THE oldest known paid tourist attraction in England is celebrating its 390th anniversary and has reached the finals of the Visit York Tourism Awards.
Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough, near Ripon, was first opened in 1630 and its ancient well - known as the Petrifying Well - is believed to be the only one of its kind in England.
The attraction was opened by the then landowner Sir Charles Slingsby who realised the significance of the well and began to charge for guided tours.
Since then millions of visitors from all over the world have thrown their wishing coins into its waters.
If Mother Shipton's wins the York Tourism Award, it will be put forward to the national Visit England Awards for Excellence 2020.
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