tourist map of skipton town centre

Visitor Information Centre

Open monday to saturday, 9.30am till 4.30pm.

You will find Skipton Visitor Centre located in the Town Hall. The Centre provides a comprehensive information service to visitors and the local community. Their friendly and knowledgeable team can provide details of visitor attractions, places of interest and what’s on in the local area. The Centre is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am till 4.30pm.

Getting here

There are a number of car parks a short distance from the High Street. Many car parks have a maximum stay of 4 hours so please check before you pay. Motorhome Overnight Tickets are valid for parking between the hours of 6pm and 9am on the day of purchase within the areas designated on the plans for each parking place (maximum permitted stay of 3 consecutive nights). Normal charges and restrictions apply outside these times in accordance with the Order.

Electric Charging points – There are two electric charging points located in the High Street car park located behind the Town Hall. It offers short stay parking up to 4 hours.

You can travel from Leeds, Bradford, Morecambe, Carlisle and all connections beyond to arrive at Skipton’s Victorian railway station.


Why not take a trip on the picturesque Settle-Carlisle line which takes you over the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct – an amazing  day out.

Public Toilets

You can find public toilets in the following locations Skipton High Street Car Park Toilets: Open from 9am-6pm Monday-Sunday Skipton Bus Station Toilets: Open 24 hrs a day Coach Street Car Park, Skipton. These are currently open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays only. 

Changing Places – Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH

Changing Places are toilets designed to provide extra facilities for people with severe or multiple disabilities.

They are different to standard disabled toilets because they have a:

• Centrally placed toilet with room either side for carers
• Washing and changing area with enough space for the disabled person and up to two carers
• Screen or curtain to give the disabled person or carer some privacy
• Tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible
• Height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
• Wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench
• Large waste bin for disposable pads
• Non-slip floor

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The 37 VERY BEST Things To Do in Skipton – The Ultimate Guide

• By Alexis Wilson-Barrett

Looking for things to do in Skipton? Check out our guide to the attractions, events and places of interest in this pretty North Yorkshire market town.

Skipton in North Yorkshire is in a truly idyllic location. Known as the “Gateway to the Dales”, it is surrounded by some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside and many of the county’s most popular attractions, including Malham Cove and Gordale Scar are just a stone’s throw away. Thousands of tourists flock to Skipton each year and it isn’t just because it’s a convenient base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Skipton itself has much to offer visitors and should certainly be added to your list of places to visit if you haven’t had the pleasure of exploring the town already.

To help you plan your itinerary for your next trip to Skipton, we’ve put together a guide on things to do in Skipton…

37 of the best things to do in Skipton…

Skipton attractions.

Skipton High Street

Over the years, Skipton’s high street has transformed beyond recognition, whilst retaining its beautiful architecture and having many intricate details for visitors and locals to enjoy all year round. The people of Skipton are famous for being amongst the friendliest in the country, too! If you visit on a market day, you’ll find a buzzing offering of stalls at the UK’s best small outdoor market! Be sure to check out the side streets too as Skipton’s independent shops are scattered around and many you won’t want to miss!

Craven Court Shopping Centre

Craven Court is a beautiful small Victorian shopping arcade set over two floors. In here, you’ll find a wonderful selection of quirky independent shops alongside a few bigger names. There’s also great tea rooms on the upper floor with lots of dining space on the balcony where you can tuck into homemade dishes whilst watching the shoppers below. A great little place for finding unique gifts and if you’re a Harry Potter fan, then The Geek Side will be right up your street with their entire floor dedicated to HP merchandise.

Aireville Park

A short distance from the canal towpath is Aireville Park, which consists of 20 acres of parkland. Many years ago it was owned by the Dewhurst family, and was part of Aireville Estate. It is now managed by Craven District Council. As well as a multi-use games area for sports of all types, there is an 18 hole pitch and putt golf course, a swimming pool and fitness centre and an excellent children’s playground. The new wooden playground was added to the park just a couple of years ago and is full of exciting play equipment for children of all ages. There’s even a small zip line!

Skipton  Castle

Dating back over 900 years,  Skipton Castle  is a perfectly preserved piece of British history. Visitors can explore the medieval castle at their leisure which withstood a three-year siege during the Civil War. It’s open daily from 10am (Sunday from 11am) with the last admission at 5pm (October – March 4pm) and costs £8.30 for adults, £5.20 for children (5-17) and it’s free for under 5s. If you’re visiting as a family a ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £26.60. Free tour sheets are available in a choice of ten languages.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

An absolute essential stop for anyone visiting Skipton is Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. There you can enjoy a ride in a vintage steam train, which locomotive enthusiasts and history lovers will adore. The evocative smell and the sound of the beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian carriages will give visitors a truly unique view of Yorkshires famous countryside. To make it an extra special occasion, the first-class saloons offer Cream Tea, Afternoon tea, Ploughman’s Lunch or a Cooked Breakfast, served whilst you steam through the Yorkshire Dales. In summer and autumn, evening meals are available serving everything from Fish and Chips to Curry!

Free things to do in Skipton

The leeds-liverpool canal.

The UK’s longest canal, (the Leeds and Liverpool Canal) runs through the heart of Skipton. It offers a fantastic opportunity for walkers who often enjoy an afternoon stroll. It takes you through some of the best countryside found anywhere on England’s canal network. Gargrave to Skipton is an extremely popular walk, it’s a lock-free stretch of the canal, meaning it offers a uniquely peaceful experience for walkers and boat enthusiasts alike.

Skipton Castle Woods

One of the most photographed areas of Skipton, set alongside Skipton Castle,  Skipton Castle Woods  is a stunning area of woodland, which has an intriguing history and offers a wide variety of amazing wildlife, including bats, deer and kingfishers. The Woodland Trust does a fantastic job of managing the woodland and put a lot of effort to make sure that the natural beauty of the wood is maintained. They also offer a range of events, including the ever-popular lantern walks which allow people to experience the woods in a unique way.

Craven Museum and Gallery

Located within Skipton Town Hall,  Craven Museum and Gallery  is run by Craven District Council and plays host to an ever-changing array of exhibitions based on heritage and art from the local area. Entrance to the museum is free and is a popular destination for family s looking for a fun activity to do whilst in Skipton. The museum also houses Shakespeare’s First Folio, one of just four Folio’s on permanent display in the world. The museum is closed in January for maintenance work.

Bolton Abbey

Just a short distance from Skipton Town Centre, Bolton Abbey is one of the most visited landmarks in the area. It is an impressive estate that sits perfectly within the landscape of the Yorkshire Dales, next to the picturesque village of Bolton Abbey. There are ample walking routes and many attractions which appeal to all ages. It has a rich history, which dates back to 1120, and the ruins of the original Priory are still present within the estate.

Fun things to do in Skipton

The sound bar.

The Sound Bar  is Skipton’s pub with a twist! As well as serving an excellent range of local ales, they also stock and display a vast collection of vinyl records and CDs, which are all available to purchase. Avid supporters of the local music scene, The Sound Bar host live performances every Sunday to showcase the area’s best music talent.  Open Wednesday 12:00 – 20:00, Thursday 12:00 – 21:00, Friday 12:00 – 21:00pm, Saturday 12:00 – 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 – 20:00.

Skipton Bar Crawl

Skipton is home to a wonderful selection of bars and pubs . We have gin bars and cocktail bars, music bars and sports bars, traditional alehouses and micropubs serving craft beers.  Start with a glass of the bubbly stuff at VSQ. and then head across to Cock and Bottle or The Albion for local ales in lovely beer gardens, before making your way up the High Street towards the sassy and sophisticated  Alexander’s Bar & Kitchen .

