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.

Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels


