Knaresborough

The main attraction in this charming town in Northern England is Mother Shipton's Petrifying Well, a sort of waterfall/well/cave that turns things to stone -- literally!  It's been a point of pilgrimage since the middle ages, and was actually England's first paying tourist attraction!  It's still certainly worth visiting.

The story goes that Mother Shipton, a witch, was born in the nearby cave, during a dramatic storm to a young woman cast out by her village.   She was famous for her psychic predictions, and the waterfall and well near her cave is believed to grants wishes.  Objects are hung in the dripping water, where you can see them in various states of petrification.  So awesome!


Knaresborough the town hangs on dramatic hills overlooking a river, and there's also a lovely riverside walk that circles the town and the cave.  There are quaint shops in town as well as the dramatic ruins of a castle to visit.