All you have to do is look north to see the beautiful, undulating limestone hills which dominate this part of the country. But what of Skipton itself? The town is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops and eateries, and its rich history mixes with modern culture to provide a welcoming atmosphere.
In this post, we will look at what the town and surrounding area has to offer, whether you want adventure or tranquillity, or a bit of both, we’ve got something to cover you.
Soak up some history at Skipton Castle
Dominating the skyline of Skipton High Street is the unmissable gatehouse of Skipton Castle. This impressive building is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country, and where others lie in ruins, this one is remarkably intact. Built in 1090 by a Norman baron, the castle later passed into the Clifford family – a well-known name around these parts. In 1659 Lady Anne Clifford planted a yew tree in the castle courtyard to celebrate its restoration, which is still standing today.
From the musty dungeons to the top of the Watch Tower, the tour through the castle will take you through its incredible history, including how it survived a three-year siege during the Civil War. Take in the magnificent Banqueting Hall where the Lord and Lady would have dined, and discover the medieval kitchen where their meals would have been prepared.
Browse the stalls at Skipton Market
Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10:00 and 16:00, Skipton Market sets up shop on the High Street. Each day brings different traders, and no stalls are fixed, which means there is always something new to be discovered. From shoes and boots to cheese and meats, the market is a hive of activity and trading. The roots of the market can be traced back to medieval times, when a Royal Charter from King John granted consent for the Lord of Skipton Castle to hold a fair on Skipton High Street. Over the years the market has been heavily used for animal trading – after all, Skipton actually means ‘sheep town’ – this tradition still takes place today, although away from the market and in the modern auction house on the edge of town.
Peruse the independent shops of Skipton High Street
If the market doesn’t have quite what you’re after, then the independent shops which line Skipton High Street are sure to hold something you want. As well as the High Street, narrow side streets and alleys are home to the sublime, the ridiculous, the unique and the downright eccentric when it comes to shopping for goods. Our top picks for a browse include Lighthouse Lane, which stocks gifts, homewares and greeting cards; Daisy Chains Emporium, which is home to a veritable oasis of houseplants and very knowledgeable plant shop owners, and Sarsaparillas Sweet Shop, a proper traditional sweet shop where you can stock up on everything from salty liquorice (an acquired taste) to old-fashioned bonfire lollies.
Visit Craven Court
As if the High Street and market weren’t enough, your final stop on your shopping tour of Skipton has to be the beautiful Craven Court – a small Victorian shopping arcade set over two floors. Once more this houses lots of independent shops and boutiques, as well as a tea room on the upper floor where you can sit on the balcony overlooking the court below. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, visit The Geek Side to marvel at their entire floor dedicated to the Wizarding World!
Learn about the Local History at the Craven Museum
This small museum is located within Skipton Town Hall, and allows you to connect with local characters and landscapes from the town’s past. Having recently undergone a major redevelopment project, the museum reopened in July 2021 with some incredible curios, including Shakespeare’s First Folio, the Iron-Age Flasby Sword, and a Roman Amethyst Intaglio. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the gallery hosts a changing programme of exhibitions from local and national artists and crafts people.
Take a Boat Trip on the Canal
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal runs through the heart of Skipton and has played an important role in the town’s development and history. Now home to beautiful walks and colourful narrowboats, to really experience this waterway you need to step onboard and go for a cruise. Why not try a luxury gin and cocktail cruise, where you can sample different spirits and local ales whilst watching the world go by. Or if you fancy something a bit different, why not have some dinner with an evening fish & chips cruise?
Explore Skipton Castle Woods
Set alongside Skipton Castle, Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland managed by the Woodland Trust. The woods are steeped in history and home to a huge variety of wildlife, including bats, deer and kingfishers. Look out for events during the year, including the popular lantern walks. Head over to the Woodland Trust website to discover family walks, treasure trails and nature spotting tips.
Visit Bolton Abbey for acres of unspoiled parkland
Bolton Abbey is well worth a visit for a day out in itself. This expansive 33,000 acre estate has so much to see and do, you’ll be hard-pressed to fit it all in to one visit! Start at the ruins of the 12th century priory church, before meandering down to the river and crossing the 60 stepping stones. Walk along the river to the Valley of Desolation and Strid Wood, where you’ll find the curiously-named ‘Strid’ – a natural narrowing in the river where water rushes through at an incredible speed! Cross back over via the aqueduct before returning to one of the tea rooms or cafes.
Most of the estate is dog friendly, and they can be let off lead in many areas for a run around. There are water taps and dog parking facilities at all three estate gift shops, and dogs are welcome inside the Tea on the Green tea rooms.