Coffee and Clay

Located at the top of Skipton High Street, Coffee and Clay looks like your average cafe from the outside. However, on the top floor of the building is an area dedicated to pottery painting. Great fun with or without children, Coffee and Clay let you unleash your creativity on an unsuspecting teapot whilst demolishing one of their delicious lunches. Open Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 16:15 and Sundays 10:30 – 16:15.

Kilnsey Park

The  Kilnsey Estate  dates back to the 1100s. It was owned by the monks from Fountain’s Abbey for 400 years before Henry VIII took their land. Now owned and managed by Jamie and Amy Roberts, this glorious estate offers a variety of rural activities such as fun fishing, pony trekking and wildlife experiences. There is much to see and do on the Kilnsey Park estate and the location is stunning. The onsite cafe, discovery trail and family fishing activities are open to the public 7 days a week until 5 pm.

Things to do in Skipton with kids

Thornton hall farm country park.

You’ll find  Thornton Hall Farm Country Park  just outside Skipton near Thornton-in-Craven. A working farm offers some wonderful animal encounters in addition to its excellent children’s play areas, Thornton Hall Farm Country park has plenty to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to check their calendar of events because they always have fun themed weeks planned for the little ones with activities and dressing up opportunities. There is also a cafe on-site so you can enjoy a slice of cake and a cuppa whilst they let off some steam. Opens at 10:00 and closes at 16:30.

Matrix Superbowl

Matrix Superbowl in Skipton is great for kids of all ages. They have Ten-pin bowling, Snooker and American Pool for the older kids and the adults as well as a fully licensed bar serving hot food. Upstairs, you’ll find a small cafe with an indoor soft play area which is bound to keep your little monkeys happy for a good couple of hours. Open from 10:00 – 22:00.

Billy Bob’s Parlour

Billy Bob’s Parlour is a fantastic American-style diner just outside Skipton with fun interiors, exciting menus and excellent children’s play areas. If you’re a fan of fast food then this is a great little place to eat. Their play barn and outdoor play area will provide plenty of entertainment for the little ones once you’ve finished tucking into burgers, hotdogs, American pancakes and indulgent ice-cream sundaes. Make sure you book your table in advance as this place gets booked up incredibly quickly! It is certainly one of the most popular family restaurants in the area.

The  Plaza Cinema

Skipton’s cinema only has one screen so you’re not going to be spoiled for choice when picking a film. However, a cosy little local cinema such as the Plaza is perfect for families with young children who want to avoid the extortionate costs and crowds often associated with larger cinema chains. Check their website to see what films are showing and head down to the Plaza for a cosy, family film night!

The Cake’ole

Okay, so strictly speaking this isn’t just for kids but they will certainly enjoy a visit! The Cake’ole in Skipton’s Craven Court Shopping Centre is a quirky little cafe serving light bites, milkshakes and some absolutely delicious cakes. Their huge cakes are made daily so you never know what flavours will be on offer until you arrive. Typically, they have a display table with 5 or 6 delicious and beautifully decorated three-tier cakes which are always incredibly difficult to choose between. We recommend getting their cake platter and sharing numerous slices with friends. These guys really know how to make a cake and have made a few for some famous names including Mel B and Gogglebox cast members. For a real treat opt for their Afternoon Tier. They also do a great one specifically for kids which includes lots of fun treats.

The Chocolate Works

A relatively new addition to Skipton is The Chocolate Works. This delightful chocolate-themed cafe sits on Sheep Street and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Their menu is perfect for chocoholics and their delicious bubble waffles are a wonderful calorific treat!

Romantic things to do in Skipton

Dinner for two.

There is no shortage of restaurants in Skipton. They have Mexican, American, Indian, Thai, Chinese and French restaurants and a superb selection of pubs serving home-cooked food. If you’re looking for a romantic dining experience, head to  Le Caveau  or  Le Bistro des Amis . Both of these offer an ambience perfect for those intimate dinner dates and they serve some of the finest food in Skipton.

The Canal Basin

The Leeds-Liverpool canal runs through the heart of Skipton and is one of its main tourist attractions. Boat trips are available at various times throughout the day from Pennine Cruisers and Skipton Boats. During the warmer months, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll along Skipton’s canal banks with your other half. You’ll find some great spots for those obligatory ‘couple selfies’ and you can end your romantic walk with traditional Fish & Chips from Bizzie Lizzies.

If you like Gin then you’ll LOVE  Skipton’s V.SQ bar. The brainchild of a local mother and daughter, this great little bar opened in August 2015 and now serves around 170 different gins. They also offer an excellent selection of cocktails created by their talented mixologists. Spend an evening getting to know one another whilst sampling their impressive drinks menu.

The Rendezvous Hotel

Book a night at the Rendezvous Hotel, situated next to the Leeds-Liverpool canal and just a mile from the town centre. They have a leisure club onsite if you want to work up a sweat or go for a dip. The hotel is also home to Skipton Bar & Grill – an excellent canal-side restaurant.  We recommend booking ‘The Best Room in the House’. It boasts plush velvet soft furnishings, a comfortable lounge area and a luxurious Jacuzzi so it really lives up to its name!

Afternoon Tea at Herriots

Herriots Hotel is situated right across the road from Skipton rail station so it’s a great first stop once you get off the train. This contemporary hotel has been providing accommodation and dining to tourists for many years and has a great reputation. Their Rhubarb restaurant serves food at lunchtime and in the evening but we recommend booking their Afternoon Tea. Three tiers of dainty sandwiches, filled potato skins and decadent sweet treats are served in a beautifully decorated restaurant. What’s not to like?

Spa Day at The Devonshire Arms

The Devonshire Arms is an exceptional hotel and country retreat set in breathtakingly beautiful surroundings. Just up the road from Skipton on the Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa is ideal for a day of relaxation and pampering. Book one of their many spa packages for a relaxed and romantic experience before dining in their award-winning restaurant or enjoying an al fresco lunch in a seriously Instagrammable location!

Things to do in Skipton at Night

Skipton town hall theatre.

The local town hall puts on a variety of ticketed events such as family film screenings, heart-warming plays, seasonal craft fairs, gin festivals and fun tea dances. The town hall is located right at the top of the high street so you can pop into one of the local bars for a cheeky drink beforehand!

The Mart Theatre

You’d be hard pushed to find another venue like  The Mart Theatre  in Skipton. It’s the only theatre in the world that resides in a working cattle auction mart! Their annual programme of events is a diverse mix of theatre, comedy, music, family events and student performances. They’ve played host to some big names such as Michael McIntyre, Sarah Millican, Toploader and Beverley Craven. Check out their website to see what’s on!

Alexander’s

Alexander’s is situated at the top of Skipton High Street and is an excellent venue with stunning interiors and a variety of dining options. For a romantic meal for two, dine in their contemporary restaurant and tuck into some truly stunning dishes. Their seafood platter is exceptional and perfect for a special occasion.

On sunny afternoons, their terrace is perfect for sharing pizzas and prosecco with friends and their pretty parlour space is the ideal spot for an indulgent afternoon tea. During the winter months. Alexander’s offer a truly unique dining experience in the form of a pop-up alpine lodge. Heated, cosy and with a tasty menu of warming dishes, it’s a great way to kick off the festive period.

A few of the pubs in Skipton host a weekly quiz night. Some offer prizes in the form of cash whilst others reward the winner with alcohol. The Albion host their quiz night on a Thursday. It starts at 9pm and includes a number of themed rounds. The Cock and Bottle and The Fleece also host regular quiz nights.

