Sallyport Tour Knaresborough Castle

A short guided tour of Knaresborough Castle’s secret underground tunnel, the Sallyport - once used to slip in and out of the castle unnoticed, or to escape during an attack.

Tours take place 3pm on Thursdays and 11am and 3pm on Sundays from19th July to 6th September 2026. 

There is a fee of £3.50 per personal and booking is required. 

One of Knaresborough Castle's most unusual features is the Sallyport. The hidden tunnel was used for secret entry and exit to the castle. It was large enough for a small group of armed men to leave the castle quietly at night and launch an attack on any besieging troops.

Built in the late 13th / mid-14th century, it is cut out of the solid rock and slopes steeply down to the level of the bottom of the dry moat or ditch, where there is an exit. Its entrance was likely to have hidden by a slab in the stone floor of a building, known only to a trusted few.

The Sallyport is accessible only via stairs, and parts of the pathway may be slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Please be aware that the Sallyport also has low light levels.

Additional information:

  • Tours are dependent on suitable weather conditions.
  • Sturdy footwear is advised.
  • Service dogs only.

*10% off your admission ticket to the Castle and Museum with your Sally Port Tour ticket*