Beside Mother Shipton’s cave is the famous Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon. Over hundreds of years curiosity has drawn millions of visitors to the well to see cascading water turn everyday objects to stone - as if by magic.

The park is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. The estate was sold by King Charles I in 1630 to a local gentleman, Sir Charles Slingsby; his family landscaped and created the park and the pathways visitors walk along today.

During a visit it is an old tradition to make a wish. The Wishing Well is fed by the same magical waters as the Petrifying Well and has been wished upon for over 300 years. Many visitors have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true!

Visitors from all over the world have been enchanted by the park’s natural beauty, mesmerised by the Petrifying Well and fascinated by Mother Shipton’s story. The park has several scenic picnic areas, an adventure playground and museum and gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground and Gift Shop (with the exception of Guide and Assistant dogs), and must be kept on a lead.