North Yorkshire

Skipton

Skipton is a market town and civil parish in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically in the East Division of Staincliffe Wapentake in the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is on the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the south of the Yorkshire Dales. Often referred to as the southern gateway to the Dales, a small and friendly town with cobbled streets, it began life when the owners of Skipton Castle acquired a market charter in 1204 and has thrived ever since.

The town has kept its medieval layout with the magnificent castle dominating the skyline. Explore the traditional high street and market place with alleys and covered passages between what were originally narrow landholdings known as tofts and crofts. Today these are busy pedestrian areas packed with fascinating shops and boutiques, inns and courtyards.

In the eighteenth century, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal was built right through the heart of the town, the towpath offers easy walking routes in and out of the town. Canal boats can be hired for day trips and on the May Bank Holiday, the Waterways Festival brings the town’s canal basin to colourful life.

Skipton Castle was built in the late eleventh century, it is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in the country, giving excellent views over the town and Skipton Woods.

The town also boasts the outstanding Craven Museum located in the Town Hall with a variety of exhibits relating to many aspects of Dales life, but most notably the lead mining industry. It is also home to a rare Shakespeare First Folio; dating back to 1623 there are only 230 copies in the world and the Craven Museum copy is one of only four First Folios on permanent display in the world.

Today, in addition to its rich heritage, Skipton offers many independent shops and cafes to explore and the market takes place 4 times a week. There are many walks locally and there is easy access to the wider Dales area.