One of the nicest places in North Yorkshire is the old market and spa town of Knaresborough, which is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and has a view of the River Nidd. Its position makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the breathtaking countryside of the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors National Parks. For those who enjoy history, Knaresborough Castle, St. John’s Church, and Knaresborough House were all constructed by the Normans somewhere around 1100 AD. Mother Shipton’s petrifying well, the Courthouse Museum, “Ye Oldest Chymist Shoppe in England,” which dates back to 1720, and the eccentric House in the Rock are some of the town’s additional attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts can go cycling, climbing, fishing, boating, having lovely walks by the river, or just relaxing and taking in the stunning environment. The town core is filled with interesting stores and galleries, and every Wednesday, a vibrant and colourful market is held there. Nearby attractions include the spa town of Harrogate, the magnificent stately residences of Castle Howard and Harewood House, the Cistercian abbeys of Fountains, Rievaulx, and Jervaulx, as well as the castles of Middleham, Bolton, and Richmond. Both Ripon and York are intriguing, mediaeval cathedral cities.