If you have 6 hours or half a day to spend in Knaresborough, there are several things you can do to make the most of your time:
1. Visit Knaresborough Castle: The castle dates back to the 12th century and offers scenic views of the River Nidd and the town of Knaresborough. You can easily spend 1-2 hours exploring the castle ruins and learning about its history.
2. Walk along the River Nidd: The river runs through the heart of Knaresborough and offers picturesque views of the town, the castle, and the surrounding countryside. You can stroll along the riverbank for as long as you like, taking in the scenery and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
3. Visit Mother Shipton's Cave: This attraction features a petrifying well and a cave that is said to have been home to a prophetess in the 16th century. You can take a guided tour of the cave and learn about Mother Shipton's life and prophecies. This could take about 1-2 hours.
4. Explore the town centre: Knaresborough has a charming town centre with cobbled streets, independent shops, and historic buildings. You can spend an hour or two browsing the shops, stopping for coffee or lunch, and admiring the architecture.
5. Take a boat ride on the River Nidd: You can hire a rowing boat or take a guided boat tour along the river. This would be a great way to see the town from a different perspective and enjoy the scenery around the River Nidd. This could take 1-2 hours depending on your preference.
Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Knaresborough for a half day visit, and you can choose the ones that interest you the most based on your preferences.