Mother Shipton's Cave Ticket Portal

FAQs / Help

How do I use my DigiTicket

You will be emailed an order confirmation that will include your unique booking reference number. You will need to make a note of this booking reference number and the name of the person who made the booking. You can show the barcode of your booking confirmation email on your phone or print it out and bring it with you for scanning in on arrival at our ticket booths.

Can I bring a Dog?

During general admission and themed events excluding Christmas, dogs are welcome in all areas of the park apart from the adventure playground which is clearly signposted. Out of respect for other visitors, we ask that dogs are kept on a lead at all times. 

Please note that we cannot allow dogs into the attraction during our Christmas experience due to the unique set up of the event.

How can I contact you?

Contact Mother Shipton’s directly on 01423 864600 or email info@mothershipton.co.uk Alternatively contact us on social media @mothershiptons. 

Please be aware that we are a small attraction, and although we always try to respond to queries as soon as possible, there may be a delay during busy periods.

Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?

There are toilets and baby changing facilities at the park entrance. There are portable toilets including an accessible toilet available in the middle of the park near the adventure playground.

Is the attraction suitable for a wheelchair user?

The cave and petrifying well are NOT wheelchair accessible. The Cave and Petrifying Well are both natural rock formations, situated in the centre of a mile-long, woodland park. Access can only be gained via three sets of twenty-five steps. All steps are outside and have handrails. There are rest areas between with seats provided. The attraction may not be suitable for people with impaired mobility. Please read our Accessibility Guide for more information.

Can I reach you by public transport?

Frequent buses stop near the main entrance. See www.harrogatebus.co.uk for details. If travelling by rail the main entrance is a 5 to 10-minute walk from Knaresborough train station. Northern Rail offer direct trains to Knaresborough from Leeds and York: www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/KNA

Do I need to pre-book for events?

We recommend booking online, especially for weekends and school holidays as we can be busy or sold out. During term time it is often possible to turn up and pay by card at the entrance.

Tickets for our Christmas event must be booked online in advance. Please note that this event is very popular, and tickets often sell out fast.

Do you offer group booking rates?

We offer discounted rates for pre-booked school education groups of 15 or more during term time weekdays only. For more information please contact info@mothershipton.co.uk

Do you offer concessions for disabled visitors?

Unfortunately we don't offer concessions or discounted tickets. Please be aware of the accessibility for the attraction www.mothershipton.co.uk/plan-your-visit

What do events involve?

Children follow a themed trail through the park. There are props and displays along the way. You can see photos, videos and reviews on the events pages of our website. 

I bought my tickets online but can no longer come. What happens now?

Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What if the park has closed on the day of my visit due to unforseen circumstances?

If the park is closed due to flooding or high winds, this will be posted on the website as early as possible. In this instance visitors should contact Mother Shipton’s directly on 01423 864600 to change the date of their visit. It is the visitor’s responsibility to check the website for up to date information before visiting.

I have purchased tickets online but have not received a confirmation email. What should I do?

Check the tickets have not gone in to your junk mail. If you still do not have them call a member of our team on 01423 864600 and they will be able to help.

Can I pay by card onsite?

Visitors are able to pay by card in all areas. There is no cash accepted on site.

Can I bring a picnic?

Yes, there are plenty of picnic areas and benches throughout the park, including covered seating areas.

Is the attraction suitable for prams/pushchairs?

Half of the attraction is pushchair friendly. We have 3 flights of steps with 25 steps on each. There’s a pushchair shelter provider before the steps. Please see our Accessibility Guide for more information.

Gift Vouchers

How can I purchase a Gift Voucher?

Gift Vouchers are available to purchase through the Mother Shipton's website. Please note that gift vouchers can only be purchased online.

What happens when I purchase a Gift Voucher?

On completion of your order you will be emailed an order confirmation with an order reference number.

The recipient of the Gift Voucher will also receive an email with your special message, voucher code and instructions on how to use their voucher.

Do you offer refunds on Gift Vouchers?

No. Gift Vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

I have been given a Gift Voucher, what can I purchase?

Gift Vouchers can only be used to purchase admission tickets and events through the Mother Shipton's website. Please note that gift vouchers can only be used to purchase tickets online and cannot be used at the Main Gate, in the Gift Shop or on Food & Drink on site.

Gift Vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.

How long is the Gift Voucher valid for?

Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

How many times can I use my Gift Voucher?

Gift Vouchers can be used more than once if the value of the first transaction is less than the value of the gift voucher. 

Gift Vouchers can be used against a transaction which is more than the value of the gift voucher. The remaining balance can be paid using card.  

