Mother Shipton’s Cave is England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630.
Millions of visitors from all over the world have been enchanted by the park’s natural beauty, mesmerised by the Petrifying Well and enthralled by Mother Shipton’s amazing story.
She lived some 500 years ago in the times of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. She was born in a cave next to the river Nidd, delivered as lightning crackled in a violent storm. As she grew older, her prophetic visions became known and feared. She foretold the invasion and defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1488; and Samuel Pepys’ diary grimly records that Mother Shipton gave forewarning of the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Beside the Cave is the 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.
The park has several scenic picnic areas, adventure playground and museum and gift shop. Themed events run during school holidays, with a FREE children’s trail sheet.
Open weekends in March then every day from 1st April to 29th October, 10am – 4.30pm. There is parking on site (£2 all day in addition to admission).
Phone: 01423 864600
http://www.mothershipton.co.uk/