Karaoke is a guilty pleasure for many of us. There’s nothing more enjoyable than a good old sing-a-long after one too many beers. The best karaoke night in Skipton takes place on the last Friday of each month at The Albion.  The owners are excellent hosts and you’ll get a warm welcome from both the staff and their regular crooners. The Fleece also holds regular karaoke nights hosted by some of Skipton’s most colourful entertainers.

Best events in Skipton

Skipton’s Anglo Saxon name is “Sceap Tun” which translates, simply,  to Sheep Town. The residents of Skipton embrace this title with their annual “Sheep Day.” It’s one of the most anticipated events, despite being one of the most unusual days of the year for Skipton! The famous Sheep Show takes place at regular intervals throughout the day, showcasing various breeds of sheep, sheep shearing demonstrations and even sheep dancing. The whole town gets behind the event and there’s plenty on offer, including various animal-focused attractions like a petting zoo and even birds of prey encounters. It’s an unmissable event if you’re looking for a truly unique thing to do when in Skipton

Skipton Artisan Market

Skipton’s Artisan Market takes place on Sundays and provides a unique little shopping experience in one of the prettiest parts of the town. The market sees a host of local crafters and producers take over the Canal basin for a fantastic, community lead event organised by some of Skipton Markets top traders. There’s always something different on offer and there are often local musicians for you to enjoy whilst you peruse the stalls at leisure.

Taking place at the Mart Theatre in September and heading into its fifth year,  Yarn Dale  is a fantastic exhibition of some of the best knitting, crochet, spinning, dyeing and felting talent in the region. It’s a two-day event that hosts over 180 talented exhibitors who are passionate about sharing all things woolly! The Auction Mart is a truly unique venue which is certainly an essential stop for anyone visiting the area, and Yarn Dale, along with Art in the Pen and Crafts in the Pen,  is perhaps the most popular event held here throughout the year.

Skipton and Craven Rotaries annual Santa Fun Run

The Santa Fun Run  has fast become one of the most anticipated days of the year. It’s a day when thousands of dedicated Skipton residents join together to run through the streets of Skipton dressed as Santa Claus. Truly a sight to behold, this event is held in the name of charity and is organised by the fantastic individuals at the Skipton and Craven Rotary club.

S kipton Charities Gala

Skipton’s annual gala has been the town’s most loved event for decades. The event kicks off with a colourful procession through the town centre, with community groups, schools and local charities all taking part. The main event is always at Aireville Park and the schedule includes the crowning of the Gala Queen, dog shows and more. They’ve had a number of celebrity guests over the years including the real Calendar Girls and some popular Coronation Street actors and actresses. There’s also a big family funfair which is open from Thursday evening until the end-of-event fireworks on Saturday night.

In August 2021, Skipton hosted its very first music festival and it looks like the event will be returning in 2022. The fun-packed 3-day event took place in Aireville Park and in addition to a plethora of funfair rides, food vendors, bars and activities there were some excellent live acts. Tickets sold fast for attendance on Saturday and Sunday when bands such as Feeder, Toploader, Razorlight and The Artful Dodger took to the stage and families flocked to the park on the Friday for screenings of hit movies The Greatest Showman and Bohemian Rhapsody. An excellent event that will surely get bigger and better each year!

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Top 10 attractions in Skipton

Skipton castle, craven court shopping centre.

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Skipton Visitor Centre

Skipton market, craven museum & gallery.

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Embsay Moor Reservoir

Mill bridge gallery, statue of freddie truman, skipton castle woods, war memorial, top 10 restaurants in skipton, billy bob's: parlor - diner - play, le bistro des amis, bizzie lizzie's, swadford street, tempest arms, elslack, oakleys grill & pizzeria, alexander's grand café, bar & terrace, calico jack restaurant & bar, aagrah skipton - kashmiri restaurant, the cock & bottle, the three sheep tea house & kitchen, transportation in skipton, nearby airports, leeds bradford airport, liverpool john lennon airport, manchester airport, highways and major roads.

• A65 (Skipton Bypass)
• A629 (Keighley Road)
• B6265 (Skipton Road)
• B6451 (Grassington Road)
• B6380 (Shortbank Road)
• Gargrave Road
• Coach Street
• Jerry Croft
• Sheep Street

Popular road trips from Skipton

What's the weather like in skipton.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Skipton for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Skipton in January
• Weather in Skipton in February
• Weather in Skipton in March
• Weather in Skipton in April
• Weather in Skipton in May
• Weather in Skipton in June
• Weather in Skipton in July
• Weather in Skipton in August
• Weather in Skipton in September
• Weather in Skipton in October
• Weather in Skipton in November
• Weather in Skipton in December

All road trips from Skipton

• Skipton to London drive
• Skipton to Paris drive
• Skipton to Edinburgh drive
• Skipton to Dublin drive
• Skipton to Amsterdam drive
• Skipton to Liverpool drive
• Skipton to Birmingham drive
• Skipton to Glasgow drive
• Skipton to Brussels drive
• Skipton to Bath drive
• Skipton to Belfast drive
• Skipton to Llandudno drive
• Skipton to Bruges drive
• Skipton to Newcastle upon Tyne drive
• Skipton to Cardiff drive
• Skipton to Peak District National Park drive
• Skipton to Scarborough drive
• Skipton to Lincoln drive
• Skipton to Oxford drive
• Skipton to Brighton drive
• Skipton to Copenhagen drive
• Skipton to Kingston-upon-Hull drive
• Skipton to Keswick drive
• Skipton to Portsmouth drive
• Skipton to Cambridge drive
• Skipton to Nottingham drive
• Skipton to Telford drive
• Skipton to Milton Keynes drive
• Skipton to Alnwick drive

Explore nearby places

• Lothersdale
• Bolton Abbey
• Thornton-in-Craven
• Coniston Cold
• Linton-in-Craven
• Barnoldswick
• Threshfield
• Grassington

All related maps of Skipton

• Map of Gargrave
• Map of Lothersdale
• Map of Silsden
• Map of Bolton Abbey
• Map of Thornton-in-Craven
• Map of Cracoe
• Map of Addingham
• Map of Coniston Cold
• Map of Hazlewood
• Map of Burnsall
• Map of Kelbrook
• Map of Linton-in-Craven
• Map of Barnoldswick
• Map of Threshfield
• Map of Keighley
• Map of Grassington
• Map of Ilkley
• Map of Foulridge
• Map of Hellifield
• Map of Malham
• Map of Haworth
• Map of Colne
• Map of Oxenhope
• Map of Eldwick
• Map of Barrowford
• Map of Roughlee
• Map of Nelson
• Map of Denholme
• Map of Saltaire
• Map of Brierfield

Skipton throughout the year

• Skipton in January
• Skipton in February
• Skipton in March
• Skipton in April
• Skipton in May
• Skipton in June
• Skipton in July
• Skipton in August
• Skipton in September
• Skipton in October
• Skipton in November
• Skipton in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Skipton?

Get inspired for your trip to Skipton with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Top Things to Do in Skipton, North Yorkshire - Skipton Must-See Attractions

Things to do in skipton, explore popular experiences, tours in and around skipton.

Full-Day Discovering All Creatures Great and Small Tour of Yorkshire

Afternoon Tea Cruise in North Yorkshire

1-Hour Public Cruise

Day Boat Hire

Roast Dinner Cruise

Drinks Ahoy

Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024

Harrogate Walking Food Tour

Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

Cruises, sailing & water tours, top attractions in skipton.

