Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum combines dramatic ruined fortifications overlooking the River Nidd with an adjoining museum interpreting local and judicial history. Founded around 1100 on a high cliff above the river, the castle was a favored royal residence, including for King John who enjoyed hunting in the surrounding forest. At the heart of the museum lies the original Elizabethan courtroom with 16th-century benches and panelling, supplemented by hands-on activities in the 'Life in a Castle' gallery and Civil War costumes for visitor participation. Located in the town centre near the market place, it operates Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm April-October and Wednesday-Saturday 10am-3:30pm November-March, with castle grounds open year-round 24 hours daily.
