Mother Shipton's Cave
Mother Shipton's Cave
Ages
All ages
Price
£££
Mother Shipton's Cave is a fascinating historic attraction set in a woodland park alongside the River Nidd near Knaresborough. The site centres around the legendary 15th-century prophetess Mother Shipton and features a natural cave and the famous Petrifying Well, where mineral-rich water gradually turns objects to stone over time.
Families can explore the cave, learn about the local folklore, and enjoy a scenic riverside walk through the grounds, with pushchairs available for those who need them on the less accessible sections. The roughly mile-long trail takes you through woodland with steps and slopes, passing a café and picnic area with covered benches. It's suitable for children of all ages, though younger children may find some of the terrain challenging without support.
Facilities
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trainers with good grip, as the grounds have uneven paths, steps and slopes that can be slippery
- A light jacket or layers, as caves stay cool year-round and the riverside location can be breezy
- Pushchair if you have a toddler, though pushchair parking is available at points along the walk
- Snacks and a water bottle, though there is a café on site
- A camera or phone to photograph the cave and petrifying well, and to capture the riverside scenery
Top tips
- Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid peak times, as the cave can get quite busy and feel cramped when full
- Wear proper footwear with grip. The cave entrance and surrounding paths are steep and can be slippery, especially in wet weather
- Plan for around two hours to enjoy the full experience, including the riverside walk, the cave itself, and the café
- Objects left in the petrifying well move slowly, so don't expect instant results. It's a natural process worth understanding before you visit
- The café and picnic area with covered benches is a great spot to rest midway through your walk, and staff are known for being friendly and helpful
- The site is dog-friendly if you want to bring a pet along
Practical details
All ages years
Younger children should be supervised closely due to uneven surfaces and the cave environment. The historical and geological aspects appeal to older children and adults.
Open daily from 28 March to 1 November 2026 (excluding 13 June for the Knaresborough Bed Race).
Accessibility
Tags
Location
Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
free parking lot, paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking