Knaresborough Castle

About the museum

Knaresborough Castle was founded around 1100 by a Norman baron on a cliff above the River Nidd. Henry I paid for works here in the 1130s, and the castle became an important northern royal fortress. It was rebuilt between 1307 and 1312 under Edward I and Edward II, including a large five-sided keep. Later it became a royal residence, and Queen Philippa of Hainault often spent the summers here with her family. John of Gaunt acquired it in 1372, and it passed into the vast estates of the Duchy of Lancaster.

During the Civil War the castle was taken by Parliamentary troops in 1644. In 1648 it was largely destroyed on an order from Parliament to dismantle Royalist castles, and many buildings in the town are built of its stone. Today the remains include the gatehouse towers and parts of the keep, and the castle is still owned by the monarch as part of the Duchy of Lancaster and run by North Yorkshire Council.

In the grounds stands the former court house, a 14th-century building that was extended in the 16th and 18th centuries and now houses the Courthouse Museum, with a Tudor courtroom. The Tourist Information Centre is in the same building. The grounds are also used as a public leisure space with a bowling green and a putting green in summer, and they host events during the year.

Highlights

• Courthouse Museum with a Tudor courtroom
• Medieval castle ruins with views over the River Nidd
• Secret tunnel visited on Sallyport Tours
• Castle Critters Activity Room for children
• Putting green and bowls in the castle grounds

Permanent exhibitions

• Courthouse Museum – A Tudor courtroom in the former court house of the castle, with displays on the castle's royal history.
• Castle ruins and Sallyport Tours – Medieval remains of the castle above the River Nidd, with guided tours of a secret tunnel at an extra charge.

Founded

1100

Operated by

North Yorkshire Council

Admission & discounts

Season tickets cover the Royal Pump Room Museum and Knaresborough Castle. Sallyport Tours of the secret tunnel are charged extra.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site has uneven surfaces and historic steps, and wheelchair access is limited because of the steep terrain. Free public toilets in Castle Yard car park, open daily from 8am to 8pm, have step-free access and an accessible toilet. Castle Yard car park has four accessible parking bays. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The recently renovated Castle Critters Activity Room has crafts, LEGO, a reading corner, foam blocks and a play kitchen. The grounds have a putting green and a bowling green in summer. Baby changing is available in the public toilets in Castle Yard car park. A family ticket covers up to five people.

Getting there & parking

Coaches drop off on Chapel Street and park on York Place.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a shop with gifts and souvenirs. There are no public toilets on the site itself; the nearest are in Castle Yard car park near the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The grounds are used for events and performances.

Plan your visit