The town has been used as the backdrop for several festive films, including Tinsel Town, which is set to premiere in November, and there are plenty of things to do in the town
Natalie King Travel Journalist and Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor
16:38, 10 Nov 2025
Knaresborough has plenty of history and things to see and do(Image: Getty)
If you’ve ever watched a Christmas film and fantasised about strolling through a charming, festive village with a steaming hot chocolate in hand like one of the characters, this could be your opportunity. Earlier this year, locals in the stunning Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough delighted in celebrity spotting as filming crews arrived in the area.
Sky Original Christmas film Tinsel Town is scheduled to debut on November 28 and will feature Hollywood stars Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson. They will appear alongside an outstanding supporting cast including Derek Jacobi and Danny Dyer.
According to YorkshireLive, the production process meant residents were able to appreciate their seasonal decorations throughout the town for an extended period, with local business owner Di Watson, from Knitting Pretty, commenting: “The town is buzzing with excitement. Knaresborough is a unique, beautiful, friendly town and we’re delighted to be part of this.”
However, this isn’t the first occasion Knaresborough has been selected as the setting for a Christmas production. Television film A Very British Christmas, which can be rented on Amazon Prime, was also primarily filmed throughout the town.
Tinsel Town stars Rebel Wilson (left) is set to be released later this year(Image: MCPIX)
Therefore, if you’re seeking your own seasonal escapade, Knaresborough might provide the ideal setting. An excellent starting point would be the cobbled Market Square, which is surrounded by independent retailers and welcoming pubs, according to the Express.
The regular market operates on Wednesdays, whilst on December 6 and 7, there will be a Christmas market featuring seasonal food vendors, handcrafted goods, and much more. In the vicinity, the Green Dragon Yard, a recent filming location, will be adorned with festive decorations.
This charming historic square is home to a vintage shop and an eccentric tearoom. The production crew was also seen along Castlegate, a winding, narrow street brimming with independent shops, cafes, and other unique spots.
As the name implies, Castlegate leads to the entrance of Knaresborough Castle, once the residence of medieval kings and also served as a courthouse and prison. Although the castle is now in ruins, a keep still stands, and there’s a courthouse museum showcasing many pieces of the original furniture.
It’s also one of the prime locations to view the town’s most iconic sight, Knaresborough Viaduct, where trains can be seen travelling to and from Harrogate. The viaduct was initially slated for completion in 1848, but it collapsed just before its completion.
Historical records suggest that the noise from the falling masonry lasted nearly five minutes.
The viaduct’s collapse sparked local outrage, attributed to substandard materials and workmanship, coupled with two months of heavy rainfall, causing the river to swell. Thousands of fish perished due to the high limestone content in the water.
However, the resilient town decided to rebuild the viaduct, and the existing structure has stood since 1851, constructed from robust stone sourced from a nearby quarry.
For a cosy pre-Christmas weekend getaway, consider the Knaresborough Inn. Perched above the River Nidd and surrounded by landscaped gardens, this inn offers a slightly quirky yet warm atmosphere.
With beautifully adorned rooms and a dining room serving hearty British classics, rooms start from £95 per night for two in November.
Knaresborough is the perfect backdrop for a festive film(Image: Getty)
Nearby the train station, you’ll find The Mitre, a pub renowned for its craft beers and cocktails, and an intriguing menu inspired by Asian street food. It boasts four rooms, including an apartment that can accommodate up to four guests.
Double rooms start at £110 per night in November. So, if you’re yearning for a holiday experience reminiscent of a Christmas film, wrap up in your warmest scarf and make your way to Knaresborough this winter. Just a two-and-a-half-hour train journey from London, with a changeover in York, it promises to be the ideal festive setting.
However, we can’t guarantee you’ll fall head over heels for a charming local shop owner during your visit.
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