Venue Description

Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. Discover the story of prophetess Mother Shipton and the magical Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon with cascading water turning objects to stone. Mother Shipton was born in a cave next to the River Nidd in 1488 and grew up around Knaresborough. As she grew older, her prophecies became known throughout England. She foretold the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the Great Fire of London. Great for all ages, there’s fun for families in the adventure playground, scenic picnic areas, interactive trails, and petrified objects displayed in the museum & gift shop. We welcome dogs on a lead.

Accessibility

The Cave and Petrifying Well in Mother Shipton’s Park are both natural rock formations, situated in the centre of a mile-long, woodland park. Access can only be gained via three sets of twenty-five steps. Two sets you could describe as ‘standard’, like stairs in a shopping centre. The other set is considerably shallower. All steps are outside and have handrails. There are rest areas between with seats provided. The attraction, however, may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. There is no access for pushchairs for these steps, pushchairs must be parked at the bottom of the steps under the shelter provided or bring a sling if possible. There is no wheelchair access. For more information please download the accessibility document on the Plan Your Visit page of Mother Shipton's website.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Accessibility-Guide.pdf

Accessible Performances

Audio boxes are positioned at interest points within the attraction, including the Petrifying Well and Cave.

Awards List

Little Vikings - York for Kids Awards Winner 2022 (Best Family Attraction - Yorkshire Dales) Visit York Tourism Awards Winner 2022 (Small Visitor Attraction of the Year) Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards 2020 Silver (Small Visitor Attraction of the Year) Harrogate Advertiser Excellence in Business Awards 2020 Winner (Tourism Award)

Toilets

We have toilets at the main entrance and portable toilets in the middle of the attraction. There is one accessible portable toilet in the middle of the attraction.

Staff

Some team members have sign language training, dementia friendly training, mental health training and first aid training.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Dogs must be kept on leads at all times, and the only place that dogs cannot go is inside the children's adventure playground.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls for dogs are positioned throughout the site, including by the main entrance, next to the coffee kiosk and outside the museum and gift shop. These are cleaned and refilled daily.