Other Top Attractions around Skipton

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

• Skipton Castle
• Hesketh Farm Park
• Skipton Castle Woods
• Kilnsey Park
• Parcevall Hall Gardens
• Leeds and Liverpool Canal
• Thornton Hall Country Park
• Raven Tree Top Adventure

• 1.1 By train
• 1.3 By road
• 2 Get around

Skipton is a market town in North Yorkshire , 27 miles northwest of Leeds. The name means "Sheep Town" and the town's wool trade was boosted by its position in the "Aire Gap" - the river valley that together with the Ribble creates a low-level route through the Pennines. The castle was built to protect the trade and route, and later the canal, main road and railway all came this way. With a population in 2011 of 14,623, Skipton now earns its living from tourism, as it's at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales . This page also includes the settlements of Gargrave and Bolton Abbey .

The TIC (+44 1756 792809) is at 35 Coach St, just north of the branch canal bridge. It's open M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM.

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ]

From London, the Midlands and beyond, travel to Leeds and change. That's swiftly done as trains from the south usually pull in a few steps from the Skipton trains.

Skipton has two trains an hour from Leeds (40 min) and from Bradford Forster Square (40 min); these may also stop at Shipley, Saltaire (for Salts Mill), Bingley and Keighley (for Worth Valley steam railway). Skipton is just outside the West Yorkshire Metro travel zone, so you may find a better fare by split-ticketing to the edge of the zone, e.g., to Keighley or Steeton & Silsden.

Most trains terminate (as does electrification) at Skipton, but every couple of hours a train from Leeds continues north through the Dales via Gargrave, Hellifield, Clapham, Bentham and Carnforth to Lancaster , thence to Morecambe or Preston . Another 3 trains a day from Leeds run to Gargrave, Settle , Horton and the Ribblehead viaduct, Kirby Stephen, Appleby and Carlisle .

In summer a tourist train runs between Skipton, Settle and Appleby. The timetable and fares for 2021 are not yet announced.

53.959 -2.026 1 Skipton railway station is quarter of a mile west of town centre. There is level access to Platforms 1 & 2, and a steep ramp to the island Platforms 3 & 4. There's a small cafe, no waiting room, but a short walk to facilities in town.

By bus [ edit ]

Bus X84 runs from Leeds every two hours via Headingley (for the University), Otley and Ilkley to Skipton. From Leeds Bradford Airport, take the airport bus to Otley and change, you don't have to go into city centre. From Bradford take the frequent bus to Keighley then change for Transdev 66 which runs every 30 min to Skipton.

In summer, Dales Bus X59 runs between Harrogate and Skipton; but it's not running in 2020.

Dales Bus 580 runs hourly from Settle via Gargrave to Skipton. There is a connecting bus from Lancaster through Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton to Settle.

53.959 -2.019 2 Skipton bus station is right in town centre.

By road [ edit ]

Driving from the south, it's usually best to stay on A1(M) beyond Wetherby then take A59 west. This goes through Harrogate, but is less traffic-snarled than routes via Leeds or Bradford.

Get around [ edit ]

The town is best explored on foot, but you need wheels to reach Bolton Abbey. Gargrave is on the bus and railway routes.

See [ edit ]

• Craven Museum and Art Gallery is within Town Hall on High St. In 2020 the entire Town Hall is closed for refurbishment.
• 53.96 -2.02 2 The canal basin is on the 127-mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The canal took over fifty years to complete (1770-1822), clambering across the Pennines and vaulting over dales and gullies, but being broad it soon surpassed the earlier narrow canals. It's navigable and has a good firm towpath throughout its length from Mersey to the Humber, and with links south via Trent or Cheshire to the rest of the English network. At the basin, a branch canal goes north for half a mile into the gloomy ravine below the castle, where it captures a little river. It's called Springs Branch or Thanet Canal, as it was built by Lord Thanet as a loading wharf for his limestone quarries. Boat trips sail from the basin along the main canal but they don't go as far as Gargrave, see below.
• Skipton Boat Trips Wharf Office, Waterside Court, Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LH. Running passenger boat trips from March to December. Public and Private Cruises from one-hour to five hours in duration. Public Afternoon Tea Cruise , Roast Dinner Cruise , Evening Fish & Chip Cruise being the most popular. During the summer one-hour trips run daily from the Wharf Office 10:40AM, 11:50AM, 1PM, 2:10PM. Ticket prices are adult £8.50, child £5.
• St Stephen's just north of the castle is the RC church, opened in 1842.
• 53.9825 -1.887222 4 Bolton Abbey , Bolton Abbey BD23 6EX ( B6160 five miles east of Skipton ), ☏ +44 1756 718000 , [email protected] . Daily 9AM-5PM . Ruins of a 12th-
• The Strid: the woods on the Bolton estate are an ancient forest of sessile oak. The Strid itself, a short walk from the Abbey car park, is where the River Wharfe suddenly narrows into a deep torrent six feet wide, so you could almost stride across, but not quite. The name is fatally misleading, it's from Old English stryth meaning "don't try to stride across, you'll be killed to death." The whitewater difficulty rating is 5-ish because of underwater ledges where the current traps anyone who falls in. With high water it's 5- and a kayak might scoot through; with lower water it's 5+ and you'd better portage.
• 53.98 -1.91 5 Hesketh Farm Park , Bolton Abbey BD23 6HA ( 5 miles east of Skipton ), ☏ +44 1756 710444 , [email protected] . Apr-Aug: daily 10AM-5PM . Show farm with feeding, play areas, straw maze and cafe. Adult £6, child £6.50, free parking . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 54.011 -1.924 6 Barden Tower is the shell of a 15th C hunting lodge; it was a ruin by 1800 and is unsafe to enter. The Priesthouse adjacent is an event space often used for weddings.
• 53.984 -2.105 7 Gargrave would be an attractive village if only it had a bypass, but it's thudding with vehicles on the A65. The main attraction is the towpath along the canal, which here rises through five locks westbound. It crosses the River Aire on Priest Holme Aqueduct then has another six locks at Bank Newton. As if drawing breath, it then hews to the contour line for a long stretch across into Lancashire, but isn't quite at the summit: 3 more locks at Greenberfield near Barnoldswick lead into the summit pound. Gargrave is on the Pennine Way, see Do, and has accommodation. The railway station is half a mile south of the village on Church St.
• Yorkshire Dales : the most accessible from Skipton are Wharfedale, ascending through Grassington , and Airedale above Gargrave to Malham .

Do [ edit ]

• Walk: lots of choice. The best walking map is OS Outdoor Leisure Map 10 (Yorkshire Dales South, yellow covers, 1:25,000). Skipton teeters on the southern margin of this map, but it covers the nearby dales. For anything south of town such as the approach of the Pennine Way, use OS Landranger Sheet 103 (Blackburn & Burnley, maroon covers, 1:50,000). Skipton is in the northeast corner of this, for Bolton Abbey use Sheet 104 (Leeds & Bradford).
• The Pennine Way is lowland in this district. Northbound from Earby on A56 in Lancashire, cross the fields to Gargrave on A65. The Way then heads northwest, cutting over Eshton Moor and back into the Aire valley at Airton, thence north. At Malham you reach attractive karst scenery, the best being Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss.
• Narrowboat hire for day-trips and canal holidays can be arranged via Pennine Cruisers or Canal Trips both at the basin.
• Craven Leisure Centre is on Gargrave Rd half a mile northwest of Skipton town centre. It has pool, gym and fitness classes.
• Plaza Cinema is on Sackville St just off High Street.
• Skipton Little Theatre is on Clifford St next to the retail park.
• Mart Theatre is by the cattle mart on A629 at the north edge of town. As well as their own programme, they run four art festivals in the district.
• Skipton Charity Gala is on the second Saturday in June. The next is on Saturday 8 June 2024
• Skipton Sheep Day hosts ovine festivities on the first Sunday in July.

