Mother Shipton's Interactive Map

Hover over any of the points of interest to the right. Click on them to keep them active

The Picnic Area (Weir)

A beautiful riverside spot for lunch, you can enjoy the view of the weir and what was once the Old Mill.

The Picnic Area (Woodland)

A beautiful spot for lunch high above the river and around the Woodland Playground.

The Picnic Area (Tea Room)

A beautiful riverside spot for lunch, one of three scenic picnic areas within the Park.

The Mother Shipton Inn

Family friendly historic pub serving real ales and good value food.

The Petrifying Well Spring

Located at the top of the well, the Petrifying Well Spring is the start of the journey for the water that turns objects to stone.

The magical water comes from a natural lake a mile under ground. As the water climbs to the surface it travels along a narrow band of porous rock called an 'aquifer' and dissolves the massive amount of minerals to the amount that is needed to turn objects into stone.

We've had the water tested for bottling but there's far too high a mineral content so please don't drink it.

The Wishing Well

It is tradition for visitors to make a wish in the well during their visit to the park. Many advise staff their wishes have come true and come back to make more.

There are some important rules to take into account when making a wish, so please read them beforehand.

You can also buy bottles of Wishing Well Water from the gift shop to take home as a souvenir or for a gift for a loved one.

The Petrifying Well

Located at the top of the well, the Petrifying Well Spring is the start of the journey for the water that turns objects to stone.

The magical water comes from a natural lake a mile under ground. As the water climbs to the surface it travels along a narrow band of porous rock called an 'aquifer' and dissolves the massive amount of minerals to the amount that is needed to turn objects into stone.

We've had the water tested for bottling but there's far too high a mineral content so please don't drink it.

Mother Shipton's Cave

Mother Shipton's Cave is famous because of its history.

In 1488, Agatha Sontheil gave birth to a baby girl called Ursula in the cave during a violent thunderstorm. Mother and daughter continued to live in the cave for two years until Ursula was taken in and raised by a local family after the Abbot of Beverley intervened.

Many people thought she was a witch; early writings describe her as looking pretty much like one, round shouldered, deformed and twisted, unable to walk without a stick and with large hooked features. She was constantly taunted by townsfolk because of her appearance. So to avoid it she would spend time near to her birthplace picking the many herbs that grew in the forest.

Woodland Playground

Children between the ages of 4-11 years can enjoy playing on the Woodland Adventure. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Children's Play Area

Children between the ages of 4-11 years can enjoy playing on the Children's play Area. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Toliets

Toilets are located at the top of the park by the main gate. baby changing facilities are also available onsite.

The Tea Room

Treat yourself to a wide range of teas, coffees and cakes choosing to sit inside or enjoy the riverside view outside.

Waterside Car Park (Abbey Road)

Abbey Road car park is situated on the opposite side of the river to Mother Shipton's Cave and is Pay and Display.

Parking (Riverside)

We have two Car Parks on site; The Riverside car park and The Woodland car park. The cost of parking is £2 and is included in the admission fee. It is valid until the park closes at 5:30pm.

Parking (Coningham Hall)

Coningham Hall car park is situated opposite the main entrance to Mother Shipton's Cave and is Pay and Display. They also have a designated area for coaches.

Marigolds Boat Hire

Marigolds boating is situated on the opposite side of the river.

For further information Tel: 01423 869773.

Please note the boats are not part of Mother Shipton's Cave & Park

Blenkhorns Boat Hire

Blenkhorns boating is situated on the opposite side of the river.

For further information Tel: 01423 862105.

Please note the boats are not part of Mother Shipton's Cave & Park.

Bebra Gardens

At the foot of the castle grounds lies Bebra Gardens, a small and enclosed area looked after by volunteers from the 'Friends of Beba Gardens' group.

The garden allows the general public to walk through the grounds and enjoy the flowers and wildlife across the area.

Castle Ruins

The Castle can be found on the hill. above the river. The earliest reference of its existence is in a document dated 1130AD which records £11.00 being spent on the 'kings works.'

Over the years, many kings have stayed in the castle whilst hunting through the Knaresborough forest. It has provided great resistance against the attacking parliamentary forces, even though the local men were barely armed. It provided an area of safe keeping during large attacks.

In 1648 the castle was partly dismantled so it could not be tenanted. Local men continued to use the remains of stone to build their houses in Knaresborough.

Main Entrance

The entrance to Mother Shipton's Cave for both cars and pedestrians is situated at the front of the park before High Bridge on Harrogate Road.

Tickets are valid for the whole day and visitors can leave the park and explore Knaresborough as long as the ticket is retained and shown on re-entry to the estate.

The Museum

The museum hosts a wide range of petrified objects which have been donated to the park over the years. Many have been donated by celebrities and even royalty! We proudly hold some of the most delicate and historic items in our museum including, Queen Elizabeth's shoe which was donated to the park in 1923 and other items such as Agatha Christie's handbag and John Wayne's hat.

Containing a life size figure of Mother Shipton based on early descriptions with some of her legendary prophecies spinning around her head; the museum is a hit with children and historians alike. Several life size figures fetch history to life, (and a few heads!!) It also gives you chance to have an ice cream or buy a souvenir from the gift area.

Rear Entrance

Tickets are valid for the whole day and visitors can leave the park and explore Knaresborough as long as the ticket is retained and shown on re-entry to the estate.