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From Platform Pints to Riverside Ales: A Day in Knaresborough’s Pubs
I spent the day exploring a great run of pubs around Knaresborough, starting right on the station platform at The Track & Sleeper. From there I worked my way through the town, stopping at places like The Mitre, The Worlds End, Mother Shipton Inn and the Half Moon by the river. Each pub had its own character, from old stone interiors and cosy corners to bright rooms and riverside beer gardens. I enjoyed some excellent Yorkshire ales along the way and had a few friendly chats too. I finished the trip with a visit to Rooster’s Brewing Co. taproom, rounding off a relaxed day of good pubs and great beer.
Knaresborough is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, known for its castle ruins, winding streets and views over the River Nidd. The town grew around Knaresborough Castle, which was built by the Normans in the 1100s and later played a role in royal power struggles during medieval times. Over the centuries it became a busy market centre and a stopping point for travellers. Knaresborough is also linked to the famous local prophetess Mother Shipton, whose cave still draws visitors today. With its riverside walks, old pubs and rich history, the town has long been a place where people come to explore, relax and enjoy Yorkshire charm.
The Track & Sleeper
My first stop was literally on the platform as I got off the train and was to The Track & Sleeper. The Track & Sleeper opened in June 2021 on Platform 2 of Knaresborough’s historic railway station, bringing life back to former waiting rooms that had stood quiet for years. The station itself dates from the 19th century, when the railway first linked the town with Leeds and Harrogate. The careful restoration that made the bar possible formed part of a wider station project that won an Urban Heritage Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards, celebrating the sensitive reuse of historic railway buildings. The pub also went on to be named Best Newcomer 2022/23 by the CAMRA Harrogate & Ripon branch.
The inside feels warm and welcoming, with deep teal walls, cream panelling and old fireplaces that give it plenty of character. Leather armchairs and small wooden tables make it easy to settle in, whether you’re by the window watching the trains or tucked near the fire. Soft lighting and little railway touches remind you you’re right at the station without it feeling overdone. Out on the platform, there’s more seating under the canopy, so you can enjoy a drink in the fresh air as trains roll in and out. It’s relaxed, cosy and full of charm.
On the bar a choice of 4 cask ales to choose from, along with a variety of keg options. I went for Ragnar by Rudgate Brewery, a light pale ale with gentle citrus notes that’s smooth and refreshing.
The Mitre
Just over the road from the Railway Station in Knaresborough lies The Mitre. The Mitre stands on the site of a former public house, The Wheatsheaf, which was rebuilt around 1923. Its name honours Bishop William Stubbs (1825–1901), the distinguished theologian, ecclesiastical historian and Bishop of Oxford, who was born in Knaresborough. George A. Moore CBE, K St J, was also born here in 1928; he went on to become a notable industrialist and generous supporter of local causes, and was made a Freeman of Knaresborough in 2000. In more recent years the pub was run by Market Town Taverns before entering a new chapter under Brew York, who took over in May 2024.
Inside feels bright and easy to settle into. Wood floors and polished tables bring warmth, while the high ceilings and big sash windows keep everything light and open. Roller blinds soften the daylight, and simple wall lamps add a gentle glow later on. Seating is a mix of wooden chairs, leather tub seats and checked armchairs, with bench seating tucked under the windows. Framed prints and a few traditional touches sit comfortably alongside Brew York’s signage and beer boards, giving the place a relaxed, well-kept feel that suits this latest chapter.
Drinks wise a choice of 5 cask ales along with a range of 8 keg options. I went for Whip-ma-hop-ma-gate by Brew York, a pale ale with bright citrus and light tropical notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
The Worlds End
A short walk along the riverside in Knaresborough brought me next to The Worlds End. The World’s End stands at Bond End beside the River Nidd, in one of the oldest parts of town. Its unusual name is often linked to local legend and to Knaresborough’s long association with prophecy and folklore, including tales of Mother Shipton. Inns have existed in this riverside spot for centuries, serving travellers crossing High Bridge and traders moving through the market town. Over time it became firmly established as The World’s End, a landmark by the water and a steady presence in local life, watching the river flow past much as it always has.
Inside warm and welcoming, with old stone walls, chunky timber beams and low doorways that show its age. The traditional bar sits at the centre, with comfy seating tucked into different corners, and soft lighting that keeps everything feeling relaxed. A few steps lead through to a bright stone dining area where people gather over drinks and food. Outside, there’s a large beer garden overlooking the River Nidd, and a rooftop terrace with open views across the water — perfect for an easy afternoon by the river.
