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Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. This popular visitor attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the Petrifying Well.
Historic Woodland Walk
A picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd features the cave where famous Yorkshire prophetess Mother Shipton was born. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Over hundreds of years curiosity has drawn millions of visitors to the well to see cascading water turn everyday objects to stone - as if by magic.
People around the world visit the park, a remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough with some of the oldest, tallest beech trees in the country.
Who was Mother Shipton?
Mother Shipton was born in a cave in 1488 and grew up around Knaresborough. As she grew older, her prophecies became known throughout England. She foretold the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. She made her living telling the future and warning those who asked of what was to come.
Fun for all the Family
Great for all ages, there’s fun for families in the adventure playground, scenic picnic areas, interactive trails and actors during events, and petrified objects displayed in the museum and gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground. Areas of the park have restricted access, click HERE for accessibility information.
2020 Events
Families will be immersed in magic during May Half Term at Pixie Village, have an enchanting summer journey with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, and enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween. The popular Christmas Experience will be returning! Details will be released on the website in due course.
For more information visit our website, where you can also now book your tickets online at a discounted rate!
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and event updates.
* WE ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED AS OF MARCH 20TH DUE TO COVID-19. We will update all our social media channels and our website when it is safe to reopen.
April 1st to November 1st
Weekdays 10am – 4.30pm
Weekends 10am – 5.30pm
Easter, May Half Term and Summer Holidays
Open every day 10am – 5.30pm
Last admission 1 hour before closing.
Please check the website for special events, up-to-date opening times, and any unforeseen park closures.
Peak prices apply during school holidays and events
off-peak/peak
Adult £9/£10
Senior £8/£9
Child £7/£8
Family £28/£30
Parking is £2 in addition to admission, payable on entrance only. We cannot guarantee parking during busy periods.
Disabled visitors and Max Card holders receive a 15% discount if the relevant documentation is shown.
If travelling by rail or on foot the Main Gate is a 5 to 10-minute walk from Knaresborough train station. Northern Rail offer direct trains to Knaresborough from Leeds and York. Walk down the hill from the station and past the church, then left and over high bridge to the entrance. There is a bus stop at the entrance to Mother Shipton’s with regular buses from Harrogate.
If travelling by car (all day parking £2 in addition to admission) we are located next to High Bridge in Knaresborough on the A59. Use postcode HG5 8DD for satellite navigation.
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