Visitor Information

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race takes place on the second Saturday of June each year.

The 2024 Bed Race will take place on Saturday 8th June 2024.

The day starts at around 10:30 am with the parade taking place at 1:00 pm followed by the race at 3:00 pm

See our Programme of Events to see all the timings for the event.

It is easy to get to Knaresborough, which is situated on the A59. 

By Car

If you're coming by car arrive early as the main road closures (i.e. the High Street) start at midday. See our road closures and parking sections for more details.

By Train

As Knaresborough is on the rail service linking Leeds and York, it's easy to get here from both cities and a bus service will also run during the day from Harrogate. Coming by train also means that on entering Knaresborough you get to cross the magnificent viaduct.

Lions have organised a free park-and-ride bus operated by Connexions from GSPK at Manse Lane.

If you wish to park closer, King James School are offering £5 parking all day with all money going to MacMillan.

Road closures are staggered throughout the day.

10:00 am - the marketplace and roads into it will shut.

12:00 pm - is the main closure, as the A59 covers most of the High Street (Silver Street down), Bond End and up the hill as far as Harrogate Golf Club. Boroughbridge Road will close from the High Street junction to Stockwell Road junction. High Bond End will close as far as Lands Lane.

14:00 pm -  sees the closure of roads used just for the race, so Waterside from the Worlds End as far as Castle Ings, then Castle Ings in its entirety.

Road openings will be staggered but are done on the advice of the police, so be aware that some parts could be closed as late as 6 pm if crowds are heavy and it is deemed unsafe to open them.

If you need to get to Harrogate whilst the High Street is shut, a diversion will be in place around Briggate/Calcutt/Forest Moor. Buses will run this way while the A59 is shut. Trains will still be running too.

Know the course. Look at the map in advance so you understand what to expect on race day. The Castle Top is a must if you want to experience the expectation and excitement and see the beds in all their finery before the Parade. The High Street is a fantastic place to watch the Parade and listen to the music played by the marching bands.

Race watching is a tricky one. Cheer the teams on at the start on Conyngham Hall field, give them your support as they struggle up Castle Ings, join the crowds in the Market Place, keep up as they hurtle down the High Street and then past the World‘s End pub and over High Bridge. If water’s your thing then join the many who watch the famous river crossing in Mackintosh fields or as they cross the finish line at Conyngham Hall.

A large screen will be in place in Conyngham Hall field - so head there if you want to watch all the action as it happens. 

To enable accessibility for all there will be a disabled viewing area in the Market Place.

Knaresborough has a great selection of lovely cafes and pubs offering a range of refreshments for you to enjoy. However, it is always a good idea to bring water with you - especially if it is warm!

We obviously hope for the sun to shine and if it does sunglasses, hats and sunscreen will be needed. It’s a good idea to pack those waterproofs though - just in case! Knaresborough has quite a few steep hills and the day will involve walking - sensible footwear is a good idea.

It is important during the day to take note of the Bed Race Marshals; they are there for your safety and the safety of our teams.

Please DO NOT cross the roads when the Race or the Parade are taking place. A Safety car will follow the last bed to indicate the end of the Race.

We kindly request that people refrain from taking alcohol into Conyngham Hall grounds. 

There are licensed bars available. 

The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is a family-friendly fun event for all to enjoy - please help us to keep it that way.

We get lots of common questions so we've treated a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions section.