Did you know that Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough is England’s oldest tourist attraction?
Mother Shipton is England’s most famous Prophetess. She foretold the fates of several rulers within and just after her lifetime, as well as the invention of iron ships, the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
At the site in Knaresborough you can visit the famous cave in which she was born, the petrifying well which turns everyday objects into stone and the wishing well where, if you follow the rules, your wish might just come true. Read more about her story on the Mother Shipton’s website.
Being local this is one of our favourite activities with kids in Harrogate. Every year they add more and more so there is is always something new to see and do.
The best time to visit in our opinion is when they have the special events on (normally in the school holidays). This summer is ‘Finding Neverland’, with Peter Pan inspired activities and you might even find Tinkerbell and Captain Hook lurking in the woods!
The actors are amazing, we think they are just as good as the ones we met at Disneyland Paris. Considering Izzy and her friends are all a little older now, the actors still engaged with them all and had them getting involved in to time. From pirate jigs to making a wish with fairy dust, they did everything and all without a teenage eye-roll in sight!!
Don’t forget to check out my most popular blog of all time; Boredom Busting Days Out for Teens in Harrogate for even more inspiration when trying to keep the older kids entertained.
Entry is cheapest by car (if there are a few of you). It’s £36 per car on peak days and that covers up to 5 people which is incredible value. You can choose to park elsewhere, just over the road is Conyngham hall car park which is pretty cheap and then cross the road to the main entrance. Pedestrians are £13 per person.
From the main car park you can take in the views of the River Nidd and the Knaresborough Viaduct towering overhead. Head up the small hill to the main path and along here you will find all the attractions. You can hammer a coin into the fallen trees, find a place to picnic or play for hours in the adventure playground.
Here you’ll also find the food and drink offerings including black ice cream, which obviously we had to try! It’s just vanilla flavour but really messes with your mind.
Venture further down the path to discover what makes this place so special; Mother Shipton’s Cave, the petrifying well and wishing well.
Look up and see all the items in different stages of being petrified. Once they have totally turned to stone you’ll find them in the museum and gift shop at the end of the pathway. There are more teddy bears than anything else because these go up for sale to the public for a mere £50 a piece!
Make sure to make a wish by dipping your right hand in the well but leave it to dry otherwise it may not come true.
From here you can retrace your steps back from where you came for another ice cream or more time in the play parks, whatever takes you fancy.
We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful area! North Yorkshire has so many different attractions like this to explore with kids. I do my best to cover as much as I can on here but you can also take a look at the Visit North Yorkshire website to discover even more amazing places to head with the family.
Mother Shipton’s is one of my most recommended places to locals and tourists alike. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
