UK market town that’s so pretty it’s a Christmas movie filming location

If you’re looking for a day out that will give you serious cosy, Christmas film vibes, then there’s a charming market town in the UK that’s about to be seen on screen. 

Knaresborough in Yorkshire is the setting of Sky Original Christmas film Tinsel Town, which will be available to stream on Sky Cinema and NOW from tomorrow (December 5). Earlier this year, locals spotted Hollywood A-listers such as Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson filming in the town, and the film also includes a talented cast including Derek Jacobi.

However, it’s not the first time the town has been used as a filming location. TV movie A Very British Christmas, currently available on Amazon Prime, was also filmed in many spots around the town. 

This weekend, the mood will be extra festive with the Christmas market running on December 6 and 7. Centred around Knaresborough’s historic Market Place, there will be independent traders, local foods to try, and fun festive activities for all the family.

One location that movie buffs might recognise is the Green Dragon Yard, which was recently used for filming. This historic square will also be lit up for Christmas and features a vintage shop and cosy, slightly-eccentric tearoom that visitors will love. 

Another spot where filming crews were spotted was Castlegate, which also has lots of independent shops to explore, as well as cafes and restaurants set among the winding, cobbled street.

Visit Knaresborough Castle, home to medieval kings and once the site of the town’s courthouse and prison. The castle is in ruins, which sit perched on the River Nidd, although there is a courthouse museum where many salvaged pieces of furniture and artefacts have been recovered from the building’s old life.

From the castle, you can get amazing views across Knaresborough Viaduct, one of the town’s most iconic sights. Trains run regularly to and from Harrogate, and the viaduct comes with an interesting back story. While being constructed, with an optimistic completion date set for 1848, it collapsed just before it was finished. Witness accounts say the sound of falling debris reverberated around the town, lasting as long as five minutes. 

The outrage generated by the collapse, blamed on poor quality materials and clueless workmen, led to the railway companies and contractors being hauled into court and fined. Although the two months of heavy rainfall were also blamed on its demise. 

The existing viaduct has managed to avoid any further collapses and has been open since 1851. Get up close and you can see the locally quarried sandstone it was built with. 

One attraction not to be missed is Mother Shipton’s Cave, said to be the birthplace of a prophetess who became the stuff of local legends. This atmospheric cave is set in a park with a petrifying well, which was once thought to have healing powers. During the festive season, the unique, fairytale vibes create the perfect backdrop for Christmas at Mother Shipton’s, where families can explore a winter wonderland and meet Santa. 

There are a number of cosy spots for weekend getaways in Knaresborough. The Knaresborough Inn sits on a cliff perched over the River Nidd, with its landscaped gardens offering the atmosphere of a country escape. It also has an onsite restaurant with British classics, which changes with the seasons. Rooms start from £98 in December based on two sharing.

There’s also The Mitre, a pub with rooms just a short walk from the train station. It has four rooms available, including an apartment that can sleep up to four people, and rooms start from £150 a night in December. Downstairs, you can sample craft beers, cocktails, and a unique menu inspired by Asian street food. 

Knaresborough is easy to reach from York, with a direct train taking just over 25 minutes. If you’re coming from London, the train journey is about two and a half hours overall, which is much faster than the five hour drive and avoids the traffic. 

If you’ve always dreamed of being in a Christmas movie, grab your cosiest scarf and a hot chocolate, and head to Knaresborough for the perfect backdrop. 

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