Knaresborough

At the bottom of a precipitously deep, rocky gorge along the River Nidd, the little town of Knaresborough could hardly be more photogenic. It's best seen from a train, crossing the high Victorian viaduct above. In summer you can rent a boat and row down the slow-moving river, or stroll through the town's square, site of a market since the early 14th century. On the top of the hill are the ruins of the castle where Richard II was imprisoned for a night in 1399.