Buy [ edit ]

• Market days are M W F Sa 8AM-5PM
• Lots of tourist-trippy stuff along High St, but the retail park with Tesco, Morrisons etc is just west of centre in the angle between canal and railway.
• Marks & Spencer have a "Simply Food" store one block east of High Street, open M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 11AM-5PM. That's fitting because Tom Spencer, co-founder of M&S, was born in Skipton in 1858.

Eat [ edit ]

• Bizzie Lizzies serve excellent fish & chips from two locations: Swadford Street (by the Belmont Bridge) and High Street car park (which is a sit-in cafe, not just a van). They're both open daily noon-8PM.
• Le Caveau , 86 High St, Skipton BD23 1JJ , ☏ +44 1756 794274 . Tu-F noon-2PM, 6-9PM; Sa 5-9PM . It sounds like a wine cellar, but in the 16th century, it was Le Nick for local wrongdoers. It's now a bistro earning rave reviews for its French cuisine; vegetarians and vegans have a good choice. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Napier's Steakhouse , Chapel Hill, Skipton BD23 1NL , ☏ +44 1756 799688 . Meals W-Sa 5-9PM . Small hotel, but it's the grill restaurant and wine bar that earn the admiring reviews. ( updated Jul 2020 )

Drink [ edit ]

• Narrow Boat , Victoria St, Skipton BD23 1JE , ☏ +44 1756 797922 . Daily noon-11PM . Great pub near the canal basin with 8 real ales and commendable food. Dog-friendly. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Black Horse , High St, Skipton BD23 1JZ , ☏ +44 1756 792145 . Su-F 10AM-11PM, Sa 1010AM-midnight . Good reliable pub at head of High St with large outdoor terrace. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Woolly Sheep , 38 Sheep St, Skipton BD23 1HY , ☏ +44 1756 700966 . M-Sa 10AM-11PM, Su noon-11PM . 100 yards east of canal basin, good pub with Timothy Taylor ales, brewed nearby in Keighley. Restaurant is bigger than you'd guess from outside, good food and comfy rooms. B&B double £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Copper Dragon Brewery was established in Skipton in 2002, but in 2015 relocated to Keighley , the home of Timothy Taylor . Neither of them offer brewery tours.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 53.959 -2.049 1 Niffany Farm Caravan and Camping Site , Broughton Rd, Skipton BD23 3AA ( on A6069 ), ☏ +44 7759 882979 . Clean dog-friendly site open all year, a mile walk to town along the canal towpath. Tent £10, caravan £17 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• B&Bs near town centre include Highfield House on Keighley Rd, Townhouse off High St, and Boutique 25 [dead link] on Newmarket St.
• Herriots Hotel , Broughton Rd, Skipton BD23 1RT ( facing railway station ), ☏ +44 1756 792781 . Clean friendly hotel, they do a good afternoon tea. Dog-friendly. B&B double £90 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 53.966 -2.043 2 Travelodge , Gargrave Rd, Skipton BD23 1UD ( Junction of A59, A65 and A629 ), ☏ +44 871 984 6177 . Reliable budget chain hotel on bypass. B&B double £90 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 53.98375 -2.11671 3 Premier Inn Skipton North , Hellifield Road, Gargrave BD23 3NB ( west edge of Gargrave along A65. ). Reliable chain hotel. ( updated Jan 2021 )
• 54.026 -2.06 4 Angel Inn , Hetton BD23 6LT ( 5 miles north of town ), ☏ +44 1756 730263 . Country pub with comfy rooms open Feb-Dec, the food is outstanding. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 53.975 -1.895 5 Devonshire Arms , Bolton Abbey BD23 6AJ , ☏ +44 1756 718100 . Upscale hotel and spa on the Abbey estate, great comfort, service and cuisine. B&B double £180 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Catgill Farm , Bolton Abbey BD23 6HA ( next to Hesketh Farm Park ), ☏ +44 1756 710247 . Upscale glamping in pods or tents near Bolton Abbey. Pods £200, Tents £165 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 54.029 -1.903 6 Howgill Lodge , Howgill Lane, Barden BD23 6DJ , ☏ +44 1756 720655 . Family-friendly camping and caravan site open Apr-Oct, dogs welcome. Tent £23, tourer £28 . ( updated Apr 2021 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of March 2024, Skipton and the roads out to Gargrave and Bolton Abbey have 4G from EE, Three and Vodafone, and 5G from O2.

Go next [ edit ]

• Yorkshire Dales : Ribblesdale and Lonsdale can be easily reached by public transport.
• Harrogate is a genteel spa town with fine gardens.
• Leeds for big city attractions.

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Things to do in Skipton

Skipton has the perfect mix of lesser known gems like Art in the Pen and Skipton Little Theatre as well as must see attractions such as the Castle and Castle Woods . If you’re interested in the local heritage, the Craven Museum in Skipton Town Hall is a must. Having started as a hobby for local enthusiasts, their collection now has over 60,000 objects spanning geology, social and natural history as well as archaeology. The Town Hall is another key venue in Skipton and is home of North Yorkshire’s only professional orchestra, Skipton Camerata.

There are plenty of artistic activities to get involved with.  Craven Arts Studios regularly host workshops with their resident artists where you can learn new skills or embark on longer courses to develop your own practise. Magpie, Two for Joy is another must visit for the artistically inclined. Their shop come gallery, come print studio, is a place you can buy and make quirky yet beautiful things.

The town centre is packed with independent local business. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll notice the pride people take in their local makers and producers, whether they’re selling locally made gifts or fresh bread and coffee . In terms of eating out, there’s a lot of choice. Skipton has a wide range of cuisines available with each restaurant making the most of the produce on their doorstep. You can find delicious Indian , French and contemporary British dishes within walking distance of the centre as well as by the canal , and if you’re feeling adventurous you can even dine in what was once a prison for Craven District’s felons and sheep rustlers.

We are just scratching the surface of what the area has to offer, but scroll down and you’ll find plenty of things to do in Skipton.

Our top picks

Skipton castle.

Skipton Castle, The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1AW - Visit now

As one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval castle in the country, Skipton Castle was built in 1090 and is well worth a visit.

Skipton Town Hall

Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH - Visit now

Skipton Town Hall sits at the centre of the highstreet providing a home for heritage, performance and art.

Magpie – Two for Joy

Magpie – Two for Joy, Albion Square, Otley St, Skipton, BD23 1ED - Visit now

Gift shop, printmakers and gallery shop in one, Magpie sell a locally sourced collection of wonderful and beautiful things as well as hosting workshops.

Skipton Castle Woods

Skipton Castle Woods, The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1AW - Visit now

Skipton Castle Woods has idyllic spaces to walk and play in as well as a wealth of local wildlife, check out their events and tours.

Where to go in York

Bakery and cafe with regular events.

Legendary nightclub in Hull, The Welly hosts regular events, musicians and club nights – all affordable and all incredibly entertaining.

The Streetlife Museum in Hull offers an exciting day out for those interested in transport history.

Parcevall Hall Gardens are a lasting testament to the remarkable insight of Sir William Milner (1893-1960).

Fine art, photography and sculpture – all by talented local artists – are exhibited in the Mill Bridge Gallery located in a canal-side building.

Sotano, in York, is a divine Mediterranean tapas bar and restaurant, also serving charcuterie boards of the finest ingredients.

Evil Eye in York is a cocktail bar focused on embracing the spiritual, and engaging with the community.

