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Christmas at Mother Shipton's
Magical Christmas experience at a historic cave attraction.
About
Step into a magical Christmas wonderland at Mother Shipton's Cave. Families can enjoy a personal visit with Santa in his grotto, receive a special gift, and pose for photos in his sleigh. Gather for enchanting stories, create reindeer food, and send wishes to Santa. Explore the illuminated woodland, discover ancient wells, and warm up with hot chocolate.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical and enchanting
Energy Level
Low to medium
Budget
$$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Medium
Special Events & Promotions
- Personal family visit with Santa
- Receive a special Santa gift
- Pose for a photo inside Santa’s magic sleigh
- Gather around Holly Berry, the enchanting storyteller
- Create your very own bag of reindeer food
- Send your heartfelt wishes to Santa at the Snowy Owl Sorting Office
- Hang your handwritten wish upon the Christmas tree
- Warm up with a deluxe hot chocolate
- Explore the Christmas Shop
- Venture into the depths of the woodland and discover the cave, the legendary Petrifying Well, and the Wishing Well
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.
Location
Event Details
Pricing
$$
Duration
2-3 hours per visit
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Knaresborough Christmas Market
Practical Information
Parking
Car admission is available.
Accessibility
The middle of the attraction is accessible for pushchairs, but this does not extend to the Cave, Well and Museum/Gift Shop due to steps and gravel. A sling is recommended for little ones. During winter, temporary surfaces make the attraction unsuitable for people with impaired mobility.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed
Food & Drink
Deluxe hot chocolate, gingerbread biscuits, and mince pies available. Refreshment cabins and log gazebos.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book tickets online in advance, as places are limited and cannot be purchased at the gate.
- Consider bringing a baby sling for infants, as the Cave, Well, and Gift Shop areas have steps and gravel.
- Check the pricing tiers (Off-Peak, Peak, Super Peak) as costs vary depending on the date of your visit.
- While the main attraction is accessible for pushchairs, be prepared to park them before navigating the steps to the Cave and Well.
- Allow ample time to explore the woodland and enjoy the festive refreshments before or after your Santa visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the Magical Christmas Family Ticket?
The Magical Christmas Family Ticket admits up to 5 people into the park and allows access to the woodland, cave, petrifying well, wishing well, museum, and gift shop. It does not include a visit to Santa.
Do I need a separate ticket for my child to see Santa?
Yes, in addition to the Magical Christmas Family Ticket, each child (aged 0-12) wishing to see Santa must have a Santa Experience Ticket. This ticket entitles them to a festive activity pack and a personal visit with Santa.
Can I purchase tickets at the gate?
No, tickets for Christmas at Mother Shipton's must be purchased ONLINE IN ADVANCE. Places are limited, and tickets cannot be bought at the gate.
Is the attraction accessible for people with mobility issues?
The middle section of the attraction is accessible for pushchairs. However, the Cave, Well, and Museum/Gift Shop have steps and gravelled ground, making them unsuitable for those with impaired mobility, especially during winter.
What if my party has more than 5 people?
If your party exceeds 5 people, you will need to purchase additional group member tickets. If the additional person is a child who wishes to see Santa, you must purchase both an additional group member ticket and a Santa Experience ticket.
