Hidden UK town with a medieval market is so picturesque it’s been featured in Christmas films

If you’ve ever watched a Christmas film and wished you could stroll through a charming festive town with a hot chocolate in hand, this might be your chance to do just that.

Earlier this year, this beautiful Yorkshire town became the backdrop for a new Christmas movie, and locals were thrilled to spot famous faces around town.

The Sky Original film Tinsel Town, which premieres on 28 November, stars Hollywood icons Kiefer Sutherland and Rebel Wilson, along with a talented cast including Derek Jacobi and Danny Dyer.

Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

According to YorkshireLive, filming meant that residents got to enjoy twinkling lights and festive decorations for much longer than usual.

Local shop owner Di Watson from Knitting Pretty said, “The town is buzzing with excitement. Knaresborough is a unique, friendly and beautiful place, and we’re so proud to be part of this.”

This isn’t Knaresborough’s first appearance on the big screen. The town was also the main filming location for A Very British Christmas, a TV movie available to rent on Amazon Prime.

If you’re after your own festive day out, Knaresborough is the perfect setting. Start in the cobbled Market Square, surrounded by independent shops and cosy pubs.

The regular market takes place on Wednesdays, but on 6 and 7 December, the Christmas market will arrive with food stalls, crafts and plenty of festive cheer.

Photo © Philip Halling (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Nearby, Green Dragon Yard, which was also used for filming, will be glowing with Christmas lights.

This lovely little courtyard is home to a vintage shop and a quirky tearoom. Film crews were also seen on Castlegate, a narrow street filled with small shops, cafés and other hidden gems.

As its name suggests, Castlegate leads to Knaresborough Castle, which once housed medieval kings and later served as a courthouse and prison.

The castle is now partly in ruins, but the keep still stands tall, and the small museum inside displays original furniture and historical artefacts.

From the castle grounds, you’ll find one of the best views in town, the famous Knaresborough Viaduct.

Trains still cross its stone arches today, heading to and from Harrogate. The viaduct was meant to be completed in 1848, but when it was nearly finished, it collapsed.

Locals at the time said the sound of the falling stones echoed through the valley for almost five minutes.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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