Client: Mother Shipton’s Cave
Location: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
The Brief
Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest tourist attraction, has been enchanting visitors since 1630. Nestled in the ancient forest of Knaresborough, it offers a magical experience for all ages, featuring events during school holidays and a rich historical charm. In 2022, the team sought to create an unforgettable Christmas experience that would bring families together in a winter wonderland. The goal was to expand their offerings and transform their Santa’s grotto into a unique, immersive attraction.
The Challenge
Creating a magical Christmas village came with logistical challenges. The team envisioned a welcoming setup where visitors would journey through a tipi village before entering Santa’s grotto huts. However, the uneven ground at the site required precise planning. The Tipi Company’s team visited the site to ensure accurate measurements and designed bespoke sheeting to connect the tipis with the grotto huts seamlessly.
The Design & Installation
Mother Shipton’s Cave began their investment with one Big Hat Tipi and one Midi Tipi in 2022, paired with bespoke tunnels leading to Santa’s grotto huts. Pleased with the results, they expanded their setup in 2023 with an additional Big Hat Tipi, all crafted in a Forest Green canvas to complement the natural surroundings. The installation was completed with precision, ensuring the structures fit perfectly into the unique forest setting.
Theming
The tipis were transformed into a magical winter wonderland with twinkling fairy lights, festive Christmas trees, and cozy interiors. One Midi Tipi was dedicated to storytelling, where children could gather to listen to captivating tales. The versatility of the tipis also made them ideal for use throughout the year, hosting events for Easter, Halloween, and summer activities.
Since incorporating tipis into their attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave has created a multifunctional event space that delights visitors year-round. The addition of the tipis has elevated their visitor experience, making the attraction a must-visit destination for families. Their investment has paid off with increased visitor numbers and recognition through multiple awards, including the Little Vikings Award in 2023 and 2024, and the Visit York Tourism Award in 2023.
Mother Shipton’s Cave continues to enchant visitors, blending history and innovation with their tipi village at the heart of the magic.
Looking to elevate your tourist attraction with a unique structure? Contact The Tipi Company for bespoke solutions tailored to your business needs.
If you are feeling inspired and would like to discuss about adding Tipis to your offerings, contact us here. You can also download our brochure for more information.
Topics from this blog: Case Studies
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