Take a trip on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Enjoy a day out on this fabulously British steam railway, which will throw you back in time to days gone by where travel by steam was the height of luxury. Choose the sumptuous first class compartments, or sit back and relax in the comfort of standard class – both give you unrivalled views of the stunning Dales scenery as you pass through. For an extra-special treat, why not indulge in an Afternoon Tea for Two, dining on cakes and sandwiches as you watch the beauty of Yorkshire unfold.
Discover local art at the Mill Bridge Gallery
Dedicated to showcasing the talent of artists from Skipton and Yorkshire, the Mill Bridge Gallery is set in the 17th century Mill building on the canal. This imposing structure of beams and uneven floors is the perfect location for artists to show their work, including photography, sculptures and fine art. The canal-side garden is home to some more unusual sculptures, and is a great place to explore. The exhibitions change regularly, so be sure to check out their website for the latest information.
Take a peek inside Holy Trinity Church
Although the castle dominates this part of town, Holy Trinity Church sits quietly next door with beautiful gardens and impressive stained-glass windows. The church itself dates back to the 1300s, and now houses a café and gift shop, as well as occasional exhibitions of local history and art.
Things to do in Skipton with Dogs
Being set in such a stunning location, and a true paradise for the outdoors enthusiast, it is no wonder that Skipton sees many four-legged friends passing through the town. See below for some of our favourite places for you and your doggy pal to visit.
Bask in the delight of Parcevall Hall Gardens: so beautiful that they’ve even been featured on Gardener’s World! Dogs are welcome on a lead, and there’s a tea room for you to relax when you’ve finished your walk.
Explore the wider Bolton Abbey Estate: we’ve already covered the more immediate areas of this huge place, but further afield the estate offers miles and miles of walking for the casual and serious dog walker. For a good hike, head up to Simon’s Seat or Hare Head for some spectacular moorland views. Make sure to check for seasonal dogs-on-leads restrictions on open access land.
Walk the canal between Gargrave and Skipton: this lock-free stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal runs for five miles between Skipton and the village of Gargrave. Stop for a refreshing pint or cup of tea in Gargrave before heading back to Skipton basin.
No visit to Skipton for Fido could be complete without a visit to the Kibble Bakery: Skipton’s very own dog-friendly coffee house and bakery, offering both human and dog menus for you both to enjoy. If you time it right, you can even treat your pooch to their very own dog birthday party, complete with doggy birthday cake. Does it get any better?
Visit the remarkable Saltaire village: a short drive from Skipton and located on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. The village was built in its entirety by wool baron Sir Titus Salt to house his textile workers, and is now a designated World Heritage Site. Dogs are welcome throughout the site.
Head north to Malham Cove and Goredale Scar: natural gems which will blow you away with their beauty. This stunning area of limestone is marked by tumbling waterfalls and the deep Malham Tarn lake, surrounded by craggy escarpments and limestone pavements. A dog’s paradise, this area of the dales offers you both miles of walking.
Go deep underground in the incredible Ingleborough Cave: journey through 450 million years of geology to discover spectacular formations in this impressive show cave. First discovered in 1837 by the Victorians, today the cave is lit with beautiful lighting to allow you to follow in the footsteps of those early explorers, past stalagmites and stalactites and the spooky Witches’ Fingers.
Go for a run in Aireville Park: or join Skipton’s weekly Parkrun! Dating back to the 1830s and situated just off the canal, this large open space boasts play areas, a high ropes course, pitch-and-putt course and a café. There’s plenty of space to let your pup roam, and lots of trees to be sniffed!
Best Places for Food in Skipton
When you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to check out these places for food to fill your heart and soul.
Squeeze into the Early Doors micropub: located in the heart of Skipton and offering 6 ales on tap. With two permanent and four rotating guest ales, this tiny speakeasy is a real hidden gem.
Choose some tunes at Skipton Sound Bar: Located in the Record Shop, here you can combine a great pint or a hot cup of coffee with browsing a huge range of records across all genres. Sunday afternoons are saved for live music performances, so grab a beer, grab a seat and enjoy.
The Two Sisters Bar & Kitchen: well-known for serving up delicious homemade food, local craft beers and speciality gins. Head down to this dog-friendly pub for a taste of proper Yorkshire comfort.
Fancy a bit of fine dining? Pop over to Alexander’s: Skipton’s award-winning grand-café, bar and terrace. Here you can indulge in cocktails in the bar, afternoon tea in the parlour or dinner in the kitchen. Dine alfresco on the terrace whilst you watch the sun set over the distant Dales.
