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The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the ‘Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats

The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the ‘Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats

Scottish Suna day ago
IN Yorkshire is one of the UK's most beautiful towns - and it's even been compared to Italy.
Knaresborough has waterways and plenty of boats, so it's not too hard to see the comparison, especially in the summertime.
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Knaresborough is a beautiful town in Yorkshire
Credit: Alamy
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It's even been compared to looking like Italy
Credit: Alamy
On social media, one visitor recently called Knaresborough "the Italy of England."
It showed visitors paddling along the River Nidd looking up at the towering viaduct, and tourists pottering around the town's winding streets.
In Knaresborough, you'll also find riverside cafes, steep little streets, and plenty of historic attractions too.
It's widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the country.
On the social media post, another person commented: "It's one of my favourite places in the whole world."
Knaresborough is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly along the River Nidd where locals and tourists can hire out boats and paddleboards - much like they do in certain Italian destinations.
The town is known for having a huge viaduct which carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd.
It's a big attraction that draws in lots of visitors every year.
Knaresborough is also home to the oldest tourist attraction in England, Mother Shipton's Cave.
The cave is the birthplace of England's most famous prophetess, Mother Shipton.
The UK towns with such magnificent scenery they're known as 'Little Switzerland'
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There are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants
Credit: Alamy
Mother Shipton predicted lots of historical events, including the great fire of London and the black death.
Inside the cave is a Petrifying Well, where objects can be seen turned to stone.
The attraction sits on the banks of the River Nidd and tourists have been charged to go inside since the year 1630.
Knaresborough also has a ruined fortress which lots of visitors have said is the best place to get views "over the town, river and viaduct."
Find out more about Knaresborough from someone who grew up there.
She has all the top tips including where to hire out a boat to take it down the River Nidd.
Her favourite riverside cafe is called Marigolds and she has a suggestion of pubs around the town.
One of her favourites is Carriages, which she described as having a "cosy atmosphere and tasty food".
In the summer, it's a great spot for pretty views of Knaresborough train station.
Plus, discover the UK's best seaside destinations revealed – with a small English resort making the top 10 for the first time.
And see more quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.
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The holiday car hire firm ‘stealing £1,000s from Brits with bullying tactics' as horrified tourists ‘assaulted' by staff
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Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CUT-PRICE car rentals might be hard to resist but some bargain bucket deals are allegedly taking tourists for a ride. Angry British holidaymakers reeled in by prices as low as £7 accuse Croatian-based Carwiz of bullying sales tactics, fabricating damage, verbal abuse and even assault. 8 Simone Baron caught a Carwiz rep on camera as he appeared to manhandle her from the counter, before telling her sister Nicole: 'F*** off" Credit: Darren Fletcher 8 Carwiz operates in 450 locations worldwide, with franchises across Europe, Asia and as far away as Miami Credit: LinkedIn Online reviews of the firm's franchises seen by The Sun allege staff have forged documents, up-sold unnecessary insurance, and taken unauthorised payments from credit cards. 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Amanda Holden shrugs off Netflix show axe as she parties with Britain's Got Talent co-star Alesha Dixon on boat
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Scottish Sun

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Amanda Holden shrugs off Netflix show axe as she parties with Britain's Got Talent co-star Alesha Dixon on boat

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