Mother Shipton's Cave

Knaresborough, north-yorkshire

Underground
5 (1 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD, North Yorkshire How do we get there? Number: 01423 864600
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About this activity

Did you know that a visit to the stunning Mother Shipton's Cave and surrounding park, will also see you visit the iconic Petrifying Well, which happens to be England’s oldest visitor attraction!

The Petrifying Well was actually first recorded by the king’s antiquary back in 1538, and since 1630 has been visited by millions of people - and now it's your turn!

What's so special about the well is that it's here you can watch every day objects turn to stone! You can see items petrify really quickly, and in fact a small teddy bear takes around 3-5 months!

You can take a stone teddy bear home with you, as they sell them in the gift shop!

The park that you will be visiting, also home to Mother Shipton’s Cave as well as the Petrifying Well is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough.

During your time here, you can learn all about how Mother Shipton is England's most famous Prophetess, and how she foretold the fates of several rulers, and even fortold the invention of iron ships, as well as the Great Fire of London in 1666, AND the defeat of the Spanish Armada! Pretty impressive!

Mother Shipton's Cave, the park and the Petrifying Well make an amazing and fun day out for the family.

They are also dog friendly! You just have to make sure that dogs are kept on a leash. 

Activity location

Directions

Knaresborough's railway station is just five minutes walk from the entrance and frequent buses stop near the main entrance.

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How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

£28 per car or £9.50 per pedestrian weekdays, £33 per car or £12 per pedestrian weekends / Easter / Summer / Halloween

Hilton

Children

Same as adult

Hilton

Free Under

3 years

Hilton

Last Updates

2023

Mother Shipton's Cave FAQ’s

There is no access for pushchairs for these steps, pushchairs must be parked at the bottom of the steps under the shelter provided or bring a sling if possible.

Exploring nature can be hungry work! Good thing you can find hot drinks, soft drinks, cakes, ice creams and refreshments.

There is a museum and gift shop that is a treasure trove full of curiosities, souvenirs and magical items! It's worth noting that no cash payments can be accepted, only card transactions can be taken.

The attraction offer special discount rates for school visits! In fact, a visit links well with Key Stages 1 to 3 in history, science, geography and English so why not book your students in for a day out!?

Baby changing facilities available.

There is no access for pushchairs for these steps, pushchairs must be parked at the bottom of the steps under the shelter provided or bring a sling if possible.

They have plenty of benches and scenic spots for picnics if you want to bring your own healthy lunch - and don't forget water!

The attraction, however, may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. There is no wheelchair access. They also do not have blue badge parking.

The Cave and Petrifying Well in Mother Shipton’s Park are both natural rock formations, situated in the centre of a mile-long, woodland park. Access can only be gained via three sets of twenty-five steps

Online booking is recommended for weekends and school holidays. During term time weekdays there is often availability to turn up and pay by card on arrival.

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