Saturday, July 12, 2025

Day 6: Harrogate & Knaresborough

Kings Cross   head to Hogwarts



Up at 5 a.m., and trying to be as quiet as a mouse as I leave my Airbnb without waking my host, whose bedroom is by the front door.  I have my large suitcase, my carry bag and my camera bag.  I open the door, bring each one into the hallway, and then I quietly close the door.  

I push the elevator button and get the bags into the elevator.  Down two floors to the front door ... and the bus is nearly at the top.  Pure luck. I get on the bus for the short ride (15 minutes) to Kings Cross.  

The M&S does not open until 6:30. I bought a yoghurt, fruit, and a bottle of water, and then headed to Cafe Nero for a vanilla latte.  There are seats where I can watch the departure board.  My train is scheduled to leave at 7:37 a.m., and it is on time.  I had a window seat, and no one sat next to me for the entire journey to Leeds, where I changed for the train in Harrogate.

I texted my friends Michael and Alison Rhodes to let them know I was on my way, and texted them again when I was on the train to Harrogate.  Michael runs the Peerage News blog.


I arrived in Harrogate shortly after 10:00, where Michael and Alison were waiting for me with open arms.  Big Hugs.  Luggage goes into the Mini as we head to their home.  After having a cup of tea and something to eat, Michael and Alison suggest visiting Knaresborough Castle.  

Knaresborough is a quick drive - and the castle is a ruin.

https://great-castles.com/knaresborough.html


The castle is a ruin
the River Nidd


The Manor House is privately owned so no access to the gardens, but the tree is in the next photo
I would love a pink door.
Cute ducks in a store window.  Thankfully, the store was closed; otherwise, the ducks might now be in Virginia.
Pet toys in a local shop window

Alison parked the car not too far from the castle. The weather was glorious. To get back down to the river, we followed a series of steps to get to the River Nidd. We sat and watched boaters on the river enjoying a late spring early evening.  Knaresborough is very hilly, which meant walking back up to the car.

I definitely got my steps in while walking around and up and down in Knaresborough.

While at Knaresborough, I spotted a man wearing a Nats cap.  Quite fun to run into another Nats fan!!!!

Back in Harrogate, we had dinner at the Mucky Duck, down the street from the Rhodes' home.  A great 
place to relax.  The food and beer are excellent.


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