Mother Shipton’s Cave is a magical and slightly mysterious place that’s full of wonder for kids and grown-ups alike. Visit the home of the famous prophetess, see the incredible petrifying well that turns objects to stone, and make a wish at the wishing well. With faces carved into trees and fun themed events during the school holidays, there’s always something quirky and exciting to discover.
It’s located in Knaresborough, in North Yorkshire, so there is tons to do in the surrounding area too when you’ve finished in Mother Shipton’s Cave!
Opening Times and Tickets:
Opening times vary depending on the season, with Mother Shipton’s Cave only open on weekends and in school holidays from November to March. After that, it is open daily.
Tickets are also cheaper in off peak times and under 2s are always free. Groups of up to 5 people can pay together for a discount too. During the Winter months, there is no pre-booking, but this is a requirement during events and very busy days such as Bank Holidays, Halloween and selected days around Christmas.
Click here for more information about opening times and tickets.
Parking and Travelling:
There is a car park inside this attraction, however if you want to leave and explore other parts of Knaresborough, you have to park elsewhere. The nearest car park to Mother Shipton’s Cave is Conyngham Hall, which is a pay and display car park. On very busy days, York Place Long Stay is where I usually park, as it is about a 10 minute walk from the centre of Knaresborough but there is plenty of parking space available.
Knaresborough is also served by a train station in the centre.
Prams and Accessibility:
Mother Shipton’s Cave can only be accessed via steps. While a handrail and plenty of seating is provided, it is not suitable for wheelchairs and prams are not permitted. There is a buggy park available but if needed, I recommend taking a sling instead (after consulting a sling library).
What to do at Mother Shipton’s Cave
1. Visit the Petrifying Well
This is England’s oldest tourist attraction, with people visiting for 400 years now. In just a few months, these waters can turn items to stone. You can buy the stone teddy bears in the gift shop and see items in various stages of petrification strung up above the well. People also used to think that this well had healing powers.
2. Make a wish in the Wishing Well and visit Mother’s Shipton’s birthplace
The cave where Mother Shipton was born is a small but significant place, with a wishing well close by. Every wish I have made here has come true! Whether that is coincidence or pure magic, who knows?
3. Go to an event
This really is one of the best places to visit during the school holidays. Most holidays have a different theme, from Alice in Wonderland to a wonderfully spooky Halloween. We actually went just before Halloween, which meant lots of extra things to see were out ready, but it was much cheaper due to not being peak times.
Click here for more information on events.
Things to do nearby
1. Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse
Ruins with a beautiful view overlooking the River Nidd, and a family friendly courthouse museum, this is an excellent part of Knaresborough not to be missed.
A wonderful place for a walk, a scramble or some sightseeing, Brimham Rocks is a must visit place for any adventurer, young and old. Described as ‘dramatic moorland rocks’, we loved clambering over and through these rock formations. Its a great place to let the kids go wild.
3. Royal Pump Room Museum, Harrogate
4. Valley Gardens, Harrogate
5. Ripley Castle