If you’ve ever daydreamed about meandering through a picturesque, festive village with a warm hot chocolate in hand like a character in a Christmas movie, now’s your chance.
Earlier this year, residents in the charming Yorkshire town of Knaresborough were thrilled to spot celebrities as film crews descended on the area. The upcoming Sky Original Christmas film, Tinsel Town, set to premiere on November 28, will star Hollywood icons Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson, alongside a talented supporting cast including Derek Jacobi and Danny Dyer.
As reported by YorkshireLive, the filming process allowed locals to enjoy festive decorations around town for an extended period. Shop owner Di Watson from Knitting Pretty expressed the town’s excitement, saying, “Knaresborough is a special, lovely, welcoming town, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this.”
Knaresborough has previously been chosen as the backdrop for a seasonal film, including the television movie A Very British Christmas, available on Amazon Prime, which extensively used the town as a filming location.
For those seeking a holiday escape, Knaresborough offers a perfect setting. The Market Square, with its cobblestone paths surrounded by independent shops and cozy pubs, is a great starting point. The town’s regular market operates on Wednesdays, with a special Christmas market on December 6 and 7 featuring seasonal treats and handcrafted goods.
Nearby, Green Dragon Yard, another filming location, will be adorned with festive embellishments. The historic square features a vintage shop and an eccentric tearoom. Film crews were also spotted along Castlegate, a quaint street lined with unique shops and cafes.
Castlegate leads to Knaresborough Castle, once a royal residence and now a historic site. The castle, although in ruins, still houses a museum with original furniture. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the iconic Knaresborough Viaduct, a renowned sight where trains travel to and from Harrogate.
The viaduct, completed in 1851 after an initial collapse during construction, stands as a testament to the town’s resilience. It is made of sturdy stone sourced from a nearby quarry.
For a cozy pre-Christmas weekend getaway, consider staying at Knaresborough Inn, overlooking the River Nidd with landscaped gardens. The inn offers uniquely decorated rooms and serves traditional British dishes in its dining room, with room rates starting at £95 for two in November.
Just a short distance from the train station is The Mitre, a pub known for its craft beers, cocktails, and Asian-inspired cuisine. The pub offers four rooms, including an apartment for up to four guests, with rates starting at £110 per night in November.
If you’re longing for a retreat that feels like stepping into a Christmas movie, Knaresborough is the place to be this winter. A mere two-and-a-half-hour train journey from London via York, it promises a festive atmosphere, though we can’t guarantee a charming local shop owner will sweep you off your feet during your visit.
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