As we had never been before, I chose Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough as our first proper trip out since lockdown has been eased. We have no plans to go abroad any time soon so want to make sure we have lots of days out in and around Yorkshire. It was just me, Holly who is 7 and Katie who is 3 (very nearly 4). We went on Tuesday 28th July. We set off from North Leeds at 9.10 and got there at 9.40. At the minute, you have to book online and it costs £30 per car so if my husband had come along it wouldn’t have cost any more. This gets you 2 1/2 hours in the park. We opted to add on a guide book for £1 which in my opinion, was worth the money as we read it before we set off from the car and the girls (and I) learnt lots about the prophetess Mother Shipton and the surrounding area. Each of the girls got a worksheet to fill in during their visit but bring a pencil…we didn’t!
The park is right on the River Nidd so a really lovely setting. When we arrived, the man on the gate told us there were only six other cars there which sounded perfect for us. The main toilet block is to the right as you drive under the entrance gate and there are some parking spaces to the left so my advice would be to go when you arrive and leave.
The park itself has stoney paths but there are quite a lot of steps so I would say avoid bringing prams if you can help it. There is a pixie village over the summer which consists of about four cottages and you can look through the windows to see the pixies. There is a really good play park which is well spaced out and safe. There is plenty to do including a zip wire which went down a treat with my two. Opposite the park is a van selling hot drinks and cold snacks and a van selling ice cream. This was perfect as I could have a relatively peaceful coffee as the girls played. You do have to wear masks at the vans to make purchases if over the age of 11. There are also a couple of portaloos nearby. The park then continues to the cave and wishing well. These areas aren’t very big so only one family at a time can get to them really meaning at busy times you may have to queue. There are audio recordings explaining the history of each feature. At the end of the path is a cute little museum which leads into the gift shop. Again, you must wear a mask in the gift shop if over 11 and the area isn’t very big so there may be queues at busier times.
All in all, we were really impressed with Mother Shipton’s Cave. The girls want to bring Daddy with us next time so we can head into Knaresborough after visiting and get him to row us down the river in one of the many boats there for hire!
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