# Mother Shipton's Cave, Knaresborough — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Visit the legendary birthplace of England's most famous prophetess and marvel at the mysterious Petrifying Well that turns everyday objects to stone, plus make wishes at the enchanting wishing well. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/attractions/mother-shipton-s-cave (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Tourist Attraction # Mother Shipton's Cave Mother Shiptons Cave & The Petrifying Well [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=6618765850154797859&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Top Boy](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/107700052587416351861) **In short:** Mother Shipton's Cave is an attraction in Knaresborough, rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4,273 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Mother Shipton's Cave Visit the legendary birthplace of England's most famous prophetess and marvel at the mysterious Petrifying Well that turns everyday objects to stone, plus make wishes at the enchanting wishing well. ## What's nearby - The Ugly Duckling Tearoom next door - Worlds End next door Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Paid car park - ✓Free street - ✓Paid street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet ### Payment - ✓Credit cards - ✓Debit cards - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Facilities Toilets Gift Shop Accessible Toilets Baby Changing Food Available Dog Friendly Onsite Parking Card Payments Accepted ## Opening hours **Monday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Tuesday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Wednesday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Thursday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Friday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Saturday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM **Sunday** 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Simone Storrs](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105187934158205715567/reviews) ★★★★★ I went several time as a child in the 1970's and to say the place has changed is an understatement. Back then there was no tourist shop, you were lucky to get a leaflet explaining about Mother Shipton. It is very much now geared to kids and tourism. It has it's positives but also it's negative's. Approaching from the car park through the trees it lovely to see the huts and carved animals. The topic was Wizard of Oz. Now I don't know if that's permanent or it changes seasonally etc. The village of Oz is a great place and kids as well as adults will love it. It is situated near the coffee hut. It's a great place for a picnic (best and cheaper to bring your own) and it's near a play area so adults can keep an eye in the kids. Carrying on past you eventually come up to the gates of the Cave and Waterfall area. It's still looks beautiful from there. Sadly, the waterfall which used to have loads of petrified or semi petrified objects hanging from the falls now has a few but most are long strings small teddy bears and ling strings of witches hanging to petrify and be sold in the gift shop for an astronomical price of £70 for a bear and £120 for a witch. Total rip off and it makes the waterfall seem like a money making venture rather than a gorgeous quirky attraction. Next comes the wishing cave. Now back in the 70's you would go in a small dark cave and put your hand into a pitch black hole that had water in it. You would then make a wish while being nervous that something would grab your hand in the pitch blackness. It was scary, exhilarating and let your imagination run riot, kids and adults alike. Now however, the cave is light, the hole with the water you put your hand in is wider and colour changing lights have been put in so you can see what is going on ....that was really disappointing. Next was the Birthday Place Cave of Mother Shipton. That was thankfully almost the same save for a witch like cackle on speakers near the entrance. Then we walked back up the steps to the wooded area and followed the signs to the gift shop. Lots of interesting things in their, tourist souvenirs as expected and the seriously overpriced petrified Teddy bears and witches. The woman we spoke to behind the counter told us she hadn't been working there king but was very helpful and knowledgeable and gave us tips and advice what was also worth a visit nearby. So make your mind up, my visit was bitter sweet. · via Google [barbara orlicka](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113170242802989321850/reviews) ★★★★★ A beautiful place worth visiting. I had a wonderful time with my family surrounded by nature, and our little pet was delighted. The area is pet-friendly. Despite the changeable weather, including a rain shower, it didn't discourage us from returning. There are covered areas to sit and a great place for a picnic. There's plenty to see and many interesting stories associated with this wonderful place. We really enjoyed our time with the family. I recommend visiting. · via Google [andy Smithies](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/104874651839580077498/reviews) ★★★★★ ​An absolutely fantastic day out! ​The grounds are absolutely lovely, and the story of Mother Shipton is genuinely fascinating. We paid for the on-site parking, which was incredibly convenient and well worth it. As you walk along the beautiful river, there are plenty of nice little seating areas to take a break and enjoy the view. A wonderful highlight was the interactive huts where friendly witches and wizards let the kids cast spells! My family agreed this is one of the best days out we’ve ever had. It is absolutely worth every penny—a truly great experience! · via Google [Arielle Moore](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106411823772645329496/reviews) ★★★★★ Great afternoon trip. The view across the river is delightful, the walk through the woods was great with themed areas, when we went it was Alice in Wonderland. But it's changing to Wicked for the half term. The petrifying well is so interesting and weird to look at. There are multiple sections with information boards and/ or audio explaining the area/ history/ lore. Well worth the trip. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487952131bbf36b9:0x5bda947915f68b23!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this attraction offers a beautiful woodland walk to the fascinating petrifying well and cave, with engaging themed events and a great play area for children. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, along with convenient parking and picnic spots. Some reviews mention the entry fee can be expensive. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Prophecy House, Harrogate Road, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.0087129%2C-1.4748464) **Category** Sightseeing & Attractions **Guest rating** 4.3 / 5 (4,273 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Suggested visit** 1-2 hours **Setting** Outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Knaresborough [More attractions in Knaresborough](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/attractions) ★ 4.3 (4,273 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01423864600](tel:01423864600) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Knaresborough **Postcode** HG5 8DD **Payment** Cards, Contactless **Plus Code** 9C6W2G5G+F3 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487952131bbf36b9:0x5bda947915f68b23!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487952131bbf36b9:0x5bda947915f68b23!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487952131bbf36b9:0x5bda947915f68b23!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Knaresborough Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DKnaresborough%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Mother Shipton's Cave? Mother Shipton's Cave is open Mon–Sun 9:30am–5:30pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Mother Shipton's Cave any good? Mother Shipton's Cave is rated 4.3 out of 5 from 4,273 Google reviews. ### Is Mother Shipton's Cave good for children? Yes, Mother Shipton's Cave is listed as good for children. ### How long do you need at Mother Shipton's Cave? Allow one to two hours. ### Is Mother Shipton's Cave indoors or outdoors? Mother Shipton's Cave is mainly outdoors. ### What ages is Mother Shipton's Cave suitable for? Mother Shipton's Cave suits all ages. ### Is Mother Shipton's Cave wheelchair accessible? Mother Shipton's Cave has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Mother Shipton's Cave? Yes: free car park, paid car park, free street parking and paid street parking. ### How do I contact Mother Shipton's Cave? Call Mother Shipton's Cave on +44 1423 864600. ## Stay near Mother Shipton's Cave [Holiday cottages nearby 122](https://staycation.co.uk/near/mother-shiptons-cave/cottages) [Campsites nearby 55](https://staycation.co.uk/near/mother-shiptons-cave/camping) [Hotels and B&Bs nearby 40](https://staycation.co.uk/near/mother-shiptons-cave/hotels) ## More near Mother Shipton's Cave ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Teardrop Cottage Bed and Breakfast ★ 4.7 · 0.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/hotels/teardrop-cottage-bed-and-breakfast) - [The Mitre Inn ★ 4.2 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/hotels/the-mitre-inn) - [Gallon House 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/hotels/gallon-house) - [The Knaresborough Inn ★ 4.2 · 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/hotels/the-knaresborough-inn) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Maple Tree Cottage 0.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/maple-tree-cottage-syk1183354) - [Waterside House 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/waterside-house-uk47371) - [Market Place View 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/market-place-view-uk35011) - [Hogwood Cottage 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/cottages/hogwood-cottage-uk33574) ### Campsites nearby - [Low Bridge Holiday Park ★ 4.3 · 0.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/low-bridge-holiday-park) - [Lido Leisure Park ★ 4.5 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/lido-leisure-park) - [Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Site ★ 4.7 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/camping/knaresborough-caravan-and-motorhome-club-site) - [Shaws Trailer Park ★ 4.1 · 1.6 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/north-yorkshire/camping/shaws-trailer-park) ### Things to do nearby - [Knaresborough Pool ★ 4.7 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/harrogate/attractions/knaresborough-pool) - [Knaresborough Castle ★ 4.7 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/attractions/knaresborough-castle) - [Knaresborough Spy Mission Treasure Trail ★ 4.7 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/knaresborough/attractions/knaresborough-spy-mission-treasure-trail) - [The Royal Pump Room Museum 2.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/harrogate/attractions/the-royal-pump-room-museum)