Mother Shipton’s Cave has been named Best Christmas Experience at the 2026 Yorkshire Tots to Teens Awards.
The annual awards, sponsored by Discover Ilkley and Yorkshire Tutors, celebrate the best family-friendly businesses across Yorkshire, with winners chosen through public nominations and votes.
This marks the second year of the awards and a second consecutive win for Mother Shipton’s Cave, following last year’s recognition as Best Overall Attraction.
It was also ‘highly commended’ in this year’s Best Overall Attraction category.
Competing alongside outstanding attractions such as Whistlestop Valley and Murton Park, the team said it is “honoured to be recognised among such magical, festive experiences.”
Fiona Martin, owner of the attraction, said:
“What wonderful news to be named ‘Best Santa’s Grotto or Christmas Experience’!
“Our team behind the scenes transforms the site in a short space of time to create a truly magical Christmas experience, and Santa’s elves work tirelessly to make the event run smoothly.
“Seeing families’ faces light up makes every bit of effort worthwhile, and this award will put a big smile on Santa’s face!
“The site has magic running through its bones, and it’s wonderful to share even more of that enchantment at Christmas time.”
The award celebrates the site’s enchanting Christmas event, where families step into a festive wonderland. A
longside a personal visit with Father Christmas, children enjoy a variety of festive activities and explore the ancient Petrifying Well and the very cave where the 15th Century prophetess, Mother Shipton, is said to have been born.
Now in its seventh year, the experience continues to grow in popularity and was also recognised nationally in 2023 when it was named one of the Best Christmas Grottos to Meet Santa by The Telegraph.

Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'
Harrogate Ladies' College celebrates best A*-A results in four years
Ashville pupils heading around the world after A Level success
Students celebrate A Level success at St Aidan's and St John Fisher
Everything you need to know about Symphonic Ibiza this weekend
Eight Ripon Grammar students achieve four A*s or more
Harrogate Grammar celebrates strong A-level results
Ripon pupil overcomes anxiety to pursue Paris dream
More details revealed about Harrogate's Christmas ice rink in Valley Gardens
GALLERY: Hundreds gather at Almscliffe Crag for view of solar eclipse
Ripon Summer FunFest returns for sixth year
Extreme heat to cause disruption on Harrogate train line
Firework Championships to light up skies over Ripon next weekend
Harrogate MP calls for Lifeline changes to be put on hold
Harrogate streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up
New co-working space opens in Ripon city centre
Harrogate Cat Rescue receives year's supply of food for 80 cats
Covered ice rink to open in Harrogate's Valley Gardens this Christmas
Ripon's Jaflong named 'Best Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year'
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast


