has a real hustle and bustle about it. With Ice Cream vendors, the occasional busker and riverside & street seating for all the cafes you can feel like you are more on the continent than in Yorkshire. Especially with a glass of wine or beer in hand!
After a spot of lunch, Waterside continues on with lovely residences all the way along the lane to Low Bridge where you are spoilt for choice with 2 fabulous pubs, The Half Moon and Mother Shipton's Inn for another pit stop or onwards down Abbey Road where you’ll find more of Knareboroughs history.
Alternatively you can brave the Castle Steps and make your way up into the castle grounds and take in the Waterside views from above (the perfect Insta backdrop) and on into town and the market place where there are countless independent shops to wander along with fabulous architecture to rival that of Waterside.
No matter where or when you walk along the Waterside there is something wonderful to see. Ask each of our team when they like it best and everyone will give you a different season, with the perfect reason to visit.