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Mother Shipton's Cave Christmas Experience
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Enchanting Christmas village with a personal visit to Santa.
About
Step into a magical winter woodland at Mother Shipton's Cave for an enchanting Christmas experience. Greeted by cheerful elves, children with a Santa Experience Ticket receive a festive activity pack. Wander through the Christmas Village, meet storyteller Holly Berry, and collect reindeer food. The highlight is a personal visit to Santa in his cosy grotto for a gift and photo opportunity. Explore the legendary Petrifying Well and Wishing Well (weather permitting) and enjoy optional festive treats.
Our Take
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Magical, enchanting, festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Mid-Range
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
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
Family Tickets (Car or Pedestrian Admission for up to 5 people) range from £39 (Off Peak) to £45 (Super Peak). Santa Experience Tickets (for children aged 0-12) are an additional £15 (Off Peak) to £18 (Super Peak). A £1.50 booking fee per order applies.
Duration
Varies based on booking time, with site closing times specified
Ages
All ages welcome; Santa Experience Ticket is for children aged 0-12.
Schedule
Daytime slots cannot arrive earlier than 15 minutes before the booked start time. Evening slots (after 6:50 PM on December dates, excluding the 24th) welcome arrivals from 6:30 PM, with site closure at 8:30 PM. On December 24th, 1:50 PM or 2:00 PM bookings can arrive from 1:30 PM, with site closure at 3:30 PM.
Featured Performers
- Chief Elf Chestnut
- Holly Berry
Organizer
Mother Shipton's Cave
Practical Information
Parking
Parking within the attraction for the session time is included with Car Admission tickets. Parking is exclusively for visitors of Mother Shipton's during their booked session.
Accessibility
While the Christmas village and catering areas are accessible, the grotto and activity huts may present challenges for some wheelchairs or pushchairs due to narrow, uneven paths. Parking pushchairs/wheelchairs in designated shelters before entering the grotto is recommended. The Cave, Well, and Gift Shop are not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to multiple flights of steps. Shelters are available near the steps to these areas. For specific accessibility questions, contact info@mothershipton.co.uk.
Pet Policy
No pets allowed (service animals welcome)
Food & Drink
Optional purchases include deluxe hot chocolate, refreshments, and festive marshmallows to toast by the Christmas fire. Quirky refreshment cabins, snug log gazebos, and a heated eating tipi are available.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Book your tickets well in advance, especially for peak dates, as this popular event often sells out quickly. Consider off-peak dates for potential savings.
- Dress warmly in layers and wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, as the event takes place in a natural woodland setting and some areas may be affected by weather.
- Arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled daytime slot to ensure a smooth entry and manage crowds effectively.
- Bring cash for optional purchases like hot chocolate and marshmallows, as card transactions may not be available for all on-site vendors.
- Familiarize yourself with the accessibility information provided, particularly regarding the cave and gift shop, and contact them in advance if you have specific concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core experience of the Christmas event?
The central part of the Christmas Experience is a personal family visit with Santa in his grotto, where each child receives a soft toy gift and a photo opportunity in his sleigh.
Are there any areas that might be closed due to weather?
Yes, due to the natural woodland setting, areas like the Cave, Petrifying Well, Gift Shop, and marshmallow toasting may be closed during poor weather. However, the event proceeds if the main Santa visit is possible.
What payment methods are accepted?
Only card transactions are accepted for any purchases at the attraction. No cash is taken.
Can I bring a pushchair or wheelchair?
The Christmas village and catering areas are accessible, but the grotto and activity huts may be challenging. The Cave, Well, and Gift Shop are not accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs due to steps. Shelters are available.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
If the Christmas Experience is cancelled in full, including the Santa visit, a full refund will be issued. Cancellations may occur up to and including the date of your visit due to weather.