Mother Shipton's Interactive Map
Mother Shipton's Map
Click on any of the points of interest to find out about each one.
Key
Rear entrance
This entrance to the park is behind the Mother Shipton’s Inn at Low Bridge, and is for pedestrians only. Tickets are valid for the whole day and visitors can leave the park and explore Knaresborough, as long as the ticket is retained and shown on re-entry to the estate.
Historia Museum
The petrified items donated by celebrities and TV programmes over the years can be viewed in the museum at the far end of the park. Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Blue Peter have all made contributions. There is also a hat worn by John Wayne, and Agatha Christie’s handbag. Probably the most historic and valuable item is a shoe left by Queen Mary when she visited in 1923. The museum also contains a life size figure of Mother Shipton.
The Petrifying Well
The petrifying Well is England’s oldest visitor attraction. It was first recorded by the King’s antiquary in 1538 and has been visited by millions of people since 1630. The water has a very high mineral content, please don’t drink it!
It is here that you can watch everyday objects turn to stone before your eyes. Compared with a stalactite or stalagmite, the items petrify very quickly – a small teddy bear takes around 3 -5 months. You can take a stone teddy bear home with you, they are available to buy in the museum.
The Wishing Well
It is traditional for visitors to make a wish during their trip to the park. Many have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true! There are some important rules to follow when making a wish, so please read them carefully first. You can also buy bottles of wishing well water from the gift shop to take home as a souvenir.
The Petrifying Well Spring
Located at the top of the Well, the spring is the start of the journey for the mystical water that turns objects into stone. The water comes from a natural lake a mile underground. As the water makes its way to the surface, it travels along a narrow band of porous rock called an “aquifer”. A massive amount of minerals are dissolved in the water, enough to turn everyday items to stone.
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Located at the top of the Well, the spring is the start of the journey for the mystical water that turns objects into stone. The water comes from a natural lake a mile underground. As the water makes its way to the surface, it travels along a narrow band of porous rock called an “aquifer”. A massive amount of minerals are dissolved in the water, enough to turn everyday items to stone.
Children’s Play Area
Children aged 4-11 years can enjoy playing on the woodland adventure area. Please note: Children must be supervised by an adult whilst in the playground.
Children’s Play Area
This play area is currently under construction. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Picnic Area 1(Riverside)
Enjoy the beautiful riverside picnic location while you eat your lunch.
Bebra Gardens
At the foot of the castle grounds lies Bebra Gardens, a small and enclosed area looked after by volunteers from the “Friends of Bebra Gardens” group. The general public are allowed to walk through the gardens and enjoy the flowers and wildlife.
Castle Ruins
High above the viaduct, over the other side of the river, lie the remnants of Knaresborough Castle. Historians believe it must have been built by Henry I or Rufus, although before that there was probably a Saxon fortress on the site. The earliest reference is in a document, dated 1130 AD, which records £11.00 having been spent on the “King’s works”. Over the years many kings have stayed in the castle whilst hunting through the Knaresborough forest. In 1648 the castle was partly dismantled and local residents began using the remaining stone to build their houses.
Parking
There are two car parks on site – the riverside car park and the woodland car park. The cost of parking is £2.00 in addition to in the admission fee. It is valid until the park closes.
Boat House (Marigolds)
Marigolds boating is situated on the opposite side of the river. For further information please phone@ 01423 869773. Please note the boats are not part of Mother Shipton’s Park.
Boat House
Blenkhorns Rowing Boat hire is situated on the opposite side of the river. For further information please phone: 01423 862105. Please note that the boats are not part of Mother Shipton’s Park.
Parking (Conyngham Hall)
Conyngham Hall car park is situated across the bridge from the main entrance to Mother Shipton’s Park and is pay and display. They also have a designated area for coaches.
Refreshments
High above the river and around the woodland playground, this is the perfect picnic place for families.
Picnic Area 2 (Weir)
From this picnic spot you can enjoy the view of the weir and what was once the old Mill.
Picnic Area 3
High above the river and around the woodland playground, this is the perfect picnic place for families.
Ticket Sales/Entrance
The main entrance to Mother Shipton’s Park for both cars and pedestrians is situated at the North end of the estate, beside High Bridge on Harrogate Road.
Tickets are valid for the whole day and visitors can leave the park and explore Knaresborough, as long the ticket is retained and shown on re-entry to the park.