St Robert's Cave
Discover St. Robert's Cave, a secluded medieval hermitage carved into a cliff face, once home to a 12th-century saint.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for the walk
St Robert's Cave
Best Time
Best light for the walk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover St. Robert's Cave, a secluded medieval hermitage carved into a cliff face, once home to a 12th-century saint.
"A fascinating glimpse into medieval life, though the steps are a challenge!"
🔦 Bring a Torch!
The cave is dark inside; a torch is essential for seeing the carvings.
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The steps down to the cave are rough and can be precarious.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Robert's Cave Interior
Base of the cliff
Explore the small, dark cave with fascinating carvings etched into every surface by Saint Robert himself.
Riverside Walk
Along the River Nidd
Enjoy a scenic walk along Abbey Road, passing stunning riverside properties and views of the weir.
Saint Robert's Statue
Halfway down the steps
A poignant statue commemorates Saint Robert, the hermit who lived in this secluded spot.
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Planning Your Visit
Finding the Hidden Gem
What to Bring for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Torch!
The cave is dark inside; a torch is essential for seeing the carvings.
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The steps down to the cave are rough and can be precarious.
📍 Look for the Plaque
The entrance is easily missed, so keep an eye out for the small plaque.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
The walk along the river is beautiful, with lovely views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Torch!
The cave is dark inside; a torch is essential for seeing the carvings.
👟 Wear Sensible Shoes
The steps down to the cave are rough and can be precarious.
📍 Look for the Plaque
The entrance is easily missed, so keep an eye out for the small plaque.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
The walk along the river is beautiful, with lovely views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Robert's Cave a fascinating historical site, particularly for its unique carvings and the story of the hermit saint. The scenic riverside walk is also a highlight. However, the challenging access via steep, rough steps and the cave's small, dark interior mean it's not suitable for everyone, and some find it underwhelming if not prepared for its rustic nature.
"I walked quite a long route from the river along Abbey Road, home to many, ms y very exclusive properties.
Luckily I was using Google maps or I would have gone straight past the small opening in the wall as the plaque was partly obscured by a parked car.It’s a short but fairly precarious drop down to the cave accessed by rough steps-not suitable for buggies etc and sensible shoes required.
There’s a statue plus a couple information points. The cave is small, very dark and has uneven surface so a torch is advised. Lots of interesting carvings into every surface."
Anne Marie Stagg
"Great place to visit. There is parking for about four cars at the top of the steps and an information board. Halfway down the steps is a statue, then at the bottom an information board of the layout of the cave and information about it. The cave itself is small and dark so take a headtorch! I spent about ten minutes exploring the cave and area around the outside of it, including looking at the river and weir which were near the cave!"
Donna W
"It's just a hole in the side of a cliff and some foundations, only visit if you are passing, visit the café over the other side of the river, amazing views down the valley and of the weir."
Miles Finch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Robert's Cave is located near the River Nidd in Knaresborough. You'll need to look for a small plaque, which can sometimes be obscured by parked cars. The entrance is down a set of rough steps.
There is limited parking for about four cars at the top of the steps leading down to the cave.
No, the steps leading down to the cave are rough and precarious, making it unsuitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
The most common access is via a walk along Abbey Road, which offers scenic views of the river and surrounding properties.
While it's a historical site, it's described as a 'hole in the side of a cliff' by some, suggesting it's not a major tourist hub but rather a point of interest for those passing by or interested in history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of tickets or admission fees for St. Robert's Cave. It appears to be a free historical site to visit.
As an outdoor historical site, St. Robert's Cave does not have set opening hours and can likely be visited during daylight hours.
Based on reviews, there is no entrance fee mentioned, suggesting it's a free-to-access historical site.
The main restriction is the access via rough steps, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or young children in buggies.
Information boards are available at the site, and some leaflets may also be present.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the cave, you'll find interesting carvings etched into the rock surfaces. It's described as small and dark, so a torch is highly recommended.
While children might find the cave interesting, the rough and precarious steps make it unsuitable for visiting with buggies or very young children who cannot navigate them safely.
Visitors typically spend about ten minutes exploring the cave and the immediate surrounding area.
The cave floor is uneven and can be quite dark, so caution is advised.
No specific facilities are mentioned for the cave itself. Visitors might need to use facilities in Knaresborough town center.
📸 📸 Photography
The cave itself is dark, so good lighting or a torch is needed for interior shots. The surrounding riverside walk offers more picturesque photo opportunities.
Using a torch to illuminate the carvings will help bring out the details in your photos.
Drone usage regulations vary, and it's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain permission if necessary, especially in residential or natural areas.
The walk along Abbey Road provides lovely views of the River Nidd and the weir, offering good photographic potential.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial for the cave interior. A standard camera or smartphone is fine for the exterior walk.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more family-friendly experience in Knaresborough, consider exploring the town center, the castle ruins, or enjoying a picnic by the river. These offer more open spaces and easier accessibility for younger visitors. The scenic walk along the river to the cave can still be enjoyed by families, perhaps stopping short of the cave entrance if the descent seems too risky.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Pilgrims
For those on a pilgrimage, the cave serves as a significant historical marker. The information boards at the site offer context about Saint Robert's life and his importance in the region.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Saint Robert
The cave itself became a place of pilgrimage, with many visitors coming to seek blessings or simply to witness the dwelling of the revered saint. The carvings found within the cave are believed to have been made by Saint Robert himself, serving as a testament to his long years of solitary devotion. The site's historical significance is further enhanced by its secluded location, which would have provided the perfect environment for a hermit's life.
Navigating the Access and Terrain
Once inside the cave, the terrain continues to be uneven and the space is quite confined. It's also very dark, making a torch or headtorch an essential item for exploration.
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