Bargain Hunt team put Knaresborough in TV spotlight in episode starring the oldest tourist attraction in England

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The oldest tourist attraction in the Harrogate area has been given a top role in a hit TV reality show.

This week’s edition of the popular BBC show Bargain Hunt saw Knaresborough tourist attraction Mother Shipton's Cave take centre stage.

As the cameras rolled, Fiona Martin, the proud owner of Mother Shipton's Cave, enjoyed in a lively conversation with Bargain Hunt presenter Charlie Ross during the episode which was broadcast on Monday, May 13.

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First open to visitors in 1630, the attraction is inspired by Mother Shipton, England's most famous Prophetess, who was born in a cave in Knaresborough in 1488 and, reportedly, foretold the Great Fire of London in 1666, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

TV show in Knaresborough - Pictured in front of the Petrifying Well is Mother Shipton's Cave owner, Fiona Martin, alongside Bargain Hunt presenter Charlie Ross. (Picture contributed)TV show in Knaresborough - Pictured in front of the Petrifying Well is Mother Shipton's Cave owner, Fiona Martin, alongside Bargain Hunt presenter Charlie Ross. (Picture contributed)
TV show in Knaresborough - Pictured in front of the Petrifying Well is Mother Shipton's Cave owner, Fiona Martin, alongside Bargain Hunt presenter Charlie Ross. (Picture contributed)

During the Bargain Hunt film crew’s visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave, the discussion delved into the story round the legend.

In a memorable moment captured on the show, presenter Charlie Ross ceremoniously hung a vibrant red Bargain Hunt jacket on the petrifying well, marking the beginning of its transformation into stone.

Owner Fiona Martin said: "We were excited to see the jacket undergo the petrifying process, alongside so many other well-known names who have donated items to be turned to stone for our collection of petrified curiosities.”

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The oldest tourist attraction to charge a fee in England, Mother Shipton’s includes a Woodland Walk, the Petrifying Well, the Wishing Well, The Park, and Mother Shipton's Cave itself

If you missed the episode featuring Mother Shipton's Cave, it is still available on BBC iPlayer.