Valhalla is ‘a venue that paid homage to York’s Viking heritage and somewhere with purely Rock ‘n Metal music in its soul’.

Coffee shop by day, bar by night – Fossgate Social is a small but vibrant independent venue serving speciality coffee, craft beer and cocktails.

Tasting menus and full course dining experiences are on offer, bridging relaxed and fine dining to suit every taste with Japanese cuisine.

Legacy, in York’s iconic ‘The Grand’, offers a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menus paired with an exceptional wine list.

For over 40 years, this family run art gallery has gained a reputation for sourcing some of the finest contemporary arts for viewing and sale.

York Visitor Guides

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

A guide to various top walks in and around Skipton, showing where to go for the best panoramas, historical trails and town views.

With one of the largest pedestrianised zones in Europe, York’s city centre is a web of ‘footstreets’ which expand outwards from the shambles. Many are fully pedestrianised: 24 hours a...

York District Guides

Our guide to Hull, a city on the rise, culturally, and whose extraordinary maritime history meets modern hospitality.

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Destination Guides

Culture Guides

Bio Art, miniature wooden sculpture and multimedia installations - the start of spring brings all of these and more across new exhibitions in the North.

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Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.

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Skipton Map and Guide

Skipton map, showing the North Yorkshire town of Skipton, on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Detailed Street Map of Skipton Yorkshire

Skipton Map Yorkshire: A detailed street map of Skipton, a town and parish to the north-west of Bradford and Leeds , in the county of North Yorkshire . Skipton is located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Also on this Skipton map are Overdale Park, Skipton Castle, the Skipton Golf Club and the Skipton railway station, you can also see the major roads, the A65 and A629, plus the local roads, Broughton Road, Otley Road, Grassington Road, Keighley Road, and The Bailey.

Skipton has a population of around 14,000 and is historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it stands beside the River Aire and also the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Often called the 'Gateway to the Dales', Skipton is ideal for accessing the Dales and the towns of Malham, Grassington and Bolton Abbey. A pleasant way to spend a few hours is to stroll along the nearby Leeds and Lverpool Canal.

A popular base for travellers visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Skipton has a good selection of holiday cottages which are available to rent in the town.

Skipton can be reached by rail, or via the A65 or A629, it is about 18 miles from Bradford , 27 miles from Leeds, 42 miles from York , and a driving distance of 222 miles from London .

More Skipton Information: Skipton Weather Forecast

Yorkshire Information: Yorkshire Map

More Yorkshire Places: Silsden - Mexborough - Barnsley - Wakefield - Wetherby

Counties: Bedfordshire - Buckinghamshire - Cambridgeshire - Cornwall - Cumbria - Devon - Essex - Gloucestershire - Hampshire - Hertfordshire - Leicestershire - Lincolnshire - London - Norfolk - Somerset - Suffolk - Warwickshire - Wiltshire - Yorkshire

© My Towns 2023 - Skipton Map

12 Best Things to do in Skipton, Yorkshire

Skipton is a beautiful market town located in North Yorkshire, England. Its immense culture, history and independent shops make it a great place for a short getaway. 

Something that I really love about these small towns is the fact that you find everything in one place, generally in the town centre; however, you’ll also discover that Skipton is surrounded by other incredible attractions and places like the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Before visiting it, I asked myself, “What is there to do in Skipton?” As I had only heard of its castle before, and I didn’t see many activities or things to do on TripAdvisor and other websites.

Regardless, I decided to go on a day trip to Skipton, and I must admit it surprised me.

So, let’s dive into the best things to do in Skipton.

This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Skipton town centre

1. visit skipton castle.

Skipton Castle is one of my favourite castles in North Yorkshire . The castle is well preserved and accessible as it’s just a footstep from the town centre. 

Although you need to pay an entry fee, it’s completely worth it because the castle has many rooms to wander around, and it’s truly beautiful.

As you enter, you’ll see the main part of the castle, which takes you to a small patio. From there, you can start your tour anywhere, but I found it easier to walk from the left side to the right side of the castle.

You can explore the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and the Privy, and last but not least, you can climb from the Dungeon to the top floor of the Watch Tower.

Some rooms are pretty empty, but you can still imagine how life was inside, especially when you get to the kitchen. However, something that I recommend you do is to keep an eye on the windows if you love getting a view – you can see the castle woods as well as another perspective of the castle.

Not only is the castle a great place to explore, but to have some food too. You can stop by the cafe or enjoy your packed lunch in the green area next to St. John’s Chapel.

Admission fees (2023)

Adults: £11.20

Children (5-17): £7.50

Over 65s: £10.20

📍 Address : The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AW

2. Walk on Skipton Castle Woods

Straight off the high street, Skipton Castle Woods is a great place to connect with nature and exercise. 

There’s no right or wrong on where to start your walk, but depending on how difficult you want your walk to be, you must choose between River Valley Route (easy), Upper Paths Extension (medium) and Earl of Thanet Trail (difficult). 

I love walking from the canal to Skipton Castle Woods as it’s a very relaxing and picturesque walk. But on every walk, you have the chance to spot wildlife – from squirrels climbing in the trees and little birds singing to deer.

In addition to this, you’ll find two pieces of natural sculpture – The Spirit of the Medieval Huntress and The Stalking Horse, which became very famous thanks to social media.

📍 Address : Skipton BD23 1AW

3. Explore Leeds and Liverpool Canal

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is one of the oldest canals in Northern England. As you can guess from the name, the canal connects the vibrant cities of Leeds and Liverpool. The channel is 127 miles and offers great activities like walking, boating, wildlife watching and much more.

One of its stops is Skipton! The canal area is relaxing and beautiful to explore, and you can do it in different ways – by foot, bike or boat. If you want a different experience, you must go on a boat trip.

These boat trips offer afternoon tea/fish and chips/roast dinner while you enjoy the canal views for two hours.

📍 Address: The Wharf Office, 3 Coach St, Skipton BD23 1LH

4. Go to Skipton Market

If you love supporting local and independent businesses, there’s no better place than Skipton Market. This outdoor market happens three days a week (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) in the town centre where stalls are set up along each side of the High Street.

Here you’ll find anything from different types of local cheese and fresh vegetables to beautiful handmade crafts and clothes.

Interestingly, this market has been operating since medieval times thanks to a Royal Charter from King John that granted consent to the lord of Skipton Castle to hold a fair in the High Street.

In the past, the market was mainly a place for trading animals, and this explains why the town is called Skipton (it means “Sheep Town”).

📍 Address: High St, Skipton BD23 1JX

5. Check out Craven Museum & Gallery

If you love museums or you want to do something in Skipton on a rainy day, you can check out Craven Museum and Gallery located in Skipton Town Hall.

The museum was founded in 1928 by local collectors, and as you can imagine, there are plenty of interesting objects inside. 

In January 2018, the council was given a National Lottery grant to carry out the Stories & Treasures of Street & Dale project to redevelop the museum. Over these three years, the museum has been restructured and packed with over 6,000 objects!

📍 Address: High St, Skipton BD23 1AH

6. Shop at Craven Court Shopping Centre

Craven Court Shopping Centre, located just off the town centre, is a unique shopping centre. Before transforming into a shopping centre, this building was a beautiful 16th-century theatre.

The court has over 25 shops, from well-known brands to small quaint independent shops and cafes, to enjoy a light bite or a hot drink. 

It’s a great place to buy something unique and different from high street retailers.

📍 Address: Craven Court Shopping Centre, High St, Skipton BD23 1DG

7. Visit High Corn Mill 

High Corn Mill is a hidden gem in Skipton because not many people don’t know about it. I almost missed it during my visit.