On the bar 2 cask ales, both being house beers “Worlds End Ale” and “Mother Shipton’s Prophecy” along with a range of keg options. I went for Worlds End Ale by Daleside Brewery, a smooth bitter with gentle malt flavour and a clean finish.
Mother Shipton Inn
A beautiful walk in Knaresborough along Waterside following the river brought me onto Mother Shiptons Inn. The Mother Shipton Inn dates from the 17th century and began life as a gatehouse at the entrance to the Long Walk beside the River Nidd. By the 18th century it was operating as an inn and became known as the Dropping Well, taking its name from the nearby petrifying well. It later adopted the name Mother Shipton, linking it to the famous local prophetess whose cave sits just along the riverside. The building remained in the ownership of the Slingsby family until 1915 and was granted Grade II listed status in 1968, helping preserve one of the town’s oldest pubs.
Inside is low-ceilinged and full of charm, with dark beams, thick stone fireplaces and the sort of uneven walls that tell their own story. Brass candlesticks and old fire irons sit on the mantel beneath a watchful portrait, while soft lamps light small wooden tables and comfy chairs tucked into quiet corners. The rooms lead into one another under heavy beams, making it feel snug and relaxed rather than open and busy. Outside, the beer garden looks out over the river and beyond, with stone paving, picnic benches and gentle lights adding to its easy charm.
On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales, along with a variety of keg options. I went for Blonde by Daleside Brewery, a light blonde ale that’s crisp and refreshing.
The Half Moon
Heading back towards Knaresborough town centre over the bridge brought me into The Half Moon. The Half Moon sits beside the River Nidd on Abbey Road, close to Low Bridge, and has been a familiar part of Knaresborough’s riverside scene for many years. It’s an independent, family-run free house that became known locally for its friendly welcome and mix of ales from Yorkshire breweries. The pub closed for a period around 2011 and reopened in late 2012 after a new independent team took it on, giving it fresh life. Over time it has become a steady favourite with both locals and visitors enjoying the simple pleasures of pub life by the water.
Inside, the Half Moon feels bright and relaxed, with a clean, open layout that makes the most of its riverside setting. Wooden tables and chairs are spaced comfortably across patterned carpet and floorboards, with upholstered bench seating tucked into corners and along the walls. Exposed brick, framed prints and soft lighting — including a glowing fire set into the chimney breast — add warmth without fuss. Large sash windows draw in plenty of natural light. Outside, the enclosed beer garden pairs brick and stone walls with subtle string lights and heaters, offering a sheltered spot for a drink in the open air.
It was great to meet and chat to Tom when I arrived. On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask beers along with a variety of keg options. Also offers coffees, sharing boards and pizzas (check for which days). I went for Black Cherry Porter by Acorn Brewery, a dark porter with sweet cherry flavour and a smooth finish.
George and Dragon
My next visit in Knaresborough was to George and Dragon. The George & Dragon on Briggate is one of Knaresborough’s long-standing pubs, housed in a Grade II listed building dating from around 1733. Sometimes known locally as the “Top House”, it has been part of the town’s social life for centuries. Built in red brick with traditional sash windows, it’s a fine example of an 18th-century inn that has quietly stood the test of time. Through changing fashions and ownerships, it has remained a steady, familiar presence in the heart of this Yorkshire market town.
Inside feels like a proper old pub, with low ceilings crossed by dark wooden beams and textured plaster walls full of character. It’s laid out in cosy sections rather than one big open room, with padded bench seating, solid wooden tables and a traditional tartan carpet underfoot. A small stone fireplace with a dartboard above it, a TV showing the football and even a pool table near the bar all add to the easy, sociable feel. Soft wall lights and warm bulbs by the windows give the place a gentle glow, making it feel comfortable, relaxed and somewhere you can happily settle in for a good while.
On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales along with a variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Bitter by Daleside Brewery, a classic bitter that’s smooth, malty and easy to drink.
The Cross Keys
Up next was The Cross Keys. The Cross Keys stands on Cheapside, close to the market place and castle, and has been part of town life for well over a century. The building dates from the 19th century, growing up as Knaresborough expanded beyond its medieval centre. For many years it operated as a tied house, including a long spell under Tetley’s of Leeds, reflecting the strong link between Yorkshire pubs and regional breweries. In more recent years it became part of the Ossett Brewery estate, continuing its role as a steady, traditional town pub at the heart of local life.
