Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural rock formation of the park. The attraction may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. The historic woodland walk is undulating and the walk unsurfaced and slightly uneven in places. There are three sets of steps to access the:- Petrifying Well- Cave- Wishing Well- Gift Shop

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

No, wheelchairs cannot be rented.

Do you offer special assistance for visitors in the wheelchair?

No, special assistance is not available.

Is Mother Shipton's Cave wheelchair friendly?

No, Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair friendly. Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural rock formation of the park. The attraction may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. The historic woodland walk is undulating and the walk unsurfaced and slightly uneven in places. There are three sets of steps to access the:- Petrifying Well- Cave- Wishing Well- Gift Shop

Is Mother Shipton's Cave baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

No, not all areas are pushchair friendly. There are three sets of steps to access the:- Petrifying Well- Cave- Wishing Well- Museum & Gift Shop

Is there a restroom for mothers that are breastfeeding?

No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.

Yes, Mother Shipton's Cave is dog friendly Dogs on a lead are welcome in all areas of the attraction except for the adventure playground and gift shop.

Is there food and drink available to buy?

Yes there is dining and snack options. There are food vans and drinks kiosks near the main picnic site, payments are card only.

Can visitors bring their own food?

Yes, guest are allowed to bring their own food

How long does Mother Shipton's cave take?

It generally takes about 2 hours but you can spend longer than that strolling through the woodland, having a picnic or exploring the cave.

Yes, there is parking. Parking is included with a parking admission ticket, £32.00 per car on weekdays or £39.00 per car on weekends and school holidays. Includes admission for up to 5 people.

Are there parking fees? If so, how much?

Yes, there are parking fees. Parking fees:Off-Peak: £32.00Peak: £39.00Parking is included in the ticket, there are alternative car parks nearby such as Conyngham Hall.

How far is the parking from the attraction?

There is on-site parking available

Can parking spaces be pre-booked or reserved?

No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.

Are there accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities. The Woodland Car Park has 3 spaces reserved for disabled visitors. Please inform team members on arrival should you require one of these spaces. Please read our full accessibility guide on our website as some areas of the attraction may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

No, there is no private hire at Mother Shipton's Cave.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

Yes, Mother Shipton's Cave had stated that you will need to pre-book. Visitors need to prebook for events and bank holidays. Booking is essential for Christmas. Bookings can be made online www.mothershipton.co.uk

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available There is only one accessible toilet on site, this is located in the middle of the attraction.

Mother Shipton's Cave

Knaresborough, North Yorkshire

All Ages

Tourist Attractions Parks and Playgrounds Caves and Mines Outdoor

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About Mother Shipton's Cave

Any adventurers reading? Behold the magic at Mother Shipton's Cave and discover the hidden powers of the magical water of the incredible Petrifying Well that turns all it touches to stone! It's North Yorkshire's best-kept secret, set in the picturesque town of Knaresborough.

Get ready to explore the wonders of England's oldest visitor attraction! (It's been open since 1630!!)

Things To Do At Mother Shipton's Cave

Have you heard of the legend of Mother Shipton, one of England's most famous prophets? Born in a cave by the River Nidd in 1488, Ursula Sontheil, known as Mother Shipton, became a legendary soothsayer. Her accurate prophecies are said to have foretold significant events in British history. Today, her story continues to captivate visitors, and petrifying well next to her birthplace is now one of the oldest tourist attractions in England!

Are you ready to learn all about the mysteries of the famous cave where Mother Shipton was born as lightning crackled and burned in a violent storm? Uncover the secrets of the UK's most renowned prophetess as you explore her home and the ancient woodland surrounding the cave.

You can also purchase a guidebook and a prophecy book on entry, which have loads more information!

The Petrifying Well

One of the highlights of a visit to Mother Shipton's Cave is the Petrifying Well! It's a unique geological phenomenon that never fails to amaze! The well is famous for its ability to turn everyday objects into stone. Watch as mineral-rich waters slowly transform toys and teddy bears into stone! It feels like magic! The Petrifying Well is surrounded by a lush, green environment, with the sound of trickling water adding to the serene atmosphere. You'll feel a sense of total relaxation and mystification as you take in the brilliant scenery!

You can also see many petrified objects donated by famous people in the cabinets of curiosities - including a shoe left by Queen Mary!!

Enchanted Woodland Walk

You can also take a picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd before reaching the famous cave! This historic woodland walk will take you on a journey through history with its towering trees, and a winding river. The walk is absolutely beautiful, and we definitely recommend it! A large adventure playground is available for kids to unleash their inner adventurer. Let loose on the crazy adventure playground as you climb, swing, run, slide and play until your heart's content.

Exciting Events

Experience the park's stunning seasonal transformations with enchanting themed displays and family-friendly trails during events and school holidays. From spooktacular Halloween festivities to magical Christmas celebrations, there's something truly special at every turn. You'll even encounter character actors during events. There's plenty of fun for families at Mother Shipton's Cave.

Food & Gift Shop

A few drink and catering kiosks are near the main picnic area. Enjoy delicious take-away coffee, hot chocolate, and other hot drinks. You can even indulge in some scrumptious ice cream, too. Did you know dog-friendly ice cream and puppuccino stations are available? Perfect for your furry friends! There are plenty of picnic benches for people to sit down on and take in those scenic views!

Before you leave, remember to make a wish in the magical well and stop by the gift shop to get your very own stone teddy bear! You can also look at the cabinets of curiosities to marvel at its unique displays of petrified celebrity items and learn all about the stories behind these fascinating artefacts.

This fascinating attraction is steeped in history, mystery, and natural beauty. It offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're exploring ancient sites, marvelling at natural wonders, learning about fascinating history or enjoying the delightful surroundings, Mother Shipton's Cave is the perfect place for a fun-filled family adventure. You're guaranteed to have a wonderful time!