Set along the beautiful Leeds Liverpool canal, the mill is a historical building that has become an office complex and retail. Inside you can find incredible independent local shops and businesses. 

📍 Address: Chapel Hill, Skipton, BD23 1NL

8. Experience Sheep Day

If you’re up for attending a traditional event, you must check out Sheep Day, Skipton’s annual celebration, which is held in late June. During this day, you can expect lots of sheep related activities – from sheep dancing to racing.

It’s a fantastic event for all ages, especially kids!

Things to do near Skipton

9. spend the day at bolton abbey.

Not very far from Skipton, Bolton Abbey is the perfect day out in Yorkshire. The abbey is located in the middle of the beautiful countryside, where you can walk over 80 miles of footpaths.

The best thing to do is to explore and contemplate the Priory Church and its ruins near the stunning riverside.

However, there are plenty of outdoor activities for all ages; you can challenge yourself to walk through the stepping stones, take pictures of the fantastic wildlife, find the impressive Laund Oak over 600 years old, and much more.

📍 Address: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL

10. Relax at Kilnsey Park

19 minutes drive from Skipton, inside the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll find Kilnsey Park. It’s ideal for a day trip as there are activities for all ages – fishing, visiting the friendly alpacas on the farm, riding through the hills and valleys or stopping by Café by the Lake to try their famous pink fish and chips.

Although you must pay different fees for each activity, it’s definitely worth visiting.

📍 Address: Kilnsey Park, Kilnsey, Skipton BD23 5PS

11. Visit Parcevall Hall Gardens

Parcevall Hall Gardens is a hidden gem at the heart of Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales and only a 25-minute drive from Skipton.

Inside the garden, there are plants from all over the world – including the Himalayas – and there’s nothing better than a walk in the woodlands and surroundings. 

Although the gardens are open to all visitors, The Hall isn’t as it’s used by the Diocese of West Yorkshire and The Dales as a retreat house.

It’s also interesting to hear that Its idyllic location has become a popular spot for TV and film companies, so British BBC programmes like “ Escape to the Country ” have featured in Parcevall Hall Gardens.

📍 Address: Skyreholme, Skipton BD23 6DE

12. Discover the lovely village of Haworth

Haworth is a small but charming village which is very well-known for being home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum, which commemorates the Bronte Sisters: Charlotte, Emily and Anne, who were locals.

Apart from visiting this must-see museum, you’ll also want to check out Haworth’s Main Street, Central Park and St Michael and All Angel’s Church.

Visiting Haworth won’t take you more than half-day, so you can visit another nearby town too.

Where to eat in Skipton

The Three Sheep Tea House & Kitchen . This cute cafe is perfect for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Both times I visited it, I enjoyed the food, and the staff were friendly. I highly recommend their delicious cakes (especially the vanilla buttercream one) and their sandwiches.

Le Caveau . This bistro is one of the best in Skipton. Although food prices are more expensive than in other pubs or restaurants, it’s worth the money. They serve anything from scallops and lamb to vegetarian dishes. Their lunch and evening set menu has plenty of choices and works out cheaper.

Where to stay in Skipton

There are plenty of accommodations in Skipton to choose from; however, these are the best two places to stay near Skipton town centre.

The Woolly Sheep Inn

Located only 10 minutes from the historical Skipton Castle and a range of independent shops, The Woolly Sheep Inn is an excellent choice for anyone that wants to stay central and loves trying the local food.

The hotel offers 12 lovely rooms with all the amenities you need. Each room is equipped with comfortable bedding and pillows, an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, flat-screen TV, and coffee and tea facilities. 

The food at The Wolly Sheep Inn is exceptional! They have a menu with mouth-watering dishes made with local produce. Here you’ll enjoy anything from traditional fish and chips to steak pie and delicious sticky toffee pudding. 

The Bailey Bed and Breakfast

If you want a unique experience, The Bailey Bed and Breakfast is perfect for you.

It’s located just a short walk from Skipton town centre, and it’s surrounded by an ample green space that makes you feel like you’re in the countryside.

The rooms are beautifully decorated and equipped with comfortable bedding, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, WiFi, and a tea and coffee maker. Some of the rooms come with a kitchenette.

The Shepherd’s Hut is one of my favourite accommodation options at The Bailey Bed and Breakfast. The hut is well equipped with all the essentials you need; it’s cosy and a perfect romantic escape for anyone that loves being immersed in nature with a touch of luxury! 

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Skipton, Yorkshire

What’s skipton famous for.

Skipton is well-known for being the perfect getaway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, but also for its rich history and plentiful green spaces.

What to do in Skipton when it’s raining?

Rainy days in Skipton aren’t unusual, especially during winter and early spring. Therefore, it’s good to have a plan B. Here are some indoor activities to do in Skipton: – Visit Skipton Castle. – Window shop at Craven Court Shopping Centre. – Have an afternoon tea. – Discover the Craven Museum and Gallery.

Is Skipton Castle free?

No, there is an entrance fee of £11.20 for adults and £7.50 for children between the ages of 5 and 17. Children under the age of 5 can enter Skipton Castle for free.

So, is Skipton worth visiting?

Yes, Skipton is worth a visit, and it’s truly a lovely place for a day trip or a short stay.

Also, staying in Skipton gives you a chance to explore other beautiful nearby towns like Ilkley, Grassington and Haworth , as well as the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

If you have questions about things to do in Skipton, reach me at cristina[at]mylittleworldoftravelling.com or on Instagram. I’m always happy to help.

Safe adventures!

Cristina xx

P.S. If you’re looking to explore Northern England a bit more, make sure to check my blog on 12 Amazing Places to Visit in North England .

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Top things to check before visiting   Skipton

• Coming from outside the UK? Book cheap flights to the UK with  Skyscanner .
• Get your train tickets with  Trainline .
• Book the best accommodation for you with  Booking.com
• Discover incredible activities you can do in Northern England in  this guide .
• Book travel insurance for your trip ; this is a must for any trip!

Read more about other lovely towns in Yorkshire

• Things to Do in Knaresborough
• The Best Things To Do In Saltaire
• Great Things To Do In Harrogate In A Day
• 11 Best Things to Do in Halifax, England

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Hola, I’m Cristina, the founder and writer of My Little World of Travelling. I was born and raised in Malaga (Costa del Sol), and I’m passionate about showing you my hometown and other beautiful Andalusian destinations. I help other travellers plan their trips to Spain by providing local advice and unique insights.

21 Comments

Skipton sounds like such a fun place for a weekend getaway! High Corn Mill looks absolutely beautiful as does the castle 🙂

Yes, it’s a great place to visit for a day or two 🙂

The skipton market sounds so cool — can’t believe it dates back to the medieval times!

I was surprised to discover that too! 🙂

I’ve never heard of Skipton, but a seems like a great place to visit! Thank you for sharing and helping me discover a new beautiful place <3

I’m glad to hear you’ve discovered a new place through my blog 🙂

This looks like a precious little place. My husband and I had a road trip around England planned last year, but had to cancel it. I will have to look into adding Skipton to our stops!

I’m sorry to hear that, but I hope you can do it soon. I’m happy to hear you’ll add Skipton to your list 🙂

Craven Museum & Gallery looks like a great spot to snag photos.

Absolutely 🙂

One of the upsides of 2020 is that we have all discovered so much more around our local area. I have not been to Skipton yet, but have relatives nearby so will have to do some exploring next time I am up. I’m a sucker for a castle and woods.

You are completely right. I have discovered many local places in 2020 too 🙂 Also, I hope you get to visit Skipton soon.