Go Stateside with the kids at Billy Bob’s Parlour: a fast-food diner mixed with a fifties ice cream parlour. This place has everything American from hot dogs to pancakes and towering ice cream sundaes. Let the kids run off some steam in the adventure playground or indoor play barn while you enjoy your meal.
Let them have cake at the Cake’ole: This weird and wacky café in Craven Court specialises in a unique variety of drinks and cakes, served in a setting like no other. Flavours you could only dream of take the form of towering, colourful cakes, with outlandish decorations and drinks to match. Struggling to choose? Bring some friends and share in a cake platter. Not a cake fan? Try one of their outrageous milkshakes instead!
For the chocoholics amongst us, The Chocolate Works on Sheep Street is a must-visit location: This chocolate themed café has bases in both Skipton and Clitheroe, and specialises in bubble waffles filled with chocolate and cream, as well as serving hot chocolate, chocolate fondues, ice creams and milkshakes.
For coffee with a difference, why not head over to Coffee and Clay at the top of Skipton High Street: A coffee shop on the ground floor, the top floor of the building is dedicated to pottery painting and all things clay. While away an afternoon decorating your next office mug whilst munching one of their speciality lunches.
For pizza, pasta and other Italian favourites, try Oakleys Grill & Pizzeria: Oakleys pride themselves on locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, with dishes cooked to your exacting tastes. Try their speciality dessert pizzas, including the warm cinnamon and apple!
Try some tapas at La Casita: Owned by two local Skipton chefs, the restaurant serves traditional Andalusian tapas with a Yorkshire twist (what else!), La Casita has something for everyone to enjoy.
For something a bit different, pop over to Le Bistro des Amis: This cosy, laid-back restaurant offers a ‘Franco/Yorkshire’ fusion to delight your taste buds. From French classics to modern British, Le Bistro is a great place for coffee, beer or a full three-course meal.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Herriots in their Rhubarb Restaurant: Fresh, seasonal produce compliments the elegant selection of teas and gins for you to indulge in, whilst relaxing in the comfort of the hotel.
Stock up on some Yorkshire faves at Keelham Farm Shop: This extensive farm shop, kitchen restaurant and gift shop is the perfect place to spend an afternoon sampling local produce and buying gifts for you and your loved ones to take home a taste of Yorkshire.
More Things to do in Skipton
Take a wander around Kilnsey Park: With various activities on offer, from pony rides to fishing, waterfalls to explore and rare red squirrels to spot, Kilnsey Park has something for everyone. Finish up the day in the on-site café, serving Yorkshire tea and cakes for you to eat in or takeaway.
Befriend the animals at Thornton Hall Farm Country Park: this working farm allows you to get up close and personal with the animals, in addition to boasting some fantastic children’s play areas.
Sample an incredible array of gins at V.SQ bar: this amazing little bar serves over 170 gins, and includes some fabulous cocktails crafted by talented mixologists.
Relax into a Spa Day at The Devonshire Arms: situated within the Bolton Abbey Estate. For the ultimate in relaxation and pampering, The Devonshire Arms offers various treatments, and each spa package comes with your own private bell tent to hide away in, including wood burners, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary spa goodies.
Visit the only theatre in the world that sits within a working cattle auction mart The Mart Theatre: hosting a diverse mix of events, and has seen some big names including Sarah Millican, Michael McIntyre and Beverley Craven. The site also hosts the annual Yarn Dale festival, which features some of the best knitting and crochet from across the region.
Head down to Skipton’s Sunday Artisan Market: hosted in the Canal basin. This community-led event is organised by some of the Skipton Market traders, and specialises in locally-produced crafts. There are often musical performances to accompany your browsing too!
FAQs
Where can I walk in Skipton?
Skipton really is the gateway to the Dales, so pack your walking boots and head out your door to explore miles of unspoiled countryside. For something closer to home, take a stroll along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, or a walk around Skipton Castle Woods.
What days are market days in Skipton?
The market is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4pm. On Sunday an artisan market takes place in the canal basin.
What is there to do in Skipton on a wet day?
Skipton Castle, Craven Court and the Mill Bridge Gallery are all perfect indoor attractions to while away the wet weather. If you fancy getting creative, head over to Coffee and Clay for some pottery painting and a cup of tea.
What shops are in Skipton?
Skipton is home to numerous independent shops, all of which offer a huge variety of things to delight your senses and find that perfect gift for a friend! Try The Fashion Station for boutique womenswear, or Fusion Jewellers for vintage rings and antique jewellery.
