12:14pm Saturday 17th April 2010
What? Knaresborough, near Harrogate.
Why?
Just half an hour from York by car or train, the town offers stunning views over the River Nidd gorge.
The valley is crossed by a graceful Victorian railway viaduct which reflects in the waters of the Nidd.
We found a superb view of the gorge from the grounds of Knaresborough Castle, which dates back to 1100 but was extensively rebuilt by Edward I and Edward II. It has lain in ruins since being largely dismantled during the Civil War, but it’s still an atmospheric place to wander round, particularly as the sun sets.
We had driven up the A59 to Knaresborough, parking up in the market square in the heart of the town. Here I found a rather endearing statue to ‘Blind Jack of Knaresborough,’ not standing in traditional style on a pedestal but taking a rest on a bench.
Jack, whose real name was John Metcalf, was blinded by smallpox as a child in Knaresborough but, despite this handicap, went on to become a pioneering road builder, who realised the importance of good foundations and a convex surface to allow rainwater to drain quickly off. Just nearby we visited another historical treasure, Ye Oldest Chymist Shoppe, a picturesque listed building which was first used as a pharmacy in about 1720 and now mainly sells handmade chocolates and old fashioned sweets which we found irresistible.
• Further information? Contact Knaresborough Tourist Information Centre on 0845 389 0177.
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