Historic Knaresborough pub reopens

Historic Knaresborough pub reopens after £250,000 transformation. A historic Knaresborough pub dating back to the 17th century has reopened following a £250,000 refurbishment. It is a Grade II listed historic inn beside the River Nidd at Low Bridge. Historic England dates the main inn to the 17th century, with later alterations. The pub has also been newly refurbished and reopened under a new tenant in August 2026, according to CAMRA. If you’re adding it to your Knaresborough directory, I’d describe it as “historic riverside pub and restaurant offering traditional food, real ales and a waterside beer garden in one of Knaresborough’s most picturesque locations.”

If you haven’t wandered down to Knaresborough’s Low Bridge recently, there’s now another reason to make the trip.

One of the town’s most historic riverside pubs, the Mother Shipton Inn, has reopened following an impressive £250,000 transformation.

The Grade II listed inn officially welcomed customers back on Thursday, 27 August 2026, with Matt Chapman at the helm and a fresh new look for this centuries-old Knaresborough landmark.

🍺 A Knaresborough pub with centuries of history

This isn’t just another pub reopening.

Dating back to the 17th century, the Mother Shipton Inn is believed to have originally been built as a gatehouse before later becoming an inn.

Named after Knaresborough’s legendary Yorkshire prophetess Mother Shipton, it is a building packed with local history.

And then there’s the location.

Sitting beside the River Nidd at Low Bridge, beneath Knaresborough’s spectacular gorge, it occupies one of the most picturesque spots in town.

🌿 Fancy a drink beside the River Nidd?

The £250,000 refurbishment has breathed new life into the historic inn while giving visitors another place to eat, drink and relax when exploring Knaresborough.

You can expect:

• Traditional pub food
• Real ales
• A waterside beer garden
• A historic riverside setting
• Easy access to Knaresborough’s riverside walks and attractions

On a sunny afternoon, that waterside beer garden could prove particularly tempting.

🚶 Make it part of a day exploring Knaresborough

The Mother Shipton Inn is also perfectly placed if you’re spending a day discovering the town.

Take a walk beside the River Nidd, explore Knaresborough Castle, admire the famous railway viaduct, browse the independent shops and cafés, and then wander down towards Low Bridge for something to eat or drink.

It’s the sort of location that reminds you why Knaresborough attracts visitors from across Yorkshire and much further afield.

❤️ An old favourite begins a new chapter.

Following a period of change and temporary closures, the investment marks an important fresh start for one of Knaresborough’s best-known historic pubs.

For locals, it’s a chance to rediscover an old favourite.

For visitors, it’s another historic place to add to the list when exploring Knaresborough.

And with £250,000 invested, centuries of history and the River Nidd flowing past the beer garden, the newly reopened Mother Shipton Inn could be well worth a visit to see what has changed.