The market town Knaresborough looked an ideal stopping point en route to London by car, just off the A1 and with stunning views from the castle which was a stronghold of medieval kings, across the River Nidd and viaduct. It's also near Mother Shipton's Cave, named after England's most famous Prophetess who lived some 500 years ago during the reign of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. The cave is her legendary birthplace and near to a geological phenomenon, the Petrifying Well, England's oldest visitor attraction. Sadly, the weather closed in and driving down the rain-soaked A1, allied to an extensive delay because of traffic through Newcastle, meant it was closed when we got there. We had a walk but a chill wind forced us back to the Orchard Club Hotel situated near the centre of town. It's on the main road and easy to spot but finding the car park up a tight alleyway was a pain. We got there in the end. It is Grade II listed and was formerly the Newton House Hotel. Each room is named and styled with a particular fruit as its inspiration. Ours was comfortable if a tad old fashioned for our taste. It had everything you needed and we slept well despite our room overlooking a busy main road rear traffic lights. The breakfast choice was extensive and other guests were using it as a convenient location for touring to places like Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, York and, of course, Mother Shipton's Cave.
Excellent
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