United Kingdom
Even when the castle buildings are closed to the public during the winter months Knaresborough castle is still worth a stroll around if only for the views of its famous railway viaduct and river Nidd gorge with Knaresborough perched on its cliff high above the Nidd.
www.knaresborough.co.uk/castle/
Castle Yard Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8AS
+44(0)1423 556188
Google map: bit.ly/JKSr5M
One of England’s oldest visitor attractions which
opened to the public in 1630, Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough, Yorkshire contains the only known petrifying spring in England. The cave is the legendary birthplace of a 16th century prophetess, Mother Shipton, England’s answer to Nostradamus. My grandparents used to take me here when I was a kid and since I wished for a bike from the wishing well and then two months later got a bike for my birthday, I was always keen to visit again!
The well water's extremely high mineral content means that everything in its path turns into stone, leaving behind mineral deposits that build up to form a crust of new rock. Visitors to the petrifying well can make a wish by placing their hand in the waters and see all sorts of petrified items hanging from the rock face including shoes, teddy bears, a hat belonging to John Wayne and Agatha Christie’s handbag. Nearby is the Knaresborough viaduct, a museum, parks, riverside walks and boat hire along the River Nidd. A brilliant day out if you like messing about in boats, eccentric quirky places and enjoy a bit of local history.
Mother Shiptons Cave, Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8DD
+44(0)1423 864600
www.mothershiptonscave.com
Google map: bit.ly/q8m6ax
Search Been there