Skipton: storm a medieval castle, stroll down pretty canal paths and sup Yorkshire tea on historic cobbled streets
Perched on the River Aire and the Leeds Liverpool Canal, Skipton is a picturesque market town that radiates Yorkshire charm, history and a fantastic variety of independent shops, cafes, and historic outdoor market stalls.
Skipton’s Anglo-Saxon name is ‘sheep town’ – acknowledging its lengthy economic importance within Craven and the Southern Dales – and has previously been voted one of the happiest places to live in Britain, even when it’s raining.
Well-known brands such as Marks and Spencer’s Simply Food, Phase Eight and Joules sit happily alongside independent craft shops, charming cafes and award-winning restaurants, many of which are dog friendly and have additional children’s menus.
The town’s 900-year-old medieval castle is open for visitors and overlooks the main street where the historic open air market still takes place four days a week. It’s surrounded by beautiful woods and forest walks that are ripe for adventure and working up a hearty appetite.
The newly refurbished historic Town Hall, re-branded in 2022 as Craven Museum and Gallery, is free to enter and hosts a number of concerts, events and community activities throughout the year. Next to a large car park and various retail units, it’s always worth popping in as part of your visit.
Wander through narrow cobbled streets, an attractive Victorian shopping arcade and meander your way down the Leeds and Liverpool canal path. Take a boat tour, barge-watch with a steaming cup of coffee at The Coffee House, or sample local craft ale at The Boat House and The Narrow Boat. You will be spoilt for choice when deciding where to eat and drink. Skipton is a thriving hub of independent bars, pubs, coffee houses and restaurants.
Try traditional Yorkshire cuisine with a French twist at La Caveau, award-winning brunch at Elsworth Kitchen, a posh fish finger butty at Two Sisters Bar & Kitchen, or satisfy your sweet tooth at The Flip Side Crepes. There are too many to mention and you’ll have great fun navigating through Skipton’s pretty cobbled streets to find whatever suits your taste buds.
Known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, the town is well positioned for easy travel by road, rail and canal. Its Grade II listed railway station sits on the Airedale line with regular direct trains to Leeds, Bradford and neighbouring towns and villages. And by road, it isn’t far to Burnley and the Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Ilkley – and the beautiful Bolton Abbey.
If you are staying in one of the many attractive self-catering options near the town, or need to pick something up on the way home, make sure you stop at Keelhams Farm Shop. Packed with local produce including meat, cheese, vegetables, preserves, wine and beer – you cannot fail to be impressed with Skipton’s emphasis on the importance of shopping local and supporting regional farms and producers.
Images: nearby Bolton Abbey by James Genchi/Unsplash, Skipton Castle by Simon Waldren.