Knaresborough - Riverside & Castle

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Spy Mission around Knaresborough Riverside & Castle, with Agents recruited by Spy HQ as youthful-looking secret agents to crack a series of clues and unlock a mysterious elixir hidden in a locked box, while Dr Boe Tocks and his henchmen try to get there first.

The operation covers 2 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin at the stone market cross in Market Place, follow ancient walkways, cobbled paths, lanes, hills and quiet roads, head down towards Knaresborough train station, investigate riverside areas and Waterside, then continue through Bebra Gardens and the castle grounds before looping back towards Market Place.

This Trail is unsuitable for wheelchair and pushchair users. The route includes some steps and steep sections, as well as a subway under the trainline, grassy riverside areas and the castle grounds.

Take care on roads and near the river. Waterside may feel pedestrianised, but traffic also uses it, so keep Mini Agents close and stay alert while gathering your intel.

Getting There

By car: The mission begins at the stone market cross at the centre of Market Place (HG5 8AG). York Place (HG5 0AD) is the cheapest long stay parking for your spy mobile. Castle Yard Car Park (HG5 8AR) allows up to 4 hours and is nearer the start.

By public transport: Make your way to the stone market cross at the centre of Market Place to begin the operation. The route also goes down to Knaresborough train station during the mission.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at several well-signed spots along the route. You'll find them in Fisher Street car park near the start, in Castle Yard near the finish, and along the riverside after Clue 13, with toilets also mentioned along Waterside.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If four-legged Agents are joining your squad, plan for a varied and hilly route. 🐾

The mission follows ancient walkways, cobbled paths, quiet roads, lanes, grassy riverside areas, steps and steep sections. Keep canine recruits close around roads, Waterside traffic and the river, and be ready for a proper leg-stretch through the castle grounds and riverside sections.

Food & Drink Stops

Espionage is hungry work, so stock up on snacks or grab refreshments in Market Place before you start, or along the riverside later in the mission. You're also never too far from a pub or cafe in Knaresborough.

On a nice day, Bebra Gardens is a nice spot for a picnic towards the end of the Trail. There is also an optional detour before Clue 14 for a picnic along the river.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Knaresborough Castle

The mission enters the castle grounds through the East Gate, bringing Agents into one of Knaresborough's big historic highlights. The castle dates from 1130, and the route also takes in the old moat, the Sallyports and fine views of the viaduct and River Nidd.

Mother Shipton's Cave

This optional detour across the bridge adds a proper dose of legend to the operation. Ursula Southeil is said to have been born in a cave beside the Nidd in 1488, later becoming known as a soothsayer and prophetess. The Petrifying Well is said to be England's oldest tourist attraction that charges for admission, having opened in 1630. Admission charges apply.

Bebra Gardens

Towards the end of the mission, the route passes through Bebra Gardens near the pool, with the map pointing towards the public toilets. It's also a handy picnic spot, ideal for letting Agents pause, regroup and compare suspicious theories before the final stretch.

Waterside Scenic Detour

If your squad has time for extra reconnaissance, an optional scenic detour continues along Waterside for 300m, crossing over Briggate to Abbey Road. This takes you to the Chapel of our Lady of the Crag, The House in the Rock and a series of wood sculptures.

Butter Lane

This narrow medieval alleyway is a small but characterful piece of Knaresborough history. It used to be an ideal place for selling butter, with its narrowness and tall buildings helping to protect produce from the sun - useful shade for dairy sellers and Agents alike.