Inside feels warm and easy-going. The space is broken into cosy corners with leather bench seating, sturdy wooden tables and little red candles glowing on the ledges. Brick fireplaces and framed local prints give the rooms a homely touch, while heavy curtains soften the light from the sash windows. Wooden floors and solid square stools keep everything simple and unfussy. There’s a comfortable, lived-in feel throughout, the kind of place where people settle in, chat for hours and feel completely at ease, whether by the fire or tucked into a quiet booth.
On the bar a range of 6 cask ales, 2 ciders and a great selection of keg options. I went for Trip Hop #2 by Ossett Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop flavour that’s crisp and refreshing.
Blind Jack’s
Around the corner was Blind Jack’s. Blind Jack’s stands in Knaresborough’s Market Place in a Grade II-listed building dating from 1741, placing it firmly in the heart of the town’s historic centre. The pub opened in 1991 when Ralph Wilkinson transformed a former antique shop into a traditional alehouse, naming it after John ‘Blind Jack’ Metcalf (1717–1810). Born in a cottage beside the churchyard, Metcalf was blinded by smallpox at six yet became a musician, guide, horseman, trader and pioneering road builder. He died in 1810 and is buried in Spofforth churchyard. In 2025 Blind Jack’s was named Best Beer Pub in the Great British Pub Awards.
Inside is spread over two snug floors, with old stained-glass signs in the red entrance still pointing the way to the Tap Room and Bar Parlour. Downstairs, low beams and a patterned ceiling sit above brick walls covered in vintage ale signs, pictures and old mirrors. Fairy lights run along the edges of the room and little lamps give everything a soft, golden glow. Upstairs is even cosier, with deep red walls packed with framed paintings and blue-and-white plates. There’s a dark fireplace, candles on the hearth and worn wooden floors underfoot — warm, relaxed and easy to settle into.
On the bar a brilliant line up of 6 cask lines along with a brilliant choice of craft keg lines. I went for The Joy of Sesh by New Bristol Brewery, a light pale ale with fresh citrus hop flavour that’s crisp and easy to drink.
Six Poor Folk
The last call of the day on in Knaresborough was to Six Poor Folk. Six Poor Folk occupies what is known as Knaresborough Almshouse, a building whose mouldings and roof structure suggest a date before 1500, perhaps as early as around 1450. Originally one large and impressive structure, it was recorded in the Survey of 1611 as a hospital for six poor folk, giving rise to its enduring name. For centuries it stood close to the market place as the town evolved around it. In 2017, following careful restoration, the historic building reopened as a licensed café bar and bistro, bringing this remarkable piece of late medieval Knaresborough back into everyday use.
Inside, it feels relaxed and full of character. Low timber beams and deep blue walls give it warmth, while the old stone fireplace and soft leather chairs make it easy to settle in. Simple wooden tables, hanging lights and shelves of cakes add to the homely feel, and upstairs there’s a cosy room with patterned wall hangings and soft lighting around a long table by the window. Outside, the beer garden is a sheltered little courtyard with wooden benches, heaters and fairy lights. There’s covered seating at the back too, so it’s a lovely spot for a drink whatever the weather.
A great line up on the bar of 4 cask lines along with a great choice of craft keg lines. I went for Cosmic Cat by Turning Point Brew Co., a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
Rooster’s Brewing Co
On the way back from Knaresborough on I got off at Hornbeam Park for a short walk to Rooster’s Brewing Co. Rooster’s Brewing Co. was founded in 1993 in Yorkshire with a clear aim: to brew more flavourful, hop-forward beers at a time when that wasn’t common in Britain. It quickly gained attention for its bold pale ales, especially Yankee, which became its best-known beer and helped build its reputation across the country. In 2011, the brewery changed ownership but remained independent and family-run. Since then, it has continued to grow while staying true to its Yorkshire roots, building on more than three decades of brewing characterful, modern beers with a strong sense of identity.
The taproom at Rooster’s Brewing Co. opened in 2019 when the brewery relocated from Knaresborough to a larger site at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate. It’s a spacious, industrial-style room with exposed steel ceilings, warm lighting and long wooden tables that suit everything from family outings to big group catch-ups. Large windows look straight into the brewhouse, keeping the connection to the tanks front and centre. Bold, graphic beer posters add colour to the walls, while outside there’s a beer garden with picnic benches, festoon lights and a small stage. Regular food vendors serve street-food favourites alongside the beer.
A fantastic line up on the bar with 8 cask ales, along with 7 keg lines to choose from with a variety of styles and strengths on offer. I went for XV by Rooster’s Brewing Co., a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop flavour that’s crisp and refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 