Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum Reviews Summary

Historical Significance & Preservation

Pros:

• "The castle offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its fascinating history."
• "Was once a very important castle in the history of Britain."
• "Castle itself is well preserved with historical facts dotted around on information boards."
• "The remains of the Norman castle has an entrance area with a couple of rooms, a dungeon and an upper floor hall."
• "Many informative notice plaques tell you about the castle in its former glory."
• "The plaques around the old castle were very informative about the history of the castle, from its Norman Construction to its eventual destruction."
• "The history of the castle is impressive enough, but you’d be daft not visiting the town and coming here for the great views over the river and streets below."

Cons:

• "There isn't a lot of castle left (victim of being on the wrong side in civil war plus locals using it as a source of stone)."
• "Sadly the castle itself wasn't open - sign saying 'due to unforeseen circumstances', and neither was the museum."
• "The castle ruins are not open to the public, likely as they are unsafe."
• "Not much remains of this duchy of Lancaster castle due to the English civil war, however there is good portion of the Keep left to stir your imagination."
• "As castles go, there's about only 5% remaining; therefore, not much to see."
• "The castle is a ruin, so disabled access is poor."
• "The castle is a ruin. Some crumbling towers and ramparts remain, which you can wander around freely in the public parklands."

Accessibility & Amenities

Pros:

• "Parking is available very locally with modest prices, approx 60p for two hours."
• "Many car parking space you will find at cheap price."
• "Plenty of seating areas and if you pick your route you can get down to the river if you are a wheelchair user."
• "Many free toilets are near the castle."
• "There's a public car park between the castle, police station & council offices, which is reasonably easy to get to."
• "Parking in the town is good value and well placed (though limited)."
• "Best park parking was £1.60 all day 24hrs."

Cons:

• "Parking your car can be an issue especially in town."
• "Next to impossible to park near though!"
• "The whole town feels friendly, but the traffic was heavy, and parking difficult."
• "Plenty of parking, either move the car or tackle the steps from the river to the castle."
• "Parking is available close by, if you are fit."
• "I will have to say if you have mobility problems then think twice about getting down to the river it's a very steep climb back up to the top."
• "Not good for mobility impaired up the castle steps if mobility is severely impaired."

Scenery & Location

Pros:

• "The views across the River Nidd gorge were amazing."
• "The Castle ruins are worth a visit and the views down the river are gorgeous."
• "Beautiful views down from the castle across the water and viaduct."
• "You can see up and down River Nidd from here ....on to the viaduct and surrounding area."
• "Knaresbroough castle and museum is located in a beautiful area with fantastic views over the river."
• "The views from there are stunning."
• "Wonderful view of knaresborough High Bridge and river."

Cons:

• "The walk up from the river takes just a few minutes. It's not suitable for buggies, wheel chairs or anyone with issues walking up lots of steps."
• "Once you cross the bridge you can't continue your walk back from the other side of the river as it looked like it was a private path so you have to come back from the same side."
• "If you don't manage steep hills well then you won't see the whole gardens."
• "We visited yesterday I must admit the weather was very poor cold and misty the castle ruins looked quite mysterious and sinister the views we’d hoped for where somewhat poor we will definitely come back another day."
• "The views were wonderful."
• "The views across the valley here are truly beautiful."
• "The view here is breath taking... the river with a bridge and passing trains that fascinate toddlers, boats and lots of greenery."