Can I use my complimentary/Change of Date ticket online?

You will need to contact us to book in for a session using your change of date or complimentary ticket. To do so, please email info@mothershipton.co.uk

Is there food available?

Within the attraction we have catering kiosks selling pies, treats, coffee and ice cream. We have alternative milk options available for those with allergies and intolerances, as well as dairy free ice cream. The attraction only accepts card payments.

We have picnic tables including covered seating, within the woodland walk.

There are plenty of local independent cafes and restaurants in the town of Knaresborough which our team will be happy to recommend for after your visit.

CHRISTMAS: What age is the event suitable for?

Our Magical Christmas Experience is aimed at children aged 0-12 years and their families. To visit the Magical Christmas Experience and see Santa, visitors are required to purchase a Christmas Park Admission Ticket (admits up to 5 people) and a Santa Experience Ticket for each child wishing to see Santa and receive a festive activity pack.

During Christmas we also offer separate Winter Woodland Walk tickets, this is aimed primarily at adults and older children who wish to explore the park during the festive period, without a visit to Santa.

CHRISTMAS: Do I have to pay for older siblings to see Santa?

Santa Experience tickets are for children aged 0-12, older siblings are welcome to accompany them to visit Santa without a Santa Experience ticket but they must be included within the Christmas Park Admission family ticket (up to 5 people). If they did wish to receive a gift or a festive activity pack, they would need to purchase a Santa Experience ticket also.
 

CHRISTMAS: Do I have to pay for a baby to see Santa?

Santa Experience tickets cater to children aged 0-12 years. If you plan to bring an infant to meet Santa individually, the infant will need their own Santa Experience ticket.

For instances where other children are accompanying you to see Santa but you don't need a gift for the baby, the baby can still join the Santa visit without a Santa Experience ticket. However, the baby should be included in the Christmas Park Admission family ticket (for up to 5 people).

CHRISTMAS: Can I come without seeing Santa?

We have separate tickets for a Winter Woodland Walk during Christmas to visit the woodland and ancient attraction only, without visiting Santa or participating in any of the festive activities. This is aimed at older children/teens and adults. 

CHRISTMAS: Can I see Santa as an adult (no children)?

The Santa Experience is aimed at children aged 0-12 years, and includes a festive activity pack and soft toy gift from Santa. Should you desire to visit Santa while also exploring the park as an adult without children, you're welcome to do so. However, for this purpose, you will need both a Christmas Park Admission Ticket (admits up to 5 people) and a Santa Experience Ticket for each individual intending to meet Santa.

CHRISTMAS: Is the event suitable for children with special educational needs?

The event involves gentle twinkling lights, music and interactive characters. Please speak to our team members by emailing info@mothershipton.co.uk if you require any further details regarding the event and suitability for your individual needs.

Please be aware of the accessibility for the attraction www.mothershipton.co.uk/plan-your-visit

 

CHRISTMAS: Can I bring a dog?

Please note that we cannot allow dogs into the attraction during the experience due to the unique set up of our Christmas event.

CHRISTMAS: What activities are involved?

Listen to Christmas tales with Holly Berry the storyteller, create your own bag of reindeer food to take home and sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve, write, stamp and post your letter to Santa at our North Pole Post Office, hang a handwritten wish upon the Christmas tree, visit the cave, incredible Petrifying Well and make a Christmas wish at the Wishing Well.

CHRISTMAS: How long does the experience last?

Tickets allow up to 2.5 hours for the whole experience, but we ask visitors to arrive 15 minutes before their time slot begins to allow time to make your way to Santa's grotto.

CHRISTMAS: In what order does everything happen?

Kindly arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your designated time slot. This extra time will give you the opportunity to collect your festive activity pack and reach the heart of the Christmas Village situated in the middle of the park. Upon reaching the Christmas Village, please proceed directly to Chief Elf Chestnut's Tipi tent. Your registration will take place there, following which a cheerful elf will guide you to Santa's grotto.

After your visit with Santa, you are free to explore the other activities and sights at Mother Shipton's in any order you wish. 

CHRISTMAS: Will I see Santa in a mixed group with other families or is it personal?

Visits to Santa are a personal experience for one group at a time, and you will not be mixed with other families or groups to see him. 

CHRISTMAS: Will the adventure playground be open?

Unfortunately, due to the unique setup of the Christmas experience, the playground will not be open during this event.

CHRISTMAS: What is the gift from Santa?

Santa's Christmas gift is a festive animal soft toy.

CHRISTMAS: I can't attend. What happens now?

Unfortunately our tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, under any circumstances.