Major maintenance work to begin at Knaresborough Castle after campaign to save landmark

Essential repair work is finally set to begin at Knaresborough Castle following growing concerns over the condition of the historic North Yorkshire landmark.

The long-awaited maintenance programme was confirmed by councillor Matt Walker, who has been campaigning for action since being elected to North Yorkshire Council in 2022.

In an update shared on Facebook, Cllr Walker revealed that planned repairs and conservation work will begin “in earnest” over the coming weeks as part of the council’s wider five-year plan for the castle.

The medieval castle, which overlooks the River Nidd and is one of North Yorkshire’s best-known tourist attractions, is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and managed by North Yorkshire Council.

Vegetation removal and safety work to start in June

The first phase of work will focus on removing vegetation that has been growing across sections of the castle keep and historic perimeter walls.

According to Cllr Walker, the overgrowth has caused concerns around instability and safety at parts of the site.

Specialist contractors using climbing equipment are expected to begin work from late June in order to safely clear the vegetation and protect the historic stonework from further deterioration.

Cllr Walker said:

“I’m pleased to confirm that, over the coming weeks, planned maintenance and repairs will begin in earnest.”

The update comes after campaigners launched a “Save Knaresborough Castle” petition last year calling for urgent restoration and preservation work.

Conservation plan being developed with Historic England

Cllr Walker also confirmed that a specialist conservation consultant has now been appointed to create a Conservation Management Plan alongside Historic England.

The plan will help shape the long-term future of the castle, including maintenance, preservation and future improvements.

He added:

“This plan will guide the long-term protection, maintenance and future improvements of the Castle, helping to ensure it is properly cared for and preserved for generations to come.”

“I look forward to celebrating the Castle’s 900th birthday in 2030.”

The historic castle remains one of the most visited attractions in Knaresborough and is a major draw for tourists visiting the Harrogate district and wider North Yorkshire area.