Why We Recommend Mother Shiptons Cave

- Beautiful Woodlands and Magical Cave

- Themed events and trails

- Petrifying Well that turns objects to stone

England's Oldest Tourist Attraction

Dive into the marvel of the Petrifying Well, where everyday objects like teddy bears and toys turn to stone over time! Witness the mineral-rich waters in action amidst lush greenery, and see petrified mementos, including a shoe from Queen Mary! It's a geological phenomenon wrapped in magic. It's a MUST-VISIT in the UK!

Discover the Legendary Birthplace of Mother Shipton

Learn all about the fascinating history of Mother Shipton's life and prophecies. Step into history at the cave where Mother Shipton, England’s famed prophetess, was born during a storm in 1488. Explore the mystical origins of her prophecies and the ancient woodland that surrounds this intriguing site, still captivating visitors since 1630!

A Stroll Through the Enchanted Woodland

A visit to this attraction is not just about the cave! Embark on a scenic mile-long walk along the River Nidd through the enchanting woodland. Enjoy the towering trees, winding river, and rugged rocks, while kids can explore the adventure playground or participate in our echanting themed events during the school holidays. It’s a picturesque and thrilling journey perfect for families and nature lovers alike.

Facilities

Toilets
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Dog Friendly
Onsite Parking
Card Payments Accepted

Opening Times

Open weekends until 22nd March, then every day from the 28th March until the 1st of November, excluding 13th June for Knaresborough Bed Race) and selected dates for Christmas.

Events*/Weekends/Bank Holidays: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (last admission 4:00 pm)

Term Time week days: 10:00 am-4:00 pm (last admission 3:00 pm)

Pricing & Tickets

General Admission

Babies and Toddlers (0-3) : Free
Adult (3+) : £15.00

Off-peak (Term-time)

£32 per car (for up to 5 people)

£32 per pedestrian group (of up to 5 people)

£11 per pedestrian or additional passenger

Under 3s Free

Peak (Weekends/Bank Holidays and Events)

Easter, May Half Term, Summer and Halloween

£39 per car (for up to 5 people)

£39 per pedestrian group (of up to 5 people)

£15 per pedestrian or additional passenger

Under 3s Free

Book Tickets

Book in advance for cheapest tickets

Find other attractions similar to Mother Shipton's Cave by visiting our attraction tickets section.

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

Food & Drink Options

Ice creams, hot drinks, pies, hot dogs, cold drinks and cakes are available.

FAQs

: It generally takes about 2 hours but you can spend longer than that strolling through the woodland, having a picnic or exploring the cave.

Parking

: Yes, there is parking.
Parking is included with a parking admission ticket, £32.00 per car on weekdays or £39.00 per car on weekends and school holidays. Includes admission for up to 5 people.
: Yes, there are parking fees.
Parking fees:
Off-Peak: £32.00
Peak: £39.00
Parking is included in the ticket, there are alternative car parks nearby such as Conyngham Hall.
: There is on-site parking available
: No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.
: Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities.
The Woodland Car Park has 3 spaces reserved for disabled visitors. Please inform team members on arrival should you require one of these spaces. Please read our full accessibility guide on our website as some areas of the attraction may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Toilets

: Yes, there are toilets available to the public.
: Yes, there are baby changing facilities available
: Yes, there are accessible toilets available
There is only one accessible toilet on site, this is located in the middle of the attraction.

Family Friendly Options

: Yes, there are baby changing facilities.
: No, not all areas are pushchair friendly.
There are three sets of steps to access the:
- Petrifying Well
- Cave
- Wishing Well
- Museum & Gift Shop
: No, there are no breastfeeding rooms available.
: Yes, Mother Shipton's Cave is dog friendly
Dogs on a lead are welcome in all areas of the attraction except for the adventure playground and gift shop.

Food & Drink

: Yes there is dining and snack options.
There are food vans and drinks kiosks near the main picnic site, payments are card only.
: Yes, guest are allowed to bring their own food

Accessibility Information

: No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural rock formation of the park. The attraction may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. The historic woodland walk is undulating and the walk unsurfaced and slightly uneven in places.
There are three sets of steps to access the:
- Petrifying Well
- Cave
- Wishing Well
- Gift Shop
: No, wheelchairs cannot be rented.
: No, special assistance is not available.
: No, Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair friendly.
Mother Shipton's Cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the natural rock formation of the park. The attraction may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. The historic woodland walk is undulating and the walk unsurfaced and slightly uneven in places.
There are three sets of steps to access the:
- Petrifying Well
- Cave
- Wishing Well
- Gift Shop

Tickets & Bookings

: Yes, Mother Shipton's Cave had stated that you will need to pre-book.
Visitors need to prebook for events and bank holidays. Booking is essential for Christmas. Bookings can be made online www.mothershipton.co.uk

Private Hire & Birthday Parties

: No, there is no private hire at Mother Shipton's Cave.

Public Transport

: Knaresborough's railway station is just a five-minute walk from the entrance.

Contact Details

Get Directions

Mother Shiptons Cave & The Petrifying Well
Prophecy House
Harrogate Road
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire
HG5 8DD
England

East to access via public transport, with a bus stop right outside and a short walk from Knaresborough train station.

Tel: 01423864600

Visit Website

Transport Information

By Train

Knaresborough's railway station is just a five-minute walk from the entrance. Knaresborough is a 1-hour train journey from Leeds.

By Bus

Frequent buses stop near the main entrance, including A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1.

By Car

Please be aware that Mother Shipton's has only one entrance and exit on High Bridge in Knaresborough. Parking is only for visiting Mother Shipton's.

Verification & Last Updated

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Last Updated: 09:50 23/02/2026

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