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A picturesque market town with fairytale charm has been named as one of the UK's most beautiful places.

The delightful town of Knaresborough, tucked along the River Nidd in North Yorkshire, is characterised by medieval streets, captivating landmarks and postcard-perfect scenery. Among tiered and dramatic landscapes, it's home to 'England's oldest tourist attraction' and is conveniently located just a 30-minute train ride from Leeds and York.

There are steep, narrow medieval lanes and stone staircases that wind throughout the town, alongside charming stone cottages, chequered frontages and buildings with exposed beams and uneven floors. Due to its striking features, visitors have frequently described it as having a 'fairy-tale atmosphere', and it was named one of the 'UK's most beautiful places' by Enjoy Travel this year, thanks to its scenic setting alongside the River Nidd.

The town centre, sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the river, is packed with independent retailers, welcoming coffee shops, traditional pubs and restaurants. There's a close-knit community spirit in the area, with the weekly Knaresborough Market bringing people together every Wednesday, where traders sell everything from homeware and plants to fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.

Elsewhere, the town is celebrated for its fascinating railway viaduct, featuring four magnificent arches that span the Harrogate line across the River Nidd. On sunnier days, the viaduct's reflection appears in the river below, offering a stunning photo opportunity and the chance to admire the striking structure during gentle riverside strolls or from the neighbouring castle ruins.

Knaresborough Castle is another remarkable attraction in the area, with the ruined fortress perched above the river, for another picture-perfect moment. Visitors can explore the medieval castle and its grounds, and pop into the Courtroom Museum to discover its fascinating history spanning more than 900 years.

One visitor to the castle remarked: "This ancient monument has an absolutely superb location - high up on a cliff and with beautiful grounds that provide a wonderful view down over the town, river and viaduct. These grounds serve as a lovely park area fully open to the public, where you can wander or sit and take in the views with the magnificent castle as a backdrop."

Still, the region's most renowned attraction is Mother Shipton's Cave, which is famously 'England's oldest tourist attraction', having welcomed visitors since 1630. There are trickling streams and enchanting ancient woodland to walk through, with visitors noting that the attraction is in the "most stunning location" and is the ideal spot for a picnic.

Steeped in history, it's also the birthplace of England's most celebrated prophetess, with the compact cave recounting "the story of life and legacy", alongside the "unique geological phenomenon of the petrifying well", according to the website. Situated beside the river, guests can venture into the small cave before making a wish at the famous Petrifying Well, where tales suggest the water 'transforms items to stone'.

The medieval Chapel of Our Lady is another notable landmark in Knaresborough, alongside its peaceful Bebra Gardens, ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Further along the river, the welcoming World's End pub boasts a terrace overlooking the River Nidd, perfect for those balmy evenings, while the delightful Marigold Cafe & Boating is just the spot for a much-needed caffeine fix.

Whether you're looking for an idyllic day out or a weekend escape, Knaresborough is certainly worth a visit, even if it's just to admire its striking beauty and fairy-tale charm.

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