Mother Shipton’s Cave to Feature on Hit Documentary Series ‘Bangers & Cash’
Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest paid tourist attraction, is set to appear in an upcoming episode of the documentary series Bangers & Cash. The show, which follows the Yorkshire family-run Mathewsons classic car auctioneer business, will feature the historic site in an episode airing at 8pm on Thursday, 27th February 2025, on U&Yesterday (Freeview Channel 27).
The episode will showcase Bangers & Cash star Derek Mathewson as he makes the short trip to a mysterious Yorkshire beauty spot to pick up a 1920s style bus that isn’t all that it seems. Though it looks like a vintage relic, the bus is actually a converted 1980s Transit van.
Once an iconic feature of Mother Shipton’s Cave, the bus was used to transport visitors along the Long Walk from the entrance to the steps leading to the cave and well.
John Wynne, who has been a tour guide at the attraction since 1992, fondly recalled the bus’s role in the visitor experience: “It was an attraction in its own right.” However, with the site evolving and paths through the grounds now busier than ever, the bus was retired from active service. Before going to auction, it was spruced up to ensure it looked its best for potential buyers.
Fiona Martin expressed her hopes for the sale, stating, “I can’t wait to see the story of the old bus on Bangers & Cash. I hope it finds a great new home. It’s brilliant to share a bit of Yorkshire tourism on TV.” The proceeds from the auction will be reinvested into the site, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the magic of this legendary location.
During filming, Derek Mathewson also visited the site’s famous Petrifying Well, which slowly turns objects to stone as if by magic. Derek donated a flat cap to be petrified, joining an eclectic collection in the site’s Cabinets of Petrified Curiosities, which includes Jonathan Ross’s underpants.
Tune in to Bangers & Cash at 8pm on Thursday, 27th February 2025, on U&Yesterday (Freeview Channel 27).
Pictured is John Wynne, a Tour Guide at Mother Shipton’s, and the Old Bus from Mother Shipton’s
