Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum

The castle sits on limestone cliffs above the River Nidd, showing surviving walls, underground dungeons, and a 16th-century courthouse building that once served local legal functions. The remains reveal different periods of construction and use across several centuries.

Construction began around 1100 as a royal stronghold used by medieval kings, but Parliament ordered its destruction during the Civil War as a military threat. The courthouse building survived this period and later became a museum.

The courthouse tells stories of local figures like Blind Jack Metcalf and famous prophecies that remain part of regional conversation. These narratives connect visitors to the people and beliefs that shaped this area over centuries.

The site sits on a cliff with stairs and pathways leading to different areas and levels. Walking can be slippery in places, especially after rain, so sturdy shoes and care when moving between levels are recommended.

The courthouse preserves an original Tudor courtroom with its own benches where judges once tried cases of forest law violations and disputes between neighbors. This room functions much as it did centuries ago and offers a rare glimpse into everyday justice from the past.

Location: North Yorkshire

Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS, UK

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 09:30-17:00

Phone: +441423866886

Website: http://visitharrogate.co.uk/things-to-do/knaresborough-castle-and-museum-p1203081

GPS coordinates: 54.00714,-1.46934

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01