Local independent shops Zigzag Cards & Gifts (opposite Tesco Express) and Twig & Ink at Wild Orchid are a must visit for cards, Christmas gifts and clothing, whilst Corrine Hide also has a great selection of quality leather goods. If you fancy a pie or sweet treat, look no further than the ever popular Hirst's Bakery. Further up the High Street opposite the bus station, you'll find award winning holistic crystal shop The Crystal Buddha, retro Pear Records and boutique lingerie and swimwear shop Sheer Bliss.

Wander down the High Street and you'll pass The Music Bank (a must visit for any guitar or music lovers), Wilkinsons Butchers (another source of excellent pies!), Jovial Antiques and The Clothing Store of Knaresborough, as well as popular cafes, McQueens and No Place Like Home, tapas bar Berry's Tavern, 1858 Bar & Restaurant, children's cafe The Hungry Caterpillar (complete with soft play), the Knaresborough Pop-up Shop, Carriages Bistro (with indoor and outdoor seating) and Knaresborough's Exotic Pet Rescue Centre.

To visit the St John's Christmas Tree Festival and Knaresborough's Victorian railway station from the High Street, turn left in front of Wetherspoons and then right down Kirkgate to the pedestrian crossing over the tracks.