Mother Shiptons Cave and the Petrifying Well

High Bridge
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire
HG5 8DD

Tel: +44 (0)1423 864 600
Fax: +44 (0)1423 868 888
Web: http://www.mothershipton.co.uk


Mother Shipton is England's most famous Prophetess. She lived 500 years ago in the times of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. She was born in a cave beside Knaresborough' s mysterious Petrifying Well, delivered as lightening crackled and burned in a violent storm.

As she grew older her prophetic visions became known and feared throughout England. She foretold the invasion and defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and Samuel Pepys's Diary records that Mother Shipton gave forewarning of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Beside the Cave is the famous Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Curiosity has drawn millions of visitors over hundreds of years, to see cascading water turn everyday objects to stone - as if by magic.

The Cave and Well lie at the heart of the Mother Shipton Estate - a relic of the Ancient Forest of Knaresborough. The beautiful riverside walks and carriage drives were classically landscaped with beech trees in the 18th century. "Sir Henry Slingsby's Long Walk" leads visitors to the Cave and Well.

General Information:

  • 2 Adventure playgrounds
  • Gift shop
  • Tea rooms
  • All day parking
  • Schools and Educational Visits arranged
  • No wheelchair access
  • Scenic picnic areas
  • Children's trail quiz with chocolate prize

     

    Opening Times
    (2007 times)
    February and March: Weekends only.

    Easter to 31st October: Daily 10.00am - 5.30pm.

    Admission Charges
    (2007 prices)
    Adult £5.50; Senior Citizen £4.50; Child £4.00; Family (2 + 2) £16.50; Additional Children £2.50 up to max of 3.

    Directions
    Show map of Mother Shiptons Cave and the Petrifying Well...

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