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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

The Irish Suna day ago
Check out where to visit from a Sun writer who grew up in the town
LITTLE ITALY The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the 'Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Yorkshire town of Knaresborough has been compared to Italy
Credit: Alamy
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Here are some of Heritage Week's 2,347 events you should check out
Here are some of Heritage Week's 2,347 events you should check out

RTÉ News​

timean hour ago

  • RTÉ News​

Here are some of Heritage Week's 2,347 events you should check out

Analysis: Heritage Week must-sees include Claddagh rings, medieval armoury, urban walking tours, soda bread and scything championships Here we go again! It's National Heritage Week, that glorious week of the year eagerly anticipated by enthusiasts of Irish history and heritage like myself. Organised by the Heritage Council, the week celebrates all things heritage with a variety of events around the island of Ireland that brings together communities, families, organisations, cultural institutions and enthusiasts, to build awareness about the value of heritage. It's a testament to the level of interest that the week has grown greatly since since the Heritage Council assumed responsibility for it in 2005. The week from August 16th to 24th offers everyone a chance to engage with heritage. Heritage fosters community identity, is central to our tourism industry and plays an important role in wellbeing. Even those who have not had an opportunity to formally study history can find their imaginations ignited by heritage. Events are in plain English, are very accessible and welcome for all. The fact that National Heritage Week takes place in the final peak boredom weeks of the school summer holidays, with many child-friendly free events, allows parents to introduce their children to heritage in an affordable way (most of the events are free). From RTÉ Archives, Samantha Libreri reports for RTÉ News on people take part in 'Digging History' at Swords Castle during Heritage Week 2015 Much of National Heritage Week is dependent to a large extent on the work and enthusiasm of volunteers and local heritage groups. These people are passionate about our heritage and willing to offer their own invaluable time and expertise for free. They should be applauded for their efforts. As always my chief complaint is that it is just not long enough: a fortnight, or even a month, would be more appropriate to celebrate the heritage of a country steeped in such vast history and tradition. At the time of writing, there are an eye-watering 2,347 listings on the website. These are my personal picks of events and I've tried to pick a range as widely dispersed around the country as possible. You can make your own list by using the What's On tab on the Heritage Week website to filter events by county and 'hearting' an event you like to keep your choices together. For heritage lovers, it's a bit like getting the highlighting pen out for the Christmas RTE Guide! As I said, the majority of the events are free, but some are not and it is worth checking this beforehand. Some may involve pre booking to attend so do check the details of each via the website. Happy Heritage Week! Holy wells in Roscommon, Galway, Cork and Carlow With around 3,000 holy wells dotted around Ireland one would expect many events listed for heritage week on that topic, and there are. A documentary screening of Echoes of Faith: The Holy Wells of West Cork in Bantry highlights the importance of west Cork's holy wells, while in Carlow a lecture with Dr. Bruce Misstear will explore the hydrology of holy wells, There are exhibitions of holy wells in Galway and Roscommon. 18th century architecture in Limerick and Dublin If you have not yet been to the Casino in Marino in person, then why not? It is an absolute delight to experience this beautiful building in real life and it is an icon of Irish neoclassical architectural design. For Heritage Week, a special tour offers an in-depth exploration of how the Classical civilisations of Greece and Rome influenced the design of the Casino. 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A talk by ANU co-founder Louise Lowe will discuss that theatre company's creative approach to partnering with Dublin Port to create a series of historically grounded performances exploring themes of labour, conflict, memory, and identity. Serving as a reminder of our shared all-island heritage, a walking tour of Belfast's hidden history explores how that city developed over the last eight centuries. From RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Heritage Director at Dublin Port Company Lar Joyce on how the rich 300 year history of Dublin Port has been mapped for the first time as part of a new conservation study Traditional Irish food in Tipperary, Roscommon, Carlow and Dublin Two events in Tipperary highlight traditional Irish food: a talk by Terry Cunningham explores Irish food history including ancient farming and feasting traditions, while Peter Ward talks of Irish cuisine with an honourable mention given to Irish soda bread. 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In Kilkenny an event looks at the sustainable use and repair of scythes, once ubiquitous to the harvest and now no longer in common use. This takes place alongside the national scything championships - if you need an explanation, there is an introduction to scything in Monaghan. There are also seasonal 'harvest knots' workshops in Sligo and Ballymote libraries, showcasing how to make these charming lapel decorations, once associated with romance during harvest time in Ireland. Ceramics in Clare, Mayo and Laois There are not huge differences between ancient and contemporary pottery in terms of materials and techniques and some workshops during heritage week aim to show this. One in Clare shows how to build and decorate your own clay pot, another workshop in Mayo explores the art of making traditional Irish-inspired vessels and a similar workshop in Laois is aimed at getting children involved. Warriors and weapons in Offaly, Meath and Cork With the 30th anniversary of Braveheart in the news recently, what better excuse for fans to reacquaint themselves with Trim Castle? This is where some of the film was shot and where there is a medieval armoury display for Heritage Week. On a similar theme, the romantic ruins of Clonmacnoise evoke not only our monastic heritage but provide an appropriate setting for a talk on how the site played host to agitation, propaganda battles, burial and commemoration through the ages. To commemorate one of our greatest warriors, the wonderful Michael Collins' House Museum in Clonakilty has free admission to mark the anniversary of his death on August 22nd. Neolithic archaeology in Sligo Sligo is fast becoming acknowledged as the neolithic capital of Ireland with the growing awareness of the important monuments there, thanks to the ongoing UNESCO World Heritage bid for the Passage Tomb Landscape of the county. 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The Greek island untouched by tourists with white beaches and rolling hills
The Greek island untouched by tourists with white beaches and rolling hills

The Irish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The Greek island untouched by tourists with white beaches and rolling hills

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The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue
The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue

The Irish Sun

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  • The Irish Sun

The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue

And many festivals are happening this month ON TRACK The most scenic train ride from Dublin that visits golden beaches, charming pubs, treetop spa and open air music venue TAKE a look at the beautiful destinations in Northern Ireland that are just a train ride away from Dublin. Northern Ireland is popular among Irish and international tourists due to its unique historical sites such as the Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Belfast. 5 The Grand Central Station in Belfast is the perfect travel hub for tourists Credit: Discover Northern Ireland 5 The station offers services to popular travel hotspots in Northern Ireland Credit: Discover Northern Ireland 5 Many festivals and fairs are happening this month Credit: Discover Northern Ireland And Discover Northern Ireland has created the following itineraries for four hotspots that tourists can follow if they wish to explore the hidden gems of the island's northern part. 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