Skipton looks like a great place! I’m looking for new places to discover in the UK so I’ll definitely add this one to my list.

I’m happy to hear you’re adding Skipton to your UK travel list 🙂

I had never actually heard of Skipton before, but it looks like such a cool place! I would love to visit when travel restrictions are lifted.

It’s great to hear you’ve discovered a new place to visit 🙂

Ah I love Skipton! I’ve visited the castle loads of times! It’s always a fascinating place to walk around and learn about. I’ve never visited Skipton Castle Woods though, I didn’t even realise it was there! Those sculptures are wonderful! I’ll be sure to track them down on my next visit! Thanks for the great guide!

It’s great to hear you love Skipton too! I love the castle and the woods 🙂 But I do want to explore other places near Skipton next time.

Skipton looks like a lovely town to spend the day in! I’d love visiting the castle and lounging by the canal after a walk in the woods!

Looks like an adorable little town to spend some time in! 🙂

Love this guide! My husband has been to the Castle before when he was in the area for a work trip and keeps saying he needs to take me to see it. Glad to have weekend getaway activities ideas. Thanks!

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Map Skipton Town Centre

Skipton yorkshire map.

Map Skipton town centre Yorkshire , England , United Kingdom.

Town Centre Map for Skipton Yorkshire UK

Skipton Map: On this page we have provided you with a handy town centre map for the town of Skipton, Yorkshire , you can use it to find your way around Skipton , and you will also find that it is easy to print out and take with you.

If you are visiting Skipton , or perhaps even taking a holiday in Skipton , you will no doubt be looking for local accommodation, facilities and attractions, and this map is perfect for this job. You will be able to find major roads and streets in Skipton , and by using zoom (+) view smaller streets, avenues and lanes in the town , and also bus stops.

Using the map and its many features you can also see: Skipton Railway Station (Train Station), Skipton Woods, the Black Horse Pub, Berries Florist, The Yorkshire Dales National Park, Craven Court Shopping Centre, Craven College, The Devonshire, Walter Street Community Primary School, Skipton Castle, Sandylands Sports Centre, Christ Church Skipton, The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the Albion, the Narrow Boat Pub, Whinny Gill, Skipton High Street, Skipton Working Mens Club, The Plaza Cinema, Stirton, Holy Trinity Church, Little Wood, Waltonwrays Cemetery, Oakleys Grill & Pizzeria, the Coffee House, Thorlby, Skipton Hospital, Napiers Restaurant, Skipton Park Guest Hotel, The River Aire, Ermysted's Grammar School and plenty more .

Left click and drag the Skipton map to see areas outside the centre, or click the zoom out button (-) to get a wider view and see Skipton 's surrounding areas and nearby places of interest.

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Streetmaps - Skipton

Street map of skipton town centre.

Detailed street map of Skipton town centre, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom.

Skipton North Yorkshire Town Centre Map

Street Map of Skipton Town Centre: Detailed street map for Skipton town centre in North Yorkshire. Large and clear map of Skipton, North Yorkshire , England, UK.

• Google Map Skipton Town Centre, North Yorks.
• Zoom in on Skipton Town Centre, North Yorks.
• Pan Around the Town Centre of Skipton.
• View Satellite Map Skipton, UK.
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• Get Google Street View for Skipton*.
• View Skipton in Google Earth.
• Road Map Skipton, United Kingdom.
• Town Centre Map of Skipton, North Yorkshire.
• Printable Street Map of Central Skipton, England.
• Easy to Use, Easy to Print Skipton Map.
• Find Parks, Woods & Green Areas in Skipton Area.
• Find Churches, Museums & Attractions in Skipton Area.

Things you can see on this Skipton street map:

• Skipton Railway Station (Train Station).
• Skipton High Street.
• Skipton Castle.
• Whinny Gill.
• Skipton Hospital.
• Little Wood.
• Skipton Woods.
• The River Aire.
• Sandylands Sports Centre.
• The Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Zoom out one step (-) to see:

• Waltonwrays Cemetery.
• The Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Skipton Bus Station is not shown on the map, but is located off Keighley Road.

* To get a Google street view of Skipton follow the "View on Google Maps" link, left click and hold the yellow "pegman", drag him to the Skipton street you wish to view, in a few seconds you will get your Skipton street view. In this view of Skipton you can also see: The Plaza Cinema, Skipton Park Guest Hotel, Christ Church Skipton, the Narrow Boat Pub, Craven Court Shopping Centre, Ermysted's Grammar School, Holy Trinity Church, Napiers Restaurant, Craven College, the Coffee House, the Black Horse Pub, the Albion, the Devonshire, Berries Florist, Skipton Working Mens Club, Walter Street Community Primary School, Oakleys Grill & Pizzeria, and many more Skipton pubs, restaurants, places to visit, facilities, and attractions in Skipton center and the Skipton area.

Postcode For Skipton Town Centre North Yorkshire: BD23

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UK Road Maps - Skipton

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Printable Skipton town centre road map, Yorkshire , England, UK.

Street Map Skipton Town Centre Yorkshire United Kingdom

Skipton Town Centre Road Map: Comprehensive Google road map of Skipton town centre in the county of Yorkshire , England, United Kingdom.

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• One of Clearest Skipton Maps Available.
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• Detailed Road/Street Map Skipton Centre.
• Find Links to Other Local Road & Street Maps.

This is one of the most useful Skipton road maps you can get, and by using all the navigation features you will be able to find churches in Skipton town centre, schools in Skipton town centre, pubs in Skipton town centre, hotels in Skipton town centre, restaurants in Skipton town centre, attractions in Skipton town centre, museums in Skipton town centre, clubs in Skipton town centre, bus stops in Skipton town centre, cafes in Skipton town centre, parks in Skipton town centre, take-aways in Skipton town centre, businesses in Skipton town centre, places to visit in Skipton town centre, shopping centres in Skipton town centre, sports centres in Skipton town centre, gyms in Skipton town centre, shops in Skipton town centre, guest houses in Skipton town centre, B&B's in Skipton town centre, leisure centres in Skipton town centre, banks in Skipton town centre, health facilities in Skipton town centre.

Here are just some of the things you can find in and around the Skipton, Yorkshire area: The Devonshire, The Yorkshire Dales National Park, Craven Court Shopping Centre, Berries Florist, Skipton Hospital, Walter Street Community Primary School, the Narrow Boat Pub, Skipton Castle, The Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Holy Trinity Church, the Albion, Sandylands Sports Centre, Oakleys Grill & Pizzeria, The Plaza Cinema, Waltonwrays Cemetery, Little Wood, Skipton Woods, Skipton Working Mens Club, Stirton, Skipton Railway Station (Train Station), Thorlby, Napiers Restaurant, Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton High Street, the Coffee House, The River Aire, Whinny Gill, Christ Church Skipton, the Black Horse Pub, Skipton Park Guest Hotel, Craven College .

*For Google Skipton "street view" of any Skipton road, you will need to click on link at top left of Skipton map (it says "view on Google maps"), click and hold the little yellow man (bottom right), and position him onto the Skipton road you would like to see in "street view".

Skipton Town Centre Postcode: BD23

Maps of Other Yorkshire Places:

• Birstall Village Centre Road Map Yorkshire England
• Sowerby Bridge Town Centre Road Map Yorkshire England
• Conisbrough Town Centre Road Map Yorkshire England
• Dewsbury Town Centre Road Map Yorkshire England
• Easingwold Town Centre Road Map Yorkshire England
• Bradford City Centre Road Map Yorkshire England

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Watch CBS News

Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

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More from CBS News

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