See and Do

There is just so much to see and do
in this amazing part of North Yorkshire ...

Explore Knaresborough
Knaresborough's iconic viaduct, Castle, Market Square and Castle Ravens

Just 3 miles from Byways Boutique B&B, the picturesque market town of Knaresborough spills down to the River Nidd, whilst towering above the iconic viaduct spans the Nidd Gorge, witnessed in all its glory from Knaresborough Castle.  Cobbled paths and stone staircases lead down to the riverside, where boats rides, wonderful walks and inviting cafes await.  Visit the impressive Castle and interesting Old Court House Museum to explore the history of ancient Knaresborough, before exploring the beautiful Bebra Gardens which lie beneath.

With a number of independent shops, pubs, restaurants and tea shops to enjoy, you won't want to leave our beautiful local town.  As you wander around the town, see if you can find all the painted windows on the Trompe L'Oeil Trail, public art works which illustrate characters and events from the town's long and rich history.

Why not follow The Blue Plaque Trail, consisting of 17 plaques that take you on a historic tour of some of the most significant locations in and around Knaresborough.

If you visit on a Wednesday, you can also experience Knaresborough's bustling market, or the Farmers Market on the 3rd Sunday of each month.


Take a boat out on the River Nidd, and visit England's oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton's Cave, where water from The Petrifying Well turns objects to stone.  After making a wish in the Wishing Well,  explore the beautiful grounds of the park.  Mother Shipton's Cave was voted Best Family Attraction in the Little Vikings York for Kids Award 2021, and is definitely worth a visit.

Wonderful Walks

Walking is Caroline's passion, and she can provide details of amazing walks in Knaresborough and the local area including some hidden gems.  Close by you will find the fabulous Woodland Trust Nidd Gorge, a truly amazing place to walk, relax and simply connect with nature.

Stunning Scenery
Simply Stunning Nidderdale

Voted Europe's favourite National Park, the Yorkshire Dales provides a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, wild moorland and sweeping reservoirs.  Nidderdale's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is located 12 miles from Byways Boutique B&B, and we are the perfect base for discovering this truly amazing area.

Castles and Cathedrals
Ripley Castle, York Minster, Castle Howard and Ripon Cathedral

With a number of wonderful historic castles and cathedrals close by, you will have no trouble filling your days.  Castles nearby include Ripley Castle & Gardens, Skipton Castle, Bolton Castle and Raby Castle, not forgetting the fabulous Castle Howard.

Cathedrals and Abbeys nearby include Ripon Cathedral, Bolton Abbey, Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Mount Grace Priory, House & Gardens, Newburgh Priory and, of course, the iconic York Minster.

Historic Houses
Fountains Abbey, Newby Hall, Markenfield Hall and Beningbrough Hall

For history enthusiasts, there are a number of interesting historic houses in close proximity to Byways Boutique B&B, including Beningbrough Hall Gallery & Gardens, Bolton Agnes Hall, Brodsworth Hall & Gardens, Burnby Hall Gardens & Museum, Burton Constable Hall & Grounds, East Riddlesden Hall, Goddards, Harewood House, Kiplin Hall & Gardens, Lotherton, Newby Hall & Gardens, Nostell, Nunnington Hall, Scampston Hall & Walled Garden, and Temple Newsam. 

Mesmerising Museums
National Railway Museum, York

For railway enthusiasts, exploring the National Railway Museum in York is a must and for aircraft enthusiasts, the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington beckons.  Historic York boasts the York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum, the York Dungeon, Fairfax House, Barley Hall, and the iconic Jorvic Viking Centre.

Other interesting museums in Yorkshire include The Dales Museum, Eden Camp, Museum of Victorian Science, the Nidderdale Museum, the Workhouse, Prison & Police Museum, The World of James Herriott, and The Bowes Museum.

Glorious Gardens
Thorpe Perrow and The Himalayan Garden

There are so many gorgeous gardens to visit in North Yorkshire, just a short drive away from Byways Boutique B&B.  In addition to the above historic houses and their fabulous grounds and gardens, there is also Breezy Knees Garden, Perceval Hall Gardens, RHS Harlow Carr, The Forbidden Corner, The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, The Yorkshire Arboretum, Thorp Perrow Arboretum & Bird of Prey Centre, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, and York Gate Garden.

For more information about Yorkshire's Great Houses, Castles & Gardens, visit www.castlesandgardens.co.uk

For information about Harrogate, visit www.harrogatecivicsociety.org.

Sensational Shopping
Knaresborough, Harrogate, York and Ripon all host
a variety of independent interesting shops

After browsing the independent shops in Knaresborough, head off to Harrogate to explore exclusive boutiques and designer labels to high street brands.  In York, voted the top English city to visit by Conde Nast in Janary 2024, wander the web of shopping streets and enjoy independent boutiques, vintage stores and popular high street names.  Also close by are Wetherby and Ripon, both of which also boast a number of independent shops.  The McArthur Glen Designer Outlet on the outskirts of York is also just a short drive away - perfect for some retail therapy on a rainy day!

Exceptional Eateries

Byways is close to a number of exceptional food pubs, cafes and restaurants, some of which offer special discounts for our guests.  Prior to your arrival, you will receive a copy of our Guest Information which provides details of recommended places to eat during your stay.

Great Yorkshire Events
Byways is very close to the Great Yorkshire Showground, which hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Great Yorkshire Show and the Spring and Autumn Flower Shows.  We provide the perfect base to attend and enjoy such events, in addition to exploring the greater surrounding area.

With so much to see and do with Byways Boutique B&B
as your base, you